Speech Pathologist - Early Start Australia Graduate Program

Program overview

This graduate speech pathology role is designed to help new clinicians step into practice with confidence. The program offers structured onboarding, close supervision, continued support, and a gradually building caseload so you can settle in comfortably. You will also be paired with a buddy for day-to-day guidance and take part in fortnightly technical training to strengthen your clinical knowledge and confidence.

Mentoring and professional growth

You will be guided by an experienced clinician while working across a mix of settings, including purpose-built clinics, clients’ homes, schools, and telehealth. In addition, you will receive one-to-one mentoring from a senior clinician to help shape your long-term career development.

Team environment

Early Start Australia has a large national network of more than 45 clinics, giving graduates the chance to connect with highly experienced professionals and learn from strong clinical talent across the country. The workplace is built around a supportive, multidisciplinary model where allied health and client support staff work together, exchange knowledge, and plan treatment collaboratively to deliver holistic care.

Work style and setting

The role offers a blended way of working, combining clinic-based practice with community-based service delivery.

Graduate benefits

The organisation offers a competitive salary along with flexibility and a range of benefits aimed at supporting your learning, wellbeing, and overall satisfaction.

• A collaborative service approach that recognises all client-related work, allowing time for the additional tasks that support therapy outcomes
• More than 100 rostered CPD hours each year, including monthly in-house training, daily team collaboration time, national and state clinical meetings, paid professional development leave, and a personal development allowance
• Up to 12 weeks of annual leave annually through the optional purchased leave arrangement
• Discounts and savings on everyday and leisure purchases, including groceries and movie tickets
• Generous paid parental leave
• Dedicated time for therapy support activities so you can follow up, communicate, and coordinate care more effectively

Key duties

As a graduate speech pathologist, you will support children and families through practical, meaningful therapy that helps improve communication and participation in daily life.

• Help children build the communication skills they need to express wants and needs and take part in everyday activities such as play and family interaction
• Work with parents, carers, and other adults involved in the child’s life to strengthen communication and language development
• Support children in developing clearer speech so they can be understood more easily
• Provide intervention for stuttering and articulation difficulties to improve fluency and confidence
• Address reading, writing, and literacy concerns in partnership with teachers and schools
• Teach children the skills needed to manage food and drink safely

About the ideal graduate

The team is looking for someone who is motivated by making a meaningful difference and who enjoys creating therapy experiences that are engaging, practical, and enjoyable for families. A fresh perspective and enthusiasm are welcomed, especially in a collaborative environment.

Eligibility and requirements

• A Speech Pathology degree
• Eligibility for SPA registration once qualified
• Either graduated within the past 12 months or due to graduate in 2025
• A current full driver’s licence and access to a personal vehicle covered by third-party insurance
• A valid Working with Children Check, or willingness to obtain one
• A current Police Check, or willingness to obtain one
• NDIS Worker Screening Clearance, or willingness to obtain one
• First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain both if not already held
• Strong communication, time management, and attention-to-detail skills

About the employer

Early Start Australia is a national multidisciplinary allied health organisation focused on building a brighter future for Australians of all ages and abilities. Its team includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists, with a strong emphasis on supporting children.