Description
About Head and Neck Cancer Australia (HANCA)
Head and Neck Cancer Australia (HANCA) is the only national charity dedicated to providing education, support, and advocacy for people affected by Head and Neck Cancer. Head and Neck Cancer is a complex disease with over 40 different types and subsites. Every year in Australia approximately 5,500 are diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer. With five-year survival rates of 72% it is estimated over 17,000 people diagnosed within the last five years are living with the effects of Head and Neck Cancer and its treatment.
Our mission is to ensure every patient, carer, and family has access to evidence-based information and compassionate support throughout their cancer journey.
Launched in March 2025, HANCA’s Head and Neck Cancer Helpline (HNC Helpline) is integral to this mission, offering personalised guidance from qualified health professionals,
Working at HANCA
Our staff are rewarded with a competitive salary including not-for-profit salary packaging and access to an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a flexible, friendly and supportive culture where you will be part of a passionate, inclusive and talented team. Working remotely your contribution is valued and your desire to achieve work/life balance is respected.
We also support continuing professional development and have opportunities to attend or participate in presentations.
Position Purpose
HANCA is seeking an experienced Speech Pathologist to join our HNC Helpline team. The HNC Helpline is a free, confidential, guidance and support service for patients, carers and families of people living with Head and Neck Cancer.
Head and Neck Cancers can lead to profound and lasting disruption across all domains of communication and swallowing issues in head and neck cancer, affecting speech, voice, articulation, resonance, airway protection, swallowing safety, trismus and jaw function, and communication following procedures such as laryngectomy. These functional changes often occur alongside significant impacts on physical wellbeing, appearance, and emotional health, with many people experiencing substantial psychological distress as they navigate the complex challenges associated with treatment and survivorship.
The Head and Neck Cancer Speech Pathologist will provide expert speech support, guidance, and education to people living with Head and Neck Cancer, their carers, and families via the HNC Helpline. This role focuses on delivering safe, evidence-based advice, supporting symptom management, and helping callers navigate speech challenges associated with treatment and survivorship.
The role is ideal for an experienced Speech Pathologist with specialist knowledge in oncology and Head and Neck Cancer who is passionate about improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
Requirements
Essential Criteria: Experience, Skills and Qualifications
1. Current Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status with Speech Pathology Australia, demonstrating ongoing compliance with SPA’s Professional Standards and Code of Ethics, and the ability to meet mandatory employment requirements, including holding a valid and current National Police Check and have professional indemnity insurance.
2. A minimum of five years’ post-qualification clinical experience as a Speech Pathologist, encompassing substantial oncology practice and demonstrable expertise in the management of Head and Neck Cancer.
3. Demonstrated expertise in managing complex speech pathology issues arising from cancer treatment, together with strong knowledge of support and referral pathways for ongoing therapeutic and supportive care.
4. Highly developed written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the capacity to communicate empathetically, clearly, and effectively to diverse audiences and provide practical, person-centred advice, supported by intermediate to advanced digital literacy, including strong competency in Microsoft Office (Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience using database systems such as Salesforce.
5. Superior organisational and Time-management skills, with the ability to work independently, manage workload effectively, and maintain professional boundaries within a helpline environment.
6. Experience in risk assessment, appropriate interventions, supporting people with complex needs and crisis responses, as needed.
7. Demonstrated experience working effectively within multidisciplinary cancer care pathways, including active participation as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
8. Demonstrated alignment with HANCA's mission and values, with a positive and collaborative approach and an inclusive and supportive team player.
9. Resilient and actively conscious of employing self-care-strategies given the nature of the role and interactions with people affected by Head and Neck Cancer.
Desirable Criteria
Experience in telehealth, helpline, or community support services.
Experience developing patient education materials or delivering group education.
Research or quality improvement experience in oncology speech therapy.
To apply, please submit a cover letter outlining how you meet the Essential selection criteria and current resume to Belinda Kendall belinda@headandneckcancer.org.au . If you have any questions, please phone 1300 424 848. Position closing date: Tuesday 21 April 2026.
To learn more about us please visit htps://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/belinda@headandneckcancer.org.au
