Speech therapist

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Audiologist & Speech-Language Pathologist (ASLP) to lead the hearing and communication component of our Life Cycle Approach (LCA) Program in Yadgir. This role combines community-based rehabilitation with specialist clinical services to improve access to hearing and communication care in underserved communities.

The ASLP will build the capacity of CBR workers, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, special educators, caregivers, and other community stakeholders to facilitate the early identification, referral, and support of individuals with speech, language, communication, swallowing, and hearing disorders. The role also includes conducting assessment camps, providing specialised diagnostic and rehabilitative services, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to deliver inclusive, accessible, and sustainable rehabilitation services in line with the organisation's vision.

Key Responsibilities

1. Capacity Building and Training of Stakeholders

· Train CBR workers, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, special educators, caregivers, and community volunteers to recognise early signs of speech, language, communication, and hearing difficulties.

· Equip caregivers and families with home-based stimulation activities and the skills to use and maintain hearing aids.

· Mentor field staff to deliver basic communication-stimulation activities and to know when and where to refer.

· Conduct refresher trainings, on-the-job coaching, and simple competency checks to sustain quality across the community team.

2. Content and Resource Development

· Develop training modules, facilitator guides, and easy-to-use screening and referral tools for field teams.

· Create IEC materials and home-program resources in Kannada, suited to the local community context.

· Standardise screening protocols, referral pathways, and progress-tracking formats for community use.

3. Assessment Camps

· Plan, organise, and provide technical oversight for community Speech and Hearing assessment camps in collaboration with the central ASLP team across Yadgir district.

· Guide and supervise field teams to carry out speech, language, hearing, and developmental screening at camps.

· Conduct detailed speech, language, voice, fluency, swallowing, and audiological assessments for cases identified through screening, and prepare diagnostic reports.

4. Audiological Services and Hearing Aid Management

· Confirm hearing loss for cases referred from screening and camps through referral to higher centers and review of reports.

· Prescribe appropriate hearing aids and carry out fitting, programming, verification, and review with support from central ASLP team.

· Run hearing aid programming and distribution camps, and train caregivers and field staff in routine hearing aid care and troubleshooting.

5. Family and Caregiver Empowerment

· Counsel and support families, addressing the practical and emotional aspects of disability with empathy.

· Coach parents and caregivers to continue therapy goals at home and in community settings.

6. Collaboration and Coordination

· Work closely with the multidisciplinary team.

· Participate in case discussions and IRP meetings, and build referral linkages with district hospitals, ENT services, and tertiary centres.

7. Program Support and Community Awareness

· Contribute to program planning, monitoring, and the capacity-building strategy of the LCA program.

· Lead awareness initiatives on hearing health, early identification, and communication development in the community.

8. Documentation and Reporting

· Maintain accurate records of trainings, camps, screenings, assessments, and hearing aids dispensed.

· Track stakeholder competency and program outcomes and submit timely reports to the team.

Requirements

Qualifications

· Education: BASLP / MASLP / MSc Audiology from an RCI-recognized institution.

· Experience: Freshers or candidates with up to 2–3 years of experience are welcome to apply; community-based, training, or CBR experience is an added advantage.

· Licensure: Valid RCI registration (mandatory); fresh graduates who are RCI registration-eligible or whose registration is in process may apply and are expected to complete registration on joining.

Skills & Competencies

· Strong training, facilitation, and mentoring skills, with the ability to build capacity in non-specialists.

· Sound clinical skills in speech-language assessment, diagnostic audiology, and hearing aid prescription, fitting, and programming.

· Empathy, patience, and a family-centered, community-oriented approach to care.

· Ability to develop training content and field-friendly resources, ideally in Kannada.

· Comfort working in rural, community-based settings with regular field travel.

· Proficiency in documentation and basic use of electronic records.

Work Environment

· Community-based rehabilitation program across Yadgir district, with regular field and camp-based work.

· A mix of community settings, camps, and partner facilities

· Collaborative work with a multidisciplinary CBR team and frequent engagement with families and local stakeholders.

Benefits