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Speech Therapist

Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines

This assignment has been negotiated in good faith with the Partner Organisation, and the information

contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request.

However, while we take responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and

arrangements are subject to change due to the inherent low levels of predictability in developing country

environments. This assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.

GENERAL DETAILS

Assignment Title Speech Therapist

Partner Organisation Iriga City Division Integrated Special School

Website of Partner Organisation

Duration of Assignment 10 months

Start Date

1. PARTNER ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

The Iriga City Division Integrated Special School (ICDISS) is the only institution offering Special

Education (SPED) in Iriga. Not all towns have a SPED center so some students come from

neighbouring towns and even as far as the next province, traveling every day in their desire for

education.

Separate classes are held based on children’s learning needs or ability, i.e., classes for those with

visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, autism, gifted children, etc.

The school covers grades 1 to 6 (elementary) and 7 to 10 (junior high school). It also implements

programs in early intervention and behavioural modification to prepare children to enter the

school system, as well as a transition program in life skills and livelihoods (e.g., simple baking and

gardening). A few students move on to regular schools for senior high, and ICDISS teachers will

sometimes join them to assist with sign language interpretation.

As of September 2018, 115 are enrolled in elementary and 22 in high school. Classes are held

Monday to Friday, and children choose between the morning and afternoon class (7 to 11 a.m.

or until 10:30 for younger children, and 1 to 4 p.m.).

Although deaf children make up only 20% of the population in elementary, 80% of the students

have speech difficulties, usually able to say only simple words like Mama and Papa.

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Communication is usually non-verbal. The figure is higher in high school: 90% have speech

problems.

2. ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

ICDISS has 22 teachers. Most are Education graduates, but only two majored in Special

Education. If they are not Special Education majors, government requires teachers to take at

least 18 units of Special Education in graduate school.

Ten teachers use the American Sign Language; some also know Filipino Sign Language but do not

use this in school.

Teachers are very eager to enhance their skills and knowledge in working with children with

speech difficulties, but training opportunities are limited. There is no speech therapist in the city.

One of the teachers was trained by nuns to develop children’s speech, and she tries to share this

with colleagues. Teaching aids are also limited, e.g., computer monitors for children to watch

instructional videos downloaded by the teachers.

Teachers acknowledge they have a long way to go, and are very keen to learn from a volunteer.

3. ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES

To increase teachers’ knowledge of speech and language impairments

To build teachers’ capacity in speech and language therapy

To develop speech and language interventions for children with speech difficulties

To ensure the inclusion of all people directly affected by the volunteer assignment in the

course of your work with the partner organisation and host community, including

implementing strategies that relate to:

a. promoting gender equality and empowering women,

b. disability inclusion, and

c. child safeguarding.

4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VOLUNTEER

In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, Australian volunteers

complete a work plan in the first three (3) months of their assignment. The duties below are an

indication of the type of work that may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:

Conduct individual assessments and observations on the children’s speech and language

difficulties, including consultations with teachers and parents

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Observe teachers in class work and other engagements with children with speech

difficulties

Work with teachers to develop speech and language activities and programs based on

assessment findings

Develop learning modules and other training materials on speech language disorders, treatment,

and support strategies

Mentor teachers, as necessary

5. SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications, Essential Skills & Experience

Degree in Speech Pathology, Speech and Language Therapy or a related field

At least 2 years’ experience as a Speech Pathologist/Therapist

Desirable Skills & Experience

Experience working with deaf children

Willing to learn sign language

Experience in training and mentoring

6. ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION

Line Manager

School Principal

Working Relationships

The volunteer will work with all teachers, particularly those of the hearing impaired.

Hours & Days of Employment

Official work hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Volunteers are expected to work the equivalent of a 5-day week, to a maximum of 40 hours per

week.

Leave Entitlements

All volunteers are entitled to 20 days leave per 12 months, unless otherwise advised.

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Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional indemnity insurance is required for all volunteers who are acting as a medical, allied

health or legal professional whilst on assignment. On these assignments professional indemnity

insurance must be provided by the partner organisation, Australian organisation (if applicable)

or self-arranged by the volunteer as part of ongoing professional obligations.

For all other assignments, professional indemnity insurance is not automatically provided for

Australian volunteers. You should consult your partner organisation about the need for

professional indemnity insurance for your role prior to your departure. Where required and/or

you consider it essential for you to hold this insurance, please discuss this with the Volunteer

Services Manager in Melbourne prior to your departure.

This assignment is not deemed to require professional indemnity insurance.

Other Conditions

If required to work after hours, volunteer is entitled to time off in lieu because there is no

overtime pay provisions.

Language Skills and Level Required

The local language is Bicolano, but all teachers speak English, which is one of two official

languages in the country; many school documents are in English. The volunteer can use English

for both work and social interactions.

Language Support

Language support is provided during the in-country orientation period. Most often, additional

resources for further development later in the assignment will be available if required.

Basic phrases in Pilipino, the national language, are taught during in-country orientation and

will prove useful throughout the country. Volunteers can avail of funds to support additional

language training, e.g., in Bicolano, during their assignment.

7. LIVING AS A VOLUNTEER

Iriga has the facilities of a typical city: malls, guesthouses and restaurants, universities and

colleges, at least three private hospitals, etc.

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The urban space is actually small; most of Iriga is rural, with farmers growing rice, coconut,

vegetables, etc. Country roads lead to hiking trails in nearby Mount Iriga and Mount Asog.

The nearest airport is less than an hour away in Pili, the provincial capital, with daily flights to

Manila. A little past Pili is Naga City, the commercial hub of the Bicol region, where most Western

goods are available. From Iriga, Naga is one hour away by private car, or 1.5 hours by bus/public

van. The sea and beaches are just an hour away from Iriga.

The Bicol region is known for its distinct and delicious cuisine, particularly its generous use of

coconut milk and chillies (though the heat level is easily adjusted).

Most residents are Christian, mainly Catholic but also with Protestant denominations. The

Philippines is quite multi-cultural, and Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities are also

represented.

8. ALLOWANCES & SUPPORT

These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in the host country location. Allowances

will be reviewed periodically and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of

any change to the allowance level.

Living Allowance

AUD $927.00 per month

Accommodation Allowance

AUD $465.00 per month

Housing

Partner Organisation will assist the in-country management team in identifying suitable, secure,

and affordable accommodations for the volunteer.

Other Allowances & Support

All Australian Volunteers program volunteers receive the following:

Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne

In-country Orientation on arrival

Pre-departure vaccination expenses

Visa expenses

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Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance

Return airfare to country of assignment

Psychological and medical advice and support services

Re-entry support services

Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)

Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)

9. PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION

As a part of your online application you will be required to answer the following questions

through a video recording (if you are unable to submit through the online video due to

accessibility please contact the Recruitment Coordinator).

Response to Selection Criteria

a) Why do I feel that volunteering internationally is the right thing for me to be doing at this

time in my life?

b) What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a

useful colleague and engaged community member in this assignment?

c) The Australian Volunteers Program is committed to ensuring the inclusion of all people

directly affected by the volunteer assignment, such as the partner organisation and host

community. What is your personal experience and/or understanding of social inclusion.

d) How do I match the Qualifications, Essential Skills & Experience? Include your most relevant

experiences, results and achievements responding to each of the selection criteria in Section

5.

Personal Circumstances Constraints

The Australian Volunteers Program recognises and values the enhanced skills and expertise of

returned volunteers as a result of their volunteering experience. The program is also designed

to maximise international volunteering opportunities for all Australians. With this in mind, if a

returned volunteer and a candidate who has not volunteered previously apply for the same

role, preference will be given to the latter, providing they meet the personal and professional

selection criteria for the role.

We are NOT able to accept applications from people with the following personal circumstances

due to security, cultural, legal or visa restrictions in this location:

Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants as part of the program may face

issues in applying for and being issued with a visa

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Applicants with partners to whom they are not legally married and who wish to accompany

applicants as part of the program may face issues in applying for and being issues with a

visa

Applicants with a criminal record where a criminal conviction may be relevant to the

inherent requirements of the assignment.

10. HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be submitted online through the Australian Volunteers Program website. If

you haven’t already done so, you will need to register on our website prior to applying.

The Australian Volunteers Program is committed to increasing Indigenous participation, and we

actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you would like

more information or support with your application, you can contact our Indigenous Programs

Coordinator onindigenous.programs@australianvolunteers.com.