Recruitment of speech pathologists into positions considered less attractive

Speech pathology is a growth industry, but how this impacts on recruitment in Australia has not been explored in the research literature. The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics of advertised speech pathology positions and the ease with which they were filled, particularly for less attractive positions based in non-metropolitan locations or involving work with people with developmental disability. Contact persons for positions advertised mostly in newspapers over a 36-week period were recruited. There were 108 positions advertised, with 89 contact people agreeing to participate in two telephone surveys, including one conducted approximately one month after application closing dates. Positions represented a range of employment sectors, with Grade 2 followed by Grade 1 positions most frequent. Most (75%) positions were filled, but for 55% at grades other than that advertised. There was no evidence that positions in non-metropolitan positions or those involving work with people with developmental disability were particularly difficult to fill, but they did attract relatively few applicants. The data did, however, point to a potential mismatch between successful applicants' level of experience and job requirements. Implications for support needs of isolated and inexperienced clinicians, and further research needs are discussed.