Speech Therapist

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

The surgery might be over, but that’s the Rehab team’s cue to jump in. Alongside our Physical Therapists and Hand Therapists, our Speech Therapist works with maxillofacial patients post-surgery, through speech therapy education and exercises, working with patients of all ages.

What you will contribute

• Perform speech therapy for maxillofacial patients

• Support improved patient outcomes by assessing each maxillofacial patient upon admission, post-surgery, and at discharge, working alongside the respective team leaders and surgeon.

• Motivate caregivers to take an active role in ongoing speech therapy for the patient

• Provide education and training to designated medical professionals with the relevant skills and knowledge to continue therapy throughout the field service.

For This Role, You Will Need

• Registered speech and language therapist with at least two years of experience.

• Experience working with children is required.

• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values.

• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills.

• Understands and applies servant leadership, works collaboratively with integrity, and demonstrates accountability.

• Fluency in English is required and able to communicate effectively to patients and caregivers through a translator.

• Ability to teach and share knowledge with others.

• Flexibility and sensitivity to cultural diversity is required.

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.