About the Role
The Chief Education Therapist – Speech and Language position is based at the Joe Gqabi District Office, an essential role within the Department of Education. This job is designed for dedicated professionals who are passionate about empowering learners with severe to profound disabilities. By providing itinerant therapeutic support to Special Care Centres and schools, you will play a crucial part in developing and implementing communication strategies that ensure all students have access to quality education.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with a diverse team, including psychologists, occupational therapists, and special needs teachers, to deliver tailored interventions that address the unique learning needs of each student. Your efforts will significantly impact the educational landscape of the Joe Gqabi District, fostering an inclusive environment where every learner is valued and supported.
About the Department
The Department of Education is committed to transforming the educational framework across South Africa, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their needs, have access to quality public education. This department’s mission is to promote inclusive education policies, aligning with the Education White Paper 6 and the SIAS policy, which aim to address barriers to learning and promote the rights of learners with disabilities. By working here, you will contribute to a meaningful mission that directly affects the lives of learners and their communities.
What You’ll Do
- Provide therapeutic support to Special Care Centres and Resource Centres catering to learners with severe to profound needs.
- Collaborate with the District-based Support Team (DBST) to enhance the rollout of the Learning Programme for learners with severe intellectual disabilities.
- Conduct screenings, specialized assessments, and implement tailored communication interventions.
- Train and mentor caregivers, parents, and school staff on effective communication strategies and educational programmes.
- Maintain accurate records of learner progress and compile comprehensive reports for the relevant educational authorities.
- Promote the rights of learners with disabilities to access quality education in line with established policies.
What You’ll Need
- A recognized qualification enabling registration as a Speech and Language Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- Current and valid HPCSA registration in Independent Practice.
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant post-registration experience as a Speech and Language Therapist.
- A valid driver’s license for extensive travel within the district.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office applications for reporting and monitoring purposes.
- Strong knowledge of Inclusive Education policies and expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
An appropriate recognized qualification that allows for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Speech and Language Therapist.Current, valid registration with the HPCSA in Independent Practice.
A minimum of 3 years appropriate experience post- registration with the HPCSA as a Speech and Language Therapist.
Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is mandatory as the role requires extensive travel within the District.
Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for grant monitoring and data reporting.
Knowledge and skills: In-depth knowledge of Inclusive Education policies (SIAS, White Paper 6).
Expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and its application for non-verbal learners with profound disabilities.
Ability to take initiative, work under pressure, and apply innovative problem-solving in under-resourced care centre environments.
Knowledge of safe positioning and modified textures is vital for their safety in care centres.
Ability to understanding how sensory processing (e.
g.
, tactile defensiveness or auditory hypersensitivity) impacts a learner's ability to communicate in a noisy care centre.
Excellent communication skills.
Job Duties
Transversal Outreach: Provide itinerant therapeutic support to designated Special Care Centres and Special Schools/Resource Centres for learners with LSPID/ Mainstream schools and High level of support Units catering for learners with severe to profound needs.Support the rollout of the Learning Programme for LSPID through screening, specialized assessment, and tailored communication intervention.
Function as a key member of the District-based Support Team (DBST), collaborating with Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Special Needs Teachers.
Train and mentor caregivers, parents, and school staff on the implementation of communication strategies and the Learning Programme.
Promote the rights of learners with disabilities to quality, public-funded education in line with Education White Paper 6 and the SIAS Policy.
Maintain accurate learner records, monitor progress, and compile comprehensive reports for the ECDOE and National Department of Basic Education (DBE).
87
