About the Role
The Department of Education is seeking a dedicated Education Therapist – Physiotherapist to join their team at Parklands Special School in Buffalo City Metro. This role plays an essential part in fostering an inclusive educational environment by ensuring that learners with physical challenges receive the necessary support to thrive. By working closely with both public special schools and ordinary schools, you will directly contribute to improving the quality of education and wellbeing for many children in your community.
As an Education Therapist, you will assess learners’ physical capabilities and implement tailored therapeutic interventions that cater to their unique needs. This position not only focuses on individual growth but also promotes a preventative approach, enhancing the overall wellness of students and empowering them to overcome barriers to learning. Your work will make a significant difference in the lives of learners and their families, underscoring the vital role of government jobs in public service.
About the Department
The Department of Education is committed to providing quality education that is accessible to all South African learners, regardless of their physical abilities. With a mission to promote inclusivity and support diversity within the educational framework, the department strives to create a supportive learning environment for every child. Working within this department means being part of a larger vision to uplift communities and ensure that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of learners’ physical functioning and mobility to identify barriers to learning.
- Provide both direct and indirect Physiotherapy services tailored to individual needs, focusing on both public special schools and ordinary schools.
- Develop and implement personalized physical therapy plans for learners, enhancing their overall wellness.
- Prescribe and maintain assistive mobility devices, ensuring that all learners have the tools they need to succeed.
- Engage in multi-disciplinary team discussions to inform placement decisions in special schools.
- Conduct outreach services to Full-Service and Public Ordinary Schools, extending your expertise beyond Parklands.
- Maintain accurate records of all therapeutic interventions and document learner progress meticulously.
- Collaborate with the School Based Support Team (SBST) to develop training programs and support materials.
- Ensure compliance with the HPCSA Code of Ethics and provide regular feedback to stakeholders.
What You’ll Need
- A recognized Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy from an accredited institution.
- Current, valid registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Physiotherapist.
- A minimum of one year of relevant clinical experience following your community service.
- In-depth knowledge of inclusive education policies and legislative frameworks.
- Strong paediatric therapeutic assessment and rehabilitation skills.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and computer literacy skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to present information effectively.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
A recognized Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy from an accredited institution.Current, valid registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Physiotherapist is mandatory.
A minimum of one year of relevant clinical experience (post-community service).
Legislative Knowledge: Inclusive Education policies (White Paper 6), SIAS Policy (Screening, Identification, Assessment, and Support, Integrated School Health Policy and the functionality of SBSTs and DBSTs.
Core Skills: Paediatric therapeutic assessment and rehabilitation techniques, Collaborative multi-disciplinary teamwork, Report writing, data analysis, and trend identification, Advanced communication, facilitation, and computer literacy and Strong organizational planning and presentation skills.
Job Duties
Assessment & Identification: Assess learners' physical functioning and mobility to identify barriers to learning within the Physiotherapy scope of 90 practice, Conduct screenings and administer formal/informal physical assessments and Analyse data to determine the necessity of therapeutic intervention or referral.Therapeutic Intervention: Provide direct and indirect Physiotherapy services to learners in both Public Special Schools and Public Ordinary Schools, Develop and implement individualized and group physical therapy plans, and Focus on a preventative and developmental approach to support learner wellness.
Assistive Devices and Resource Management: Prescribe, fit, and maintain assistive mobility devices (e.
g.
, walkers, orthotics).
Manage therapy equipment and support materials efficiently.
Engage in multi-disciplinary team discussions to guide learner placement in special schools, Develop training programs for the School Based Support Team (SBST), and Conduct outreach services to Full-Service and Public Ordinary Schools.
Maintain meticulous records of all therapeutic interventions and learner progress, Ensure all practices strictly comply with the HPCSA Code of Ethics, and Provide regular reports and feedback to internal and external stakeholders (DBST, parents, and educators).
