About the Role
The Department of Education is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Education Therapist Specialist – Occupational Therapist to join their team in Mt. Frere, part of the beautiful Eastern Cape. This vital role is focused on enhancing the learning experiences of students in both public special schools and public ordinary schools. As an Education Therapist Specialist, you will assess learners’ needs, identify barriers to learning, and provide targeted therapeutic interventions, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Your work will have a direct impact on the lives of learners, fostering their development and helping them overcome challenges they face in their educational journey.
Working closely with a multi-disciplinary team, you will engage in discussions that inform therapeutic decisions and recommendations. You will also play a key role in raising awareness about different disabilities and the importance of inclusive education, making a significant contribution to the community. Your expertise will help shape a more supportive educational environment, ultimately benefiting not just individual learners, but the broader community in Mt. Frere and beyond.
About the Department
The Department of Education is committed to providing quality education that is accessible to all South African learners, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. The department’s mission focuses on developing inclusive educational policies and practices that support the learning needs of every child. By working in this department, you will be part of a dedicated team that strives to empower learners and promote educational equity throughout the country.
As an employee of the Department of Education, you will engage in meaningful work that directly contributes to the development of future generations. The department values collaboration, continuous professional development, and community engagement, making it a rewarding and impactful workplace for those who are passionate about education and social justice.
What You’ll Do
- Assess learners’ levels of functioning to identify barriers to learning and develop individual intervention plans.
- Conduct formal and informal assessments and provide direct and indirect Occupational Therapy services.
- Administer assistive devices and maintain records related to therapy and administration practices.
- Engage in therapeutic capacity-building programs and share skills with stakeholders, including parents and educators.
- Manage therapy support materials and collaborate with local health and social development departments.
- Participate in inter-sectoral networks and contribute to awareness campaigns for different disabilities.
- Supervise undergraduate Occupational Therapy students and assist with their professional development.
What You’ll Need
- RVQ 13/14 qualification in Occupational Therapy recognized by SAQA.
- Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Occupational Therapist.
- Five years of relevant experience after registration with HPCSA is essential.
- Knowledge of National and Provincial Education legislation and policies, including the South African Schools Act.
- Familiarity with analytic, diagnostic, and assessment tools, as well as intervention methods and child development.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to practice within the ethical framework of the profession.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
RVQ 13/14 qualification in Occupational Therapy recognised by SAQA.Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Occupational Therapist.
Registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) will be an added advantage.
Five-years of relevant experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Knowledgeable about a) National and Provincial Education legislation, policies and regulations (e.
g.
Health Professions Act, Screening Identification Assessment and Support policy (SIAS), South African Schools Act (SASA), Employment of Educators Act (EEA), White Paper 6 (Support for special needs learners), b) Analytic, diagnostic and assessment tools, c) Intervention methods, d) Child development, e) Therapeutic models and techniques, f) Understanding of group dynamics, g) Protocol and professional ethics.
Job Duties
Assess the learner’s level of functioning to identify barriers to learning based on the Occupational Therapists’ scope of practice: Conduct screening for the learners; administer formal and informal assessments.Analyse and interpret information to make decisions regarding the need for therapeutic intervention, engage in multi-disciplinary team discussions and make recommendations and/or referrals.
2) Provide intervention (direct and indirect therapy) relating to barriers to learning: Provide direct and indirect Occupational Therapy 86 services based on an Occupational Therapy plan to learners in public special schools and public ordinary schools; determine individualized and group Occupational Therapy; prescribe, issue, and maintain assistive devices; maintain records of Occupational Therapy, effective administration practices and report to supervisors as required.
3) Engage in therapeutic capacity- building programmes and skills sharing on related therapy issues/matters: Provide direct and indirect Occupational Therapy services based on an Occupational Therapy plan to learners in public special schools and public ordinary schools; Provide appropriate information regarding programmes offered by therapists to internal and external stakeholders (e.
g.
, School Based Support Team, District Based Support Team, parents etc.
).
Promote awareness of the different therapy disciplines; participate in awareness campaigns of different disabilities; provide direct or indirect outreach services when required; engage in continuous professional developmental activities based on the relevant programmes offered in the school; supervise undergraduate Occupational Therapy students and therapy assistants as required.
4) Manage Therapy support materials and equipment: Request appropriate and adequate therapy support materials and equipment based on learner needs; safeguard therapy support materials and equipment; maintain records of therapy material, equipment and the issuing of assistive devices and report faults and maintenance needs of the materials and equipment; participate in inter and intra-sectoral networks and collaborations.
5.
Participate in inter- and intra-sectoral networks and collaborations.
Collaborate and interact with stakeholders (e.
g.
, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, local government, and the broader Community).
6.
Management and Administration: Manage effective administration practices of Occupational Therapy interventions; ensure compliance with the code of Ethics of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA); practice sound interpersonal relations, engage actively in performance appraisals per requirement.
