About the Role
The Department of Education is seeking a dedicated Education Therapist Specialist – Physiotherapist to join its team at the Chris Hani West District Office in the vibrant city of Queenstown, South Africa. This pivotal role involves training educators, parents, and staff in the early identification of physical barriers to learning. By implementing capacity-building programmes for School-based Support Teams (SBSTs), you will play a vital part in enhancing educational outcomes for learners facing physical challenges. Your contributions will not only support individual students but also uplift entire communities by fostering an inclusive educational environment.
As an Education Therapist Specialist, you will work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team alongside the District-based Support Team (DBST). This collaboration is crucial for providing specialized, short-term curriculum interventions and direct therapeutic support to learners with high-level needs. Your expertise will ensure that all district therapists comply with HPCSA Continuous Professional Development (CPD) policies, ultimately driving positive change within the educational landscape of the region.
About the Department
The Department of Education is committed to providing quality education and promoting inclusivity across South Africa. Its mission is to ensure that all children, regardless of their physical or learning challenges, have access to a supportive and effective educational environment. Working within this department means being part of a transformative mission that shapes the future of learners and contributes to the broader goals of social equity and community development.
What You’ll Do
- Train educators, parents, and staff on identifying physical barriers to learning.
- Implement capacity-building programmes for School-based Support Teams (SBSTs).
- Conduct assessments and provide specialized, short-term curriculum interventions.
- Deliver direct therapeutic support to learners with high-level needs.
- Collaborate with the District-based Support Team (DBST) to enhance learner support.
- Manage professional supervision of therapists in Special Schools.
- Ensure compliance of district therapists with HPCSA Continuous Professional Development (CPD) policies.
- Monitor and manage the distribution and use of assistive devices across the district.
- Gather data and report on the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and collaborations.
What You’ll Need
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy allowing for registration with the HPCSA.
- Valid, current registration with the HPCSA as a Physiotherapist (proof required).
- Minimum of 5 years relevant experience post-community service.
- Experience as an Education Therapist is an added advantage.
- Valid driver’s license for district-wide travel.
- Deep understanding of Inclusive Education policies, including White Paper 6 and the SIAS policy.
- Familiarity with the Integrated School Health Policy and CSTL.
- Expertise in therapeutic assessments and preventative approaches.
- Proficiency in report writing, data analysis, and computer literacy.
- Strong presentation, consultation, and organizational skills.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy allowing for registration with the HPCSA.Valid, current registration with the HPCSA as a Physiotherapist (proof of registration required.
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience post-community service.
Experience as an Education Therapist will be an added advantage.
A valid driver’s license is essential for district-wide travel.
Knowledge and Skills: Deep understanding of Inclusive Education policies, including White Paper 6, the SIAS policy, and guidelines for Full-service and Special Schools as Resource Centres.
Familiarity with the Integrated School Health Policy and CSTL is required.
Technical Competencies: Expertise in therapeutic assessments, preventative approaches, and developmental techniques.
Ability to conduct discipline- specific research to identify and address district trends.
Proficiency in report writing, data analysis, and computer literacy.
Strong presentation, consultation, and organizational skills.
Job Duties
Train educators, parents, and staff in early identification of physical barriers to learning.Implement capacity-building programmes for School-based Support Teams (SBSTs).
Conduct assessments and provide specialized, short-term curriculum interventions and direct therapeutic support where necessary.
Work within a multi-disciplinary team alongside the District-based Support Team (DBST) to support learners with high-level needs.
Manage professional supervision of therapists in Special Schools.
Ensure all district therapists comply with HPCSA Continuous Professional Development (CPD) policies.
Monitor and manage the distribution and use of assistive devices across the district.
Gather data and report on the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and inter-sectoral collaborations.
