About the Role
The Department of Education is seeking dedicated professionals for the position of Education Therapist – Speech and Language at several special schools located in Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay. These roles are crucial in providing tailored support to learners with speech, language, and communication challenges. By joining this team, your expertise will directly impact the lives of children, helping them to overcome barriers and thrive in their educational journey. The positions are based in various special schools, including Nolitha Special School and Khayalethu Special School, among others, all of which play a vital role in nurturing the potential of learners with diverse needs.
Working as an Education Therapist in these settings means you will be at the forefront of inclusive education, where your assessments and therapeutic interventions will be instrumental in shaping effective communication strategies. This is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community, ensuring that every child has the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
About the Department
The Department of Education is committed to providing quality education and support services to all learners across South Africa. Its mission encompasses promoting inclusive education, where every child, regardless of their background or abilities, has access to educational opportunities that cater to their individual needs. By working here, you will be part of a passionate team focused on enhancing the learning experiences of students in special schools, contributing to the broader mission of building a more equitable educational landscape.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct thorough assessments of learners’ speech, language, and communication difficulties.
- Provide individualized and group Speech-Language Therapy plans tailored to the needs of learners.
- Develop outreach services to Full-Service and Public Ordinary Schools to extend therapeutic support.
- Administer formal and informal assessments to identify learners’ needs.
- Collaborate with School-Based Support Teams and District-Based Support Teams to provide relevant information about therapeutic programs.
- Assist in the appropriate placement of learners within special schools based on communication needs.
- Ensure compliance with the Code of Ethics of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- Engage in multi-disciplinary team discussions and make recommendations regarding therapeutic interventions.
What You’ll Need
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Therapy from an accredited institution.
- Current and valid registration as a Speech-Language Therapist with the HPCSA.
- A minimum of one year of relevant clinical experience as a Speech-Language Therapist.
- Knowledge of Inclusive Education policies and related frameworks.
- Strong skills in therapeutic assessment, multi-disciplinary teamwork, and report writing.
- Excellent communication, consultation, and facilitation skills.
- Proficiency in computer literacy and presentation abilities.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Degree in Speech-Language Therapy: A recognized Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Therapy from an accredited institution.HPCSA Registration: Current and valid registration as a Speech-Language Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is mandatory.
One Year of Relevant Experience: A minimum of one year of experience or relevant clinical experience as a Speech-Language Therapist.
Knowledge of Inclusive Education (IE) policies (White Paper 6); Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) policy; Special Schools as Resource Centres; and Integrated School Health Policy.
Functionality of SBSTs and DBSTs.
Inclusive Education (IE) policies (White Paper 6); Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) policy; Special Schools as Resource Centres; and Integrated School Health Policy.
Functionality of SBSTs and DBSTs.
Therapeutic assessment and techniques; Multi- disciplinary teamwork; Preventative and developmental approach; Development of training programmes for the SBST; Report writing; Analysis 88 of data and trends; Communication, consultation and facilitation skills; Computer literacy; Presentation skills and organising and planning.
Job Duties
To conduct thorough assessments of learners' speech, language, and communication difficulties, including evaluation of speech sounds, language comprehension and expression, fluency, and voice in the special schools.To conduct outreach services to Full-Service and Public Ordinary Schools to extend therapeutic support.
Administer formal and informal assessments and conduct screenings for learners to identify needs.
Develop and implement individualized and group Speech-Language Therapy plans for learners in public special schools and public ordinary schools.
Prescribe, issue, and maintain appropriate assistive devices to support communication.
Provide relevant information about therapeutic programs to internal and external stakeholders, including School-Based Support Teams, District-Based Support Teams, and parents.
Assist in the appropriate placement of learners within special schools based on their communication needs.
Ensure strict compliance with the Code of Ethics of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in all aspects of practice.
Oversee effective administrative practices related to Speech and Language Therapy interventions.
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.
