About the Role
The Department of Education is seeking a dedicated Senior Education Specialist (LSPID) based in the Chris Hani West District Office. This role plays a crucial part in enhancing educational support for learners with severe to profound intellectual disabilities (LSPID) across various schools and care centres in the region. By collaborating with a transversal team, the successful candidate will contribute significantly to advancing inclusive education, ensuring that every learner has access to quality public-funded education. The role not only impacts the lives of the learners and their families but also strengthens the community’s educational framework in South Africa.
In this position, the Senior Education Specialist will be actively involved in assessing enrolled learners, providing necessary support, and training caregivers and teachers on effective learning programmes tailored for LSPID. The incumbent will have the opportunity to travel within the district, making a tangible difference in the lives of many students and fostering an inclusive environment where every child can thrive. This role is essential for promoting educational equality and supporting the professional growth of educators and caregivers alike.
About the Department
The Department of Education is committed to fostering an inclusive education system that caters to the diverse needs of all learners in South Africa. Its mission is to ensure that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. By working closely with schools and communities, the department aims to create a supportive and enabling environment for learners with disabilities, ultimately striving for educational excellence and equity.
Working within this department not only offers the chance to directly impact the educational landscape but also aligns with the broader goal of advancing social justice and community development. Every role within the department contributes to building a more inclusive society, making it a meaningful place to work.
What You’ll Do
- Assess learners with LSPID enrolled in schools and care centres.
- Provide support to learners and their families to enhance educational outcomes.
- Monitor and report on the progress of learners with LSPID.
- Train caregivers on implementing effective learning programmes.
- Support teachers in delivering the learning programme for LSPID.
- Advocate for access to quality public-funded education for learners with disabilities.
- Carry out administrative functions related to educational support, including placement of out-of-school children.
- Provide assistance to other learners in the community as needed.
What You’ll Need
- A recognised 3- or 4-year qualification, including a professional teacher qualification.
- Registration with the South African Council of Educators (SACE) as a professional educator.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the educational field.
- In-depth knowledge of education legislation and policies.
- Ability to promote inclusive education and access to quality education for learners with disabilities.
- Experience in teamwork and collaboration with various stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- A valid driver’s license and advanced computer skills.
- Experience in coordinating support for learners with disabilities is an added advantage.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Applicants must be in possession of a recognised 3- or 4-year qualification which includes a professional teacher qualification.They should be registered with the South African Council of Educators (SACE) as professional educator and have 5 years’ experience in the educational field.
The incumbent must have in-depth knowledge and understanding of education legislation and policies.
The incumbent must be able to promote inclusive education which includes promoting access to quality public funded education for learners with disability.
They should have experience in working as part of a team and collaborating with stakeholders.
They should be able to take initiatives, work under pressure and problem-solve if and when necessary.
Experience in co- ordinating education and other support for learners with disabilities will be an added advantage.
The incumbent will function as part of the District-based Support Team with the specific responsibility of providing transversal outreach services to care centres and special schools that include learners with severe to profound intellectual disability (LSPID).
The job involves travelling and therefore a valid driver’s licence is a requirement.
The applicant must have advanced computer skills.
Job Duties
As a member of the transversal team, the incumbent will collaborate with team members in the provision of education support to designated schools and care centres on an itinerant basis.Support to be provided will include: Assessment of LSPID enrolled in the schools/ care centres; provision of relevant support to learners and families; monitoring and reporting on these learners’ progress; training caregivers on the learning programme for LSPID; monitoring and reporting caregivers’ implementation of the learning programme for LSPID; training and supporting teachers on learning programme for LSPID; monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the learning programme in designated schools and care centres; advocating for access to quality public funded education for LSPID and carrying out administrative functions related to the support provided including placement of out of school children in schools.
The incumbent may also be required to provide support to other learners in the community as and when needed.
