CHIEF EDUCATION THERAPIST – SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST (LSPID)

Job Overview

The Eastern Cape Department of Education is seeking a Chief Education Therapist - Speech and Language Therapist (LSPID) for the Joe Gqabi District Office. Responsibilities include providing itinerant therapeutic support to special care centres, conducting screenings and specialized assessments, collaborating within the District-based Support Team (DBST), training caregivers and staff, and promoting inclusive education policies. Candidates must be registered with the HPCSA in Independent Practice with at least 3 years of post-registration experience, hold a valid driver's license, and possess advanced MS Office skills.

Requirements & Qualifications

• An appropriate recognized qualification that allows for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Current, valid registration with the HPCSA in Independent Practice.
• A minimum of 3 years appropriate experience post-registration with the HPCSA as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• A valid driver's license as the role requires extensive travel within the District.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for grant monitoring and data reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of Inclusive Education policies (SIAS, White Paper 6).
• Expertise in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and its application for non-verbal learners with profound disabilities.
• Ability to take initiative, work under pressure, and apply innovative problem-solving in under-resourced care centre environments.
• Knowledge of safe positioning and modified textures for safety in care centres.
• Ability to understand how sensory processing impacts a learner's ability to communicate in a noisy care centre.
• Excellent communication skills.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide itinerant therapeutic support to designated Special Care Centres and Special Schools/Resource Centres for learners with LSPID, Mainstream schools, and High level of support Units.
• Support the rollout of the Learning Programme for LSPID through screening, specialized assessment, and tailored communication intervention.
• Function as a key member of the District-based Support Team (DBST), collaborating with Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Special Needs Teachers.
• Train and mentor caregivers, parents, and school staff on the implementation of communication strategies and the Learning Programme.
• Promote the rights of learners with disabilities to quality, public-funded education in line with Education White Paper 6 and the SIAS Policy.
• Maintain accurate learner records, monitor progress, and compile comprehensive reports for the ECDOE and National Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Enquiries & Contact