EDUCATION THERAPIST - SPEECH AND LANGUAGE (X7 POSTS)

Job Overview

The Eastern Cape Department of Education is seeking seven Education Therapists (Speech and Language) across multiple special schools including Nolitha, Khayalethu, St. Patricks, Northern Light, King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase, Tsolo, and Tembisa Special Schools. Candidates must hold a recognized Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Therapy, valid HPCSA registration, and at least one year of relevant experience. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, delivering individual and group therapy, prescribing assistive devices, and conducting outreach services in line with Inclusive Education policies and White Paper 6.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 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 Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is mandatory.
• 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).
• Knowledge of Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) policy, Special Schools as Resource Centres, and Integrated School Health Policy.
• Understanding of the functionality of SBSTs and DBSTs.
• Knowledge of therapeutic assessment and techniques, multidisciplinary teamwork, and preventative and developmental approaches.
• Skills in developing training programmes for the SBST, report writing, and analysis of data and trends.
• Communication, consultation, facilitation, computer literacy, presentation, organising, and planning skills.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments of learners' speech, language, and communication difficulties in special schools.
• 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.
• Prescribe, issue, and maintain appropriate assistive devices to support communication.
• Provide relevant information about therapeutic programs to internal and external stakeholders, including SBSTs, DBSTs, 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).
• Oversee effective administrative practices related to Speech and Language Therapy interventions.
• Analyse and interpret information to make decisions regarding therapeutic interventions and engage in multi-disciplinary team discussions.

Enquiries & Contact