Chief Education Therapist – Speech and Language Therapist

Overview

Chief Education Therapist (Speech and Language) based at Joe Gqabi District Office, providing itinerant therapeutic support to special and mainstream schools for learners with severe to profound needs.

Requirements

• 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.
• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is mandatory as the role requires extensive travel within the District.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for grant monitoring and data reporting.
• Knowledge and skills: 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 is vital for their safety in care centres.
• Ability to understanding how sensory processing (e.g., tactile defensiveness or auditory hypersensitivity) impacts a learner's ability to communicate in a noisy care centre.
• Excellent communication skills.

Duties

• Transversal Outreach: 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 catering for learners with severe to profound needs.
• 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).

How to apply

Applicants must be submitted via the provincial e-recruitment system accessible at: https://ecprov.gov.za and/or at https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za. The Provincial e-Recruitment System is available 24/7 and closes at 23: 59 on the Closing Date. To report any e-Recruitment System challenges send an email with your (i) ID Number, (ii) profile email address, (iii) details of your issue to: erecruitment@ecdoe.gov.za. Do not send any applications to this email address; should you do so, your applications/ CV will be regarded as lost and will not be considered. Technical support is limited to working hours: (08:00- 16:30 Mon-Thursday and 08:00-16:00 on Friday). Direct all enquiries to the specified enquiries person or email Address. Hand-delivered, e-Mailed, Faxed, Posted applications will not be accepted.

Enquiries: Mr. L Putter Tel No: (040) 608 4200 For e-Recruitment Enquiries, Email: erecruitment@ecdoe.gov.za

Notes

Applications must be submitted on a duly completed New Z83 form (effective from 01 January 2021), e-Recruitment System automatically generates Z83 immediately you press apply and generate Z83. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents upon application but must submit a fully completed Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae. NB: Z83 in the e-recruitment system is currently not signable; so, applicants who submitted applications via the e-recruitment system will not be disqualified for an unsigned Z83 instead will be requested to sign on/or before the interview day. View the list of the positions you applied for on “My Job Applications” and do note that the system Z83 does not reflect work experience and qualifications, however, every detail of your information does reflect to the Recruitment team. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, and other relevant documents (like a copy of Permanent Resident Permit for Non-RSA Citizens/Permanent Resident Permit Holders to HR on or before the interview date. Failure to submit all the required documents will disqualify the application. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within six (6) months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Selected candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record check, citizenship verification, financial/asset record check, qualification/ study verification and previous employment verification). All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements, and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. The Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic Managerial Competency Assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of Competency-based Assessment. Successful candidates will also be subjected to security clearance processes. Where applicable, candidates will be subjected to a skills/ knowledge test. The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of twelve 12/24 months. It is the objective to address the Employment Equity Affirmative Action Measures in line with the Employment Equity Plan and to achieve equitable representation across race and gender. The EE targets of the recruiting Department will be adhered to although the applications are welcome from all racial groups. The Recruiting Department reserves the right to amend/ review/ withdraw the advertised posts if by so doing, the best interest of the department will be well served. (Females and People with Disabilities are also requested to apply and indicate such in their applications). Misrepresentation in the application documents will result in automatic disqualification and disciplinary action in the event the candidate has already been appointed. SMS pre-entry certificate (Nyukela) must be submitted prior appointment. Full details can be sourced by following the link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry- programme Note: Due to austerity measures, the Department will not carry any related costs (transport, accommodation, and meals) for candidates attending pre-selection assessment/s and interviews. Due to austerity measures, the Department will not carry any related costs (transport, accommodation, and meals) for candidates attending pre-selection assessment/s and interviews. OTHER POSTS