Chief Education Therapist – Speech and Language Therapist (Lspid)

About the role

The Department of Education (Eastern Cape) is hiring a Chief Education Therapist – Speech and Language Therapist (Lspid), based in JOE Gqabi District Office. This is a permanent post, paying R598,260 – R664,410 a year. 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. Reference number to quote: DOE11/08/2026 Closing date: 23 October 2026. Applications received after closing date will not be considered. Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• 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 Districtbased 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).

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.
• At least 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.