Speech Therapist Job

The German International School Johannesburg is currently seeking an enthusiastic and committed freelance speech therapist to join their educational team immediately. This role is primarily focused on supporting preschool and primary school children with language, speech, and communication disorders, emphasising prevention and early intervention. Professionals registered with the HPCSA, who are passionate about collaborative work in a diverse and supportive educational setting, are invited to apply by 21st November 2025 for this rewarding opportunity. You can find more details about this and other teaching jobs by exploring the school’s offerings.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Institution Name: The German International School Johannesburg.
• Institution Type: An accredited, co-educational German school abroad, catering to over 1000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
• Qualifications Offered: The school offers both South African and German school-leaving qualifications.
• Position Available: Speech Therapist.
• Nature of Position: This is a freelance position.
• Start Date: Immediately.
• Target Student Group: Primarily preschool and primary school children.
• Key Responsibilities Include:
  • Diagnosis and therapy for children with language, speech, and communication disorders.
  • A strong focus on prevention and early intervention strategies.
  • Close collaboration with teachers, the Head of the Phoenix Centre, school psychologists, and assistants through team discussions, parent meetings, and case conferences for developing and implementing individual support plans.
  • Consultation and training for educational staff to foster an inclusive language environment in classrooms.
  • Thorough documentation of therapy progress and preparation of reports.
• Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • A completed degree in Speech Therapy / Speech-Language Pathology.
  • Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
  • Proven experience working with preschool and primary school children.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • An independent, well-organised, and empathetic working style.
  • A genuine enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Important Notice Regarding Freelance Nature: While the school provides the necessary facilities, fees for therapy services are paid directly by the parents of the children receiving support. The speech therapist is responsible for managing their own billing and administrative processes.
• Why Work at the German International School Johannesburg:
  • The school is committed to diversity, operating as an equal opportunities employer.
  • It offers a supportive and inclusive work environment with various support mechanisms in place.
• Application Deadline: No later than 21st November 2025.

Simple summary of the vacancy

The German International School Johannesburg, a distinguished accredited co-educational German school, is looking for a dedicated freelance speech therapist to join its vibrant educational community. With over 1000 students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and offering both South African and German qualifications, the school provides a rich and diverse environment. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and committed professional ready to start immediately, primarily working with preschool and primary school children.

This critical role involves the diagnosis and therapy of children with language, speech, and communication disorders, with a particular emphasis on preventative measures and early intervention. The speech therapist will be an integral part of the educational team, expected to collaborate closely with teachers, the Head of the Phoenix Centre, school psychologists, and assistants. This includes participating in joint team discussions, parent meetings, and case conferences to develop and implement individualised support plans for students. Furthermore, a key responsibility will be to consult with and train educational staff, empowering them to create and maintain an inclusive language environment within their classrooms. Meticulous documentation of therapy progress and the preparation of comprehensive reports are also essential duties.

Prospective applicants must hold a completed degree in Speech Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology and be registered with the HPCSA. Relevant experience working with young children at preschool and primary school levels is highly preferred. The school values strong communication and interpersonal skills, an independent, well-organised, and empathetic approach to work, and a genuine enjoyment for interdisciplinary collaboration. It is crucial for applicants to understand that this is a freelance position; while the school offers its facilities, the therapist will manage their own billing, with fees paid directly by parents. The German International School Johannesburg prides itself on being an equal opportunities employer with a commitment to diversity and a supportive, inclusive work environment for all its staff.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a comprehensive letter of motivation tailored to this specific role.
• Compile an abridged curriculum vitae (CV), ensuring it highlights relevant experience and qualifications.
• Include the names and contact details of three professional references within your CV.
• Submit your complete application via email to Mrs Christin Baggott at [email protected].
• Ensure your application is submitted by no later than 21st November 2025.

Questions a potential candidate might have and how to be a preferred candidate

• What exactly does “freelance position” mean for me as a speech therapist?

  As a freelance speech therapist, you will essentially operate as an independent contractor within the school’s premises. This means you will be responsible for managing your own schedule, directly billing the parents for your services, and handling your own administrative tasks, taxes, and professional liability. The school provides the facility and access to the student population needing your expertise.

• How will I get referrals for children needing therapy?

  The school fosters a collaborative environment where teachers, the Head of the Phoenix Centre, and school psychologists will identify and refer children requiring speech therapy. Your active engagement with the educational team and demonstrated competence will naturally lead to a consistent flow of referrals within the school.

• What kind of support can I expect from the school as a freelance therapist?

  While freelance, the school is committed to offering a supportive and inclusive environment. You will be integrated into the educational team, participating in discussions and case conferences, and benefiting from collaboration with other specialists. The school provides the necessary facilities for your therapy sessions, fostering a sense of belonging to the wider team.

• What is the expected workload for this role?

  The workload will largely depend on the number of children referred for therapy. As a freelance position, you will have flexibility in managing your appointments, but a therapist who is consistently available and committed to meeting the needs of the school’s students will be highly regarded and preferred.

• How can I demonstrate my ability to work interdisciplinarily?

  In your application, provide concrete examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with teachers, psychologists, or other educational professionals. Highlight instances of joint planning, participation in parent meetings, or the development of integrated support plans. Emphasise your communication skills and how you contribute positively to a team environment.

• Are there specific languages I need to be proficient in, given it’s a German International School?

  The job description does not explicitly require German language proficiency, focusing instead on your ability to address language, speech, and communication disorders effectively. However, demonstrating an understanding of working in a multilingual environment or having experience with second language learners could be an asset. Your primary focus will remain on the therapy itself.

• What makes a motivation letter stand out for this teaching jobs role?

  A strong motivation letter for these teaching jobs should clearly convey your passion for working with young children, detailing your specific experience in relevant therapies and how your skills align with the school’s collaborative and inclusive philosophy. Articulate how you envision contributing to the children’s development and supporting educational staff, specifically mentioning your approach to prevention and early intervention.

• What should I include in my CV to be a preferred candidate?

  Ensure your CV clearly highlights your HPCSA registration, your degree details, and all relevant experience working with preschool and primary school-aged children. Where possible, quantify your achievements (e.g., “managed a caseload of X children”). Explicitly list your communication, organisational, and empathetic skills, and provide examples of your experience in interdisciplinary teamwork.

• What kind of references are preferred for this position?

  The school will prefer professional references from previous employers, supervisors, or academic mentors who can attest to your clinical skills, work ethic, and ability to collaborate effectively within an educational setting. Ensure your references are current and readily contactable.

• How will the school ensure my data privacy during the application process?

  The German International School Johannesburg has stated that it employs processes to keep all personal information of applicants confidential. By submitting your application, you consent to your personal information being used for the recruitment, selection, and reporting processes, with an assurance that your data will be protected.

• What is the school’s commitment to diversity?

  The school operates as an equal opportunities employer and places a high value on diversity within its workforce. This commitment ensures fair treatment and access to opportunities for all individuals, fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes various backgrounds and perspectives.

Institution details

• Institution Name: The German International School Johannesburg
• Website: https://www.dsj.co.za/
• Vacancy Source: See original vacancy here