Speech Therapist Job

The German International School Johannesburg, an accredited co-educational institution with over 1000 students, is currently looking to appoint a committed freelance speech therapist. This exciting opportunity is available for immediate start and focuses primarily on supporting preschool and primary school children. If you have a completed degree in speech therapy, are registered with the HPCSA, and are passionate about early intervention and collaborative work, you are invited to apply by 21st November 2025. This role offers the chance to work in a diverse and supportive educational environment, providing crucial language, speech, and communication support.

Detailed vacancy information

• School name: The German International School Johannesburg (DSJ)
• Position: Freelance Speech Therapist (m/f/d)
• Nature of position: Freelance. The school provides facilities, but fees are paid directly by parents, and the therapist manages their own billing.
• Start date: Immediately
• Application deadline: 21st November 2025
• Target age group: Mainly preschool and primary school children.
• Key responsibilities include:
  • Diagnosis and therapy for language, speech, and communication disorders.
  • Focus on prevention and early intervention strategies.
  • Close collaboration with teachers, the Head of the Phoenix Centre, school psychologists, and assistants.
  • Participation in team discussions, parent meetings, and case conferences to develop individual support plans.
  • Consulting and training educational staff to foster an inclusive language environment.
  • Documenting therapy progress and preparing reports.
• Required qualifications and experience:
  • A completed degree in Speech Therapy / Speech-Language Pathology.
  • Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
  • Experience working with preschool and primary school children.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • An independent, well-organised, and empathetic working style.
  • An enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Why work at the DSJ: The school is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunities employer, offering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

About the speech therapist role

The German International School Johannesburg is looking to bring a freelance speech therapist into their educational team. This is a vital role, focusing on providing diagnostic assessments and therapeutic interventions for young children experiencing language, speech, and communication difficulties. The position emphasises proactive approaches through prevention and early intervention, ensuring children receive support as soon as possible.

A significant aspect of this role is the strong emphasis on collaboration. The successful candidate will work closely with a diverse team, including classroom teachers, the Head of the Phoenix Centre, school psychologists, and support assistants. This integrated approach ensures that individual support plans are comprehensive and effectively implemented, often involving joint team discussions, parent meetings, and case conferences. Furthermore, the therapist will contribute to staff development by offering consultations and training to promote an inclusive language environment within the classrooms.

It is important for prospective candidates to understand the freelance nature of this position. While the German International School Johannesburg provides the necessary facilities for therapy, the therapist will be responsible for managing their own billing, as fees are paid directly by the parents of the children receiving services. This arrangement requires a highly organised and independent professional who can effectively manage both their clinical duties and administrative tasks, all while contributing to a supportive and diverse school community.

How to apply for this post

If you are interested in this freelance speech therapist position, please ensure your application includes the following:

• A detailed letter of motivation, explaining your suitability for the role.
• An abridged curriculum vitae (CV).
• The names and contact details of three professional references.
• All application materials should be submitted to Mrs Christin Baggott at [email protected].
• The closing date for applications is 21st November 2025.
• Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Institution details

• Website: https://www.dsj.co.za/
• Address: Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa

Possible questions and advice for candidates

• Q: What does “freelance position” mean exactly for my daily work?
  A: This means you will operate as an independent contractor, managing your own schedule within the school’s facilities. You’ll be responsible for your own taxes and insurance, and while the school provides the workspace, you are not a direct employee.
• Q: How will I manage billing for clients, and what support is available?
  A: You will be solely responsible for invoicing parents directly and collecting payments. The school will not be involved in the financial transactions between you and the families. You should have a clear system in place for managing your accounts.
• Q: What kind of children can I expect to work with, regarding their specific needs?
  A: The role primarily involves preschool and primary school children. This suggests a focus on foundational language skills, articulation, fluency, and early communication development. Experience with a broad range of disorders common in these age groups would be beneficial.
• Q: How important is collaboration with other staff members?
  A: Collaboration is highlighted as a key responsibility. Expect to actively participate in team discussions, parent meetings, and case conferences. Being able to communicate effectively with teachers, psychologists, and assistants is crucial for integrated support plans.
• Q: What should my letter of motivation specifically address for this vacancy?
  A: Your letter should articulate your passion for working with young children, your experience in early intervention, your comfort with a freelance model, and your commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork. Highlight how your skills align with promoting an inclusive language environment.
• Q: Who are the ideal references for this role?
  A: Your references should be professional individuals who can speak to your clinical skills, experience with children, collaborative abilities, and your work ethic in a professional setting. Previous supervisors or colleagues in speech therapy or educational environments would be ideal.
• Q: How can I demonstrate an “empathetic working style” in my application?
  A: While difficult to show on paper, you can describe instances where your empathy led to successful outcomes with children or parents. In an interview, actively listen and show genuine understanding of potential scenarios.
• Q: What does “immediate start” imply, and how flexible is this?
  A: “Immediate start” suggests the school has an urgent need for this position. If you have a notice period at a current role, it’s wise to mention your earliest possible start date in your application to manage expectations.
• Q: What is the “Phoenix Centre” mentioned in the responsibilities?
  A: While not detailed in the advert, the Phoenix Centre likely refers to a dedicated support or learning difficulties department within the school, indicating a structured approach to inclusive education and specialist support services.
• Q: How can I stand out as a preferred candidate for this post?
  A: Emphasise your proactive approach to prevention and early intervention, provide concrete examples of successful interdisciplinary collaboration, and clearly demonstrate your ability to manage the administrative aspects of a freelance role efficiently. Your commitment to the school’s diverse environment will also be valued.

You can find the original vacancy for this Speech Therapist role on the ISASA website.

For more teaching jobs, you can explore further opportunities.