Speech Therapists

Perhaps it goes without saying that working in Israel in a speech-related field requires fluent Hebrew. While Hebrew is essential, other languages like English, Russian and Yiddish can be advantageous.

There is a strong demand for speech therapists to work in various areas such as Health funds (Kupot Cholim), hospitals, clinics, special-ed schools, etc.

Places of Employment

Kupot Cholim
Each of the four health funds, Meuchedet, Macabbi, Clalit and Leumit has branches throughout the country. The differences between the health funds lie mainly in the location of their facilities, the types of supplemental policies offered, and additional services offered within the framework of their facilities. Most large cities have a clinic in almost every district. Speech therapists either work in the Kupot or work privately. If you work privately, you can accept Kupot members and get paid per treatment.

Private Practice
When you have a private practice you can see either see patients on a strictly private basis, or, if you have an agreement with a Kupa, you can receive members of health funds and then be reimbursed by the funds. There are many practices that combine the two.

Child Development Centers
Child development centers may be run through Misrad Habriut or private funding. Centers usually offer a range of paramedical, counseling and educational services for children using a multidisciplinary team of speech therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists; in some places, drama or music therapists and social workers are employed as well. Child development centers typically offer therapy in both individual or group therapy formats. For an example of a child development center, see www.machonrakefet.co.il.

Misrad HaChinuch
Schools and special needs institutions employ speech and language therapists. Speech therapists are particularly required in special needs pre-schools.

Knowledge of Hebrew

Since speech therapy is language intensive, a good command of Hebrew is essential. It is strongly advised to study Hebrew before you arrive and then to take Ulpan upon arrival. In addition to regular ulpan, Misrad Haklita offers an ulpan for medical professionals - shlav bet. They will open this class provided there are enough people interested. Be in touch with your branch of Misrad Haklita to find out when the next class will begin.

Even where speech therapists work entirely with English speakers, it is still necessary to deal with the various agencies that make up the Israeli medical network. When you first arrive in Israel, it is worthwhile shadowing an Israeli speech therapist as an opportunity to learn the technical language that you won’t necessarily gain in ulpan.

Finding Work

When you start looking for work, subscribe to local community email lists, where vacancies for therapists are advertised or where you can post a description of the type of work you are looking for.

You can also join the Speech and Language Therapy Association (Ha'Aguda Leklina'ai Tikshoret) where job vacancies are listed:

The Professional Association of Speech Therapists
Ha'Aguda Leklina'ai Tikshoret
POB 2848
Petach Tikva 49127
Tel: 03 924 8358
Fax: 03 921 7815
www.ishla.org.il.

Another way to identify job openings is to directly contact your local health funds or local hospitals and speak to the department head of Speech Therapy.

The government employment bureau for academics, known as the Bureau for the Placement of Professionals (Lishka Le Ta'asukat Acadama'im), provides information about job openings. In Jerusalem, go to:

Lishkat Taasuka
5th Floor of (new) Central Bus Station, Jerusalem
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, 8:30 – 11:30 AM and 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Monday, Wednesday, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Phone: 02 501 3111
Etti and Bilha speak English.

For a full listing of Lishkat Taasuka locations throughout Israel, see http://www.taasuka.gov.il/branches.asp.

In addition, the Ministry of Education might be contacted regarding positions for speech therapists both in regular and special education schools.

Finally, word of mouth is often one of the best sources of job leads. Don't hesitate to let everyone you can know that you are seeking work, and follow up on any leads they may offer. Many positions are filled without ever being advertised.

License Recognition

Following a recent ruling of the Israeli Supreme Court, the Ministry of Health is  not allowed to process the licensing of speech therapists. This situation will continue until the relevant medical licensing laws are amended.

In the current situation, medical institutions have been employing individuals holding foreign licenses. Practically, this ruling has not affected the employment of medical professionals who make Aliyah. Most medical professionals who have made Aliyah since this ruling was instituted, are currently employed.

When you make Aliyah, bring the following documentation with you, so that you will be able to apply for Israeli licensing once this situation is resolved. All of these documents will eventually need to be notarized and translated by an Israeli notary. However, we recommend bringing them now, but waiting to notarize and translate them until it becomes relevant (in case further changes to the process are made).

• All original diplomas (or letter from the dean of the faculty indicating that you completed your studies and are entitled to a diploma)..
• Valid license.
• Documentation from ASHA indicating that you completed all necessary exams.
• An application form.
• Teudat Zehut (Israeli identity card).
• 3 passport photos.
• Official document confirming the start and end date of studies.
• Official document confirming completion of the specified period of practical work.
• Valid license.
• Official documents confirming clinical work in hospitals or medical institutions.
• Letter(s) of "Good Standing" from the appropriate professional boards.

Once the Supreme Court issues a ruling, it is likely that there will be a written and practical licensing exam.

Recognition of Diplomas through Misrad Hachinuch

If you intend to work in any public institution including schools or hospitals, you must have all of your academic diplomas recognized by Misrad Hachinuch (Ministry of Education) for salary assessment purposes. When you work in a public institution, your salary is partially based on your level of education. See Recognition of Academic Degrees.

A special thank you to Gabrielle Hodes, registered speech therapist, for her professional contributions.