In association with Farah
The employment discourse in recent years highlights the current generation's need for meaningful work. Granted, remuneration, terms and benefits remain a major topic, and comparisons of happy hour and give-and-a-bite between different companies will remain a spicy topic of conversation. But more and more Israelis find themselves searching for a role in which they feel valuable and which they will experience as a contribution to society.
One of the most satisfying areas attracting more and more young people is the world of special education. Working with children and adults with various disabilities requires compassion, patience and a deep understanding of their unique needs. At the same time, this is not a simple job that includes daily challenges and emotional coping.
Moshe Stein, CEO and founder of the Farah Network, one of Israel's largest special education networks, talks about the young people who come to the field:
When I go down to visit one of our frameworks, I see the people in their eyes. You have to understand – the people who go to work in special education come to the job with an inner fire.
Young people don't come to this field to come home at two o'clock in the afternoon, drop a pen at the end of the day, or make an exit. I meet teachers and therapists with the belief that they are doing true missions, with genuine concern for their students and a desire to be part of their development. In my humble opinion, this is the elite of the current generation and we are busy every day finding additional professionals like this, with the same passion and sense of mission.
Working with children with disabilities encompasses a wide range of meaningful careers. Whether it is providing special education, therapy, technological assistance or emotional support, professionals in this field contribute to the growth, development and well-being of students. Their dedication and expertise have a profound impact on the lives of children with disabilities, helping them overcome challenges, reach their potential and lead fulfilling lives.
For the benefit of readers considering entering the field, here are four key roles.
Photo: Hannah Taib,
Special Education Teacher:
If for a "regular" student a good teacher is a teacher for life, for special education students the issue is doubly critical. Special education teachers play a central role in the lives of children with disabilities.
They design and implement individual educational programs tailored to the specific needs of each student – as teachers, they meet students throughout the day, at the highs and lows. These professionals, academics by training, evaluate students' abilities, provide curricular guidance, develop social skills among students, and collaborate with parents, caregivers, and other educators to ensure comprehensive support.
Physiotherapist:
Michal Levy, a physiotherapist at the Farah chain, says about the role: "After my son was diagnosed with autism, I decided to get to know this world, the world of special education. I chose physical therapy because I wanted to work with people – visiting them at home, seeing how they lived, and helping. I recommend the job to those who feel they love the field, and to those who feel they come from a mission."
Photo: Hannah Taib,
Physiotherapists focus on improving children's gross motor skills, balance and mobility. They develop physical activity programs and therapeutic interventions to address physical limitations caused by disabilities. Physiotherapists collaborate with families and other healthcare professionals to help children build strength, coordination and flexibility, allowing them to fully participate in daily activities.
Photo: Hannah Taib,
Occupational Therapist:
Occupational therapists work with children to improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and daily life skills. They employ different techniques and therapeutic activities to promote independence and help children overcome barriers in their daily lives. These professionals assess functional abilities, develop personalized treatment plans, and enable interventions to improve the overall quality of life of children with disabilities. Occupational therapists.
Speech therapists:
Speech therapists specialize in treating communication and language disorders in children. This is one of the most fascinating and sought-after positions in the field today. Haviva Cohen, a speech therapist at the Farah network, says: "When I thought about what I wanted to work on, it was important to me to have a therapeutic profession that is satisfying and giving, and that includes the possibility of advancing the other, and especially the advancement of children."
Photo: Hannah Taib,
At Farah Network, they assess speech and language abilities, diagnose communication disorders, work on proper eating, strengthen the muscles of the mouth to enable pronunciation and clear speech, and create tailored treatment plans. All these help to improve communication skills and support children to express themselves effectively. Haviva shares: "I was part of the treatment of a girl's case, which was very complex, made almost no progress. The girl experienced difficulties in communication, eating. Suddenly, after one treatment, she experienced a big jump in progress, and it gives a sense of satisfaction and fun."
Photo: Hannah Taib,
And which of the roles is most worthwhile?
Moshe Stein explains: There is no single position that is worthwhile – all these positions are required, and at any given moment there are vacancies in these positions. Some positions require a relevant and dedicated degree (such as speech therapy), others require professional training and experience. What they all have in common – the satisfaction, and the real contribution to the children's lives.
Due to the expansion of the Farah network, it is currently recruiting therapists in the following professions: speech therapy, occupational therapy, social work, physiotherapy, assistants, and more.
To many places throughout the country: Tiberias, Harish, Be'er Yaakov, Elad, Tel Aviv, Rosh HaAyin, Gush Etzion, Samaria, Yavneh, Nes Ziona, Beitar Illit.
Send your CV: korot@orchot.org.il
In association with Farah