Chief Occupational Therapist at Gauteng Department of Health

Requirements :

• A degree in occupational therapy. Completion of community service in occupational therapy. Registration with the Health Profession’s Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an occupational therapist with independent practitioner status, plus proof of current registration for the period 2026/27.
• A minimum of 3 years appropriate experience (excluding community service), of which 2 years should include supervisory experience.
• Experience in rehabilitation of Paediatric conditions. Postgraduate qualification in paediatrics- certification in neonatal therapy, Sensory integration or neurodevelopmental therapy preferred. Knowledge, skills and competencies required: Computer literacy (Ms Word, Ms Excel). Knowledge of the public service legislations, policies and procedures. Good written and communication skills. Supervisory, planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Knowledge of budget planning as well as the Public Finance and Management Act. Preference will be given to candidates with supervisory or management experience, post-graduate qualification diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy will be an added advantage, candidates with proven experience in acute clinical care setting and the supervision of Occupational Therapists, Mid-level workers and students. Experience in a public service hospital would be an advantage.

Duties :

• Manage (plan, coordinate and implement) the occupational therapy services in sub-section and manage own patient load. Provide leadership in an adult physical sub-section. Provide expert advice on complicated clinical physical conditions and assistive devices.
• Co-ordinate all relevant meetings effectively, taking on a leadership role. In the absence of the head of department, the chief occupational therapist is expected to attend relevant meetings and assume relevant functions of the HOD. Monitor, motivate for and procure equipment and other resources. Promote and implement ongoing research/projects in the sub-section. Assist with implementing and monitoring effective record keeping, accurate statistics collection and analysis, and high standards of quality assurance. Supervise and manage performance of production level therapists, community service therapists, OT Technician and students.
• Ensure teaching and skills transference. Monitor proper utilization of human and material resources in the sub-section. Work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team. Manage and implement consultation services to cluster facilities. Manage down-referrals of occupational therapy patients.
• Communicate effectively with all colleagues, subordinates and relevant stakeholders. Contribute to departmental planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluating. Manage finances in alignment with the demand plan.
• Develop an annual operational plan for the paediatric sub-section. Submit monthly reports to the HOD. Ensure compliance with the ideal Hospital Framework in the occupational therapy department. Develop and implement guidelines and protocols in line with National and Provincial strategies.

Closing Date : 21-08-2026