Occupational Therapist at Gauteng Department of Health

Requirements :

• An appropriate qualification that allows for the required registration with the HPCSA as an Occupational Therapist. Current registration with the HPCSA as independent practitioner.
• Experience: Grade 1: None after registration with the HPCSA as Occupational Therapist in respect of SA qualified employees.
• Grade 2: A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience after registration with the HPCSA as Occupational Therapist in respect of SA qualified employees.
• Grade 3: A minimum of 20 years’ relevant experience after registration with the HPCSA as Occupational Therapist in respect of SA qualified employees. A valid (Code B/EB) driver’s licence. Competencies (knowledge/skills/attributes/abilities): Sound knowledge of occupational therapy practice and ethos. Good clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge on scope of practice, ethical codes and relevant health legislation, policies and acts. Good organisation and time management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal relations. Basic supervisory skills. Understanding evidence-based practice, community mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation services.
• Computer literate. Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary context. Knowledge of comorbid physical conditions, the impact on function, including mental health. Willingness to occasionally perform duties after hours, e.g., for campaigns.

Duties :

• Within the scope of occupational therapy, provide specialist level mental health care, treatment and rehabilitation to clients of all age groups (prevention and early detection, the promotion of mental health and wellbeing, to minimize long-term effects of mental illness/conditions and ensure re-integration into the community). Within scope of practice, develop and implement community-based mental health occupational therapy rehabilitation services for mental health care users of all ages, applying appropriate OT treatment modalities (individual sessions, groups, projects, and home/work visits) for mental health care users. Establish and maintain referral pathways to promote a seamless delivery of integrated mental health care services.
• Mental health promotion and prevention initiatives: Conduct mental health awareness, promotion and prevention initiatives that focus on the promotion and enhancement of psychosocial wellbeing for individuals, families, groups and communities, including community projects and support groups. Risk identification through screening, functional assessment and psychosocial programs with individuals, groups and the community, to enhance equal opportunities for personal and occupational engagement as part of the Clinical Community Psychiatric Team (CCPT), will be working closely with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs, government departments, WBPHCOT to do screening, early identification and awareness for mental health and substance problems.
• Responsible for capacity building of PHC staff, and communities on mental health and substance use related issues. Establish and maintain partnerships and intersectoral collaboration with relevant stakeholders to the benefit of mental health care users and their communities, including Traditional Health Practitioners, faith organisations and NGOs. Maintain up to date and accurate clinical records and daily statistics and write reports. Implementation of departmental policies and procedures. Ensure continued professional development by keeping abreast with the latest developments in the field.

Closing Date : 26-06-2026