REGISTERED COUNSELLOR GRADE 1 – 3 [MENTAL HEALTH] – [CONTRACT UP TO 31ST MARCH 2027]

This position offers an opportunity for a registered trauma counsellor to deliver essential mental health services within a South African provincial health department. The role is a fixed-term contract appointment, graded at the Registered Counsellor levels 1 through 3, and is based in the mental health unit. The successful candidate will work as part of an integrated psychological service, providing direct care to patients while also contributing to broader community mental health initiatives. This is not a purely clinical role; it requires a proactive approach to outreach, programme development, and collaboration with other health professionals across multiple platforms.

Applicants must hold appropriate qualifications and be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Registered Trauma Counsellor, with current registration maintained. The appointment level depends on post-registration experience: Grade 1 is open to those with no experience after registration, Grade 2 requires a minimum of eight years of appropriate experience with supervisory and training skills, and Grade 3 requires a minimum of sixteen years of appropriate experience with supervisory and training skills. Beyond the clinical qualification, the role demands strong problem-solving abilities, excellent report writing skills, and administrative competence. Computer literacy is essential, including proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as familiarity with virtual meeting platforms. A valid driver’s licence and a willingness to travel are also required, as the role involves outreach to peripheral district clinics.

The core duties revolve around delivering an integrated psychological service. This includes providing trauma and supportive counselling to patients, screening individuals for psychological needs, and referring them to a clinical psychologist for therapeutic intervention where appropriate. The counsellor will also offer psychoeducation to patients and their families, helping them understand mental health conditions and coping strategies. Liaising with other professionals in the multidisciplinary team is a key responsibility, ensuring that patient management is coordinated and that psychological issues are addressed within the broader care plan. Community psychology involvement is another central component, with the counsellor expected to conduct outreach to peripheral district clinics, perform screening and counselling at these sites, and refer patients to other professionals for further management. The role also involves developing intervention programmes based on the needs profiles of the communities served, and implementing community-based interventions proactively rather than reactively.

The ideal candidate will exercise the highest degree of skill, care, and diligence expected of a professional within their scope of practice. A bio psychosocial approach must be adopted, taking into account the patient’s current medical and mental health status in all interactions. This position is well suited to a compassionate and self-driven individual who thrives in multidisciplinary settings and is committed to improving mental health access in underserved areas. As a government post, it is subject to the relevant employment regulations and departmental policies. Interested applicants should note the contract nature of the appointment and ensure they meet all registration and experience criteria before applying. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a counsellor who wishes to make a tangible difference in community mental health care.