Medical Specialist Grade 1 to 3 (Psychiatry) (Permanent position)

This permanent position offers a senior psychiatrist the opportunity to join the Department of Psychiatry at Groote Schuur Hospital, a major academic teaching hospital in Cape Town. The role is graded at Medical Specialist Level 1, 2, or 3, depending on the candidate’s years of post-registration experience, and forms part of the hospital’s broader mental health service delivery across both inpatient and outpatient settings. The successful appointee will take on a leadership role within the Klipfontein mental health district, providing clinical oversight and strategic direction for the in- and out-patient components of that service, while also managing the Psychiatry Out-patients department and the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) service at Groote Schuur Hospital itself. This is a multifaceted position that combines direct clinical care with teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities, and it requires close collaboration with the Head of Department and the Head of Clinical Unit to ensure the overall service meets its obligations, including representing the department at the hospital’s clinical governance forums.

Applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Specialist in Psychiatry. For Grade 1, no post-registration experience is required. Grade 2 demands a minimum of five years of appropriate experience as a Medical Specialist in Psychiatry after registration, while Grade 3 requires at least ten years of such experience. Registration with the HPCSA is a core requirement, but there is a specific concession: candidates who do not yet hold the stipulated registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed fees to the relevant council on or before the day of the interview. This concession applies only to health professionals applying for the first time for registration in a specific category, including those who need to change their registration status.

The duties are extensive. The specialist will be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across both inpatient and outpatient settings, with sound clinical knowledge and judgement. They will lead and coordinate a multi-disciplinary team, requiring strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills. Teaching and supervision of junior staff, including registrars and medical students, is a key component, as is involvement in research and clinical audit activities. The role also demands effective administration of clinical records and patient reports, and a working knowledge of the Mental Health Care Act is essential. The appointee must be able to critically appraise and conduct applied clinical research, and represent the department at multi-disciplinary and clinical governance forums.

Compulsory commuted overtime is an inherent requirement of the job, and the successful candidate will participate in a system of remunerated commuted overtime. The remuneration package is structured according to the OSD (Occupational Specific Dispensation) for medical specialists, with a portion of the package flexible to suit individual needs. The position is based at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory, Cape Town. Candidates are reminded to attach an updated CV when applying. This is an excellent opportunity for a psychiatrist seeking a challenging academic and clinical leadership role within a leading public healthcare institution.