CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST [GRADE 1 – 3] = 4 POSTS

The Limpopo Department of Health is advertising four Clinical Psychologist posts at the Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 level, based on the successful applicant’s years of relevant experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. These positions are based at four district hospitals: Dilokong Hospital, Mecklenburg Hospital, Ellisras Hospital, and Malamulele Hospital. Each hospital has one vacancy, and the roles form part of the department’s broader effort to strengthen mental health services at the district and regional hospital level. The position is OSD-graded, offering a competitive public service salary package that is supplemented by a rural allowance for those serving in these areas.

Applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows them to register with the HPCSA as a Psychologist, and they must have current, active registration with the HPCSA in that category. Those applying at Grade 1 do not need post-registration experience, while Grade 2 requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience as a Clinical Psychologist after registration, and Grade 3 requires at least sixteen years. In addition to clinical credentials, candidates need to be computer literate in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and should be comfortable using virtual meeting platforms. A valid driver’s licence is an inherent requirement of the job, as the role includes community outreach and liaison duties that may require travel.

In terms of knowledge and skills, the department is looking for professionals with sound clinical expertise in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and counselling, along with strong analytical report-writing abilities. Successful candidates must be familiar with current health and public service legislation, regulations, and policies, and must demonstrate a solid understanding of professional ethics. Additional competencies include IT, research, teaching, time management, and training skills, as the role involves supporting the development of primary health care professionals.

The key performance areas of the post are wide-ranging. The Clinical Psychologist will provide psychological service delivery at the hospital level, working directly with patients and supporting the broader mental health care team. They will participate in hospital teams and committees, contribute to hospital activities related to mental health, and supervise the work of psychometrists based at the facility. The role also includes implementing community outreach programmes, which requires engagement with the surrounding communities and collaboration with other hospital departments. The incumbent will liaise closely with psychiatric services within the hospital to ensure continuity of care for patients with more complex mental health needs, and will assist in training primary health care professionals. These responsibilities demand a combination of clinical, administrative, supervisory, and educational skills, and the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping mental health service delivery in a hospital settingainer and the broader public health system. The department encourages suitably qualified candidates to apply for these positions, noting that appointment will be subject to verification of qualifications, registration with the HPCSA, and other relevant pre-employment checks. These posts offer a meaningful opportunity for clinical psychologists to contribute to public health care in a rural or semi-rural setting, with the added financial recognition of a rural allowance.