CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST [GRADE 1 – 3] = 4 POSTS

This is a fully registered clinical psychologist position within the Limpopo Department of Health, offered at Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 level depending on the candidate’s years of post-registration experience. Four separate posts are available across four district hospitals: Dilokong, Mecklenburg, Ellisras, and Malamulele. The role is an Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) appointment, meaning that progression and grading are tied to recognised experience. Successful candidates will be expected to work as part of the hospital’s mental health teamainer, with a strong focus on direct patient care, clinical supervision, and interdepartmental collaboration.

Applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a psychologist, and they must currently be registered as such. For entry at Grade 1, no post-registration experience is needed, making this an attractive option for recently qualified clinical psychologists. Grade 2 requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience after registration, while Grade 3 requires at least sixteen years. All candidates need to be computer literate, including proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platformsebb. A valid driver’s licence is a non-negotiable inherent requirement. Beyond these formal qualifications, the department is looking for individuals with sound clinical knowledge in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and counselling. Strong analytical report-writing skills are essential, as is familiarity with current health and public service legislation, regulations, and policies. A thorough understanding of professional ethics, alongside skills in IT, research, teaching, time management, and training, will also be expected.

The core duties involve delivering a full psychological service at hospital level, which means conducting assessments, providing therapy, and offering counselling to patients across a range of settings. The post holder will participate actively in hospital teams and committees, supporting all mental health-related activities. Supervision of psychometrists working in the hospital is a specific responsibility, so the incumbent must be able to guide and oversee their work. Beyond the hospital walls, the role includes implementing community outreach programmes, which reflects the department’s commitment to mental health promotion in the surrounding communities. The psychologist will also liaise with various hospital departments and with the psychiatric services in the hospital, ensuring continuity of care for patients needing specialised input. Another important duty is assisting in the training of primary health care professionals, sharing knowledge and skills to strengthen mental health awareness and care at the primary level.

These positions are based at rural hospitals, and as such, a PSCBC rural allowance is payable. The advertised package is competitive and commences at the relevant grade notch. Interested applicants must note that separate application routes apply for each hospital, so it is important to indicate the specific centre of preference. Given the rural setting, flexibility, community orientation, and the ability to work independently are valuable traits. This is a meaningful opportunity for clinical psychologists who wish to make a tangible impact on mental health services in public hospitals, while also developing supervisory, training, and community engagement experience within a structured OSD career path. Candidates must ensure their HPCSA registration is up to date and that they meet the experience thresholds for the grade they are applying for. The department is expected to prioritise equity and representivity in line with its employment equity plan, and all shortlisted candidates will need to bring the required documentation for verification. This summary captures the full scope of the role, so prospective applicants should read it alongside the official salary package and closing date as advertised.