DIRECTOR: FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH

This position offers a senior leadership opportunity within the National Department of Health, situated in the Non-Communicable Diseases directorate and based in Pretoria. Appointed on a 12-month contract, the Director for Forensic Mental Health will provide strategic direction and oversight for the department’s forensic mental health services, ensuring alignment with South Africa’s legal and human rights frameworks. The role operates at the intersection of healthcare and the criminal justice system, requiring close collaboration with national and provincial stakeholders, statutory bodies, and other government departments to deliver effective care, treatment, and rehabilitation for State patients and mentally ill prisoners.

Candidates must hold a Grade 12 certificate and an appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification in a mental health-related profession, such as medicine, psychiatric nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, or social work, recognised by SAQA. Registration with the relevant statutory council as a mental health practitioner is compulsory, and a postgraduate qualification in psychiatry or another related mental health specialisation will be advantageous. At least five years of experience at middle or senior managerial level within forensic mental health is required, together with demonstrable experience in the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of State patients and mentally ill prisoners as outlined in the Mental Health Act. Practical familiarity with evaluations and assessments under sections 77, 78, and 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act, section 11 of the Child Justice Act, and the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act is essential. The successful candidate will also need sound knowledge of health legislation, policies, systems, and research, as well as strong leadership, financial management, human resource management, communication, facilitation, planning, problem-solving, and computer skills. A valid driver’s licence and an SMS pre-entry certificate, required for final appointment, are also prerequisites.

The core duties are broad and strategic. The Director will process, monitor, and ensure departmental compliance with legislative mandates, while developing legislation, policies, guidelines, and programmes for forensic mental health services. This includes designing training programmes for psychiatrists and clinical psychologists on legal mandates, ensuring adequate and appropriate infrastructure, and developing and seeking approval for proposals to increase mental observation beds in psychiatric hospitals. The role involves consulting provinces on bed requirements, maintaining information management systems for forensic mental health and State patient movements, and facilitating intersectoral and interdepartmental collaboration. Additionally, the Director will serve on the Director-General’s Child Justice Committee and the Development Committee of the Criminal Justice system, and participate in human rights oversight for involuntarily detained persons.

Shortlisted candidates, including SMS applicants, will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, followed by psychometric assessments for up to three finalists. Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 form, accompanied by a comprehensive CV, with certified documents only requested at the final selection phase. By applying, candidates consent to the processing of personal information under POPIA. The department reserves the right not to fill the post.