Occupational Therapist Grade 1 to 3 (5/8th) (Permanent position)

This permanent, part-time Occupational Therapist post is based at New Somerset Hospital under the Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services within the Western Cape Department of Health. The role is graded according to the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) for therapists, with three possible grades depending on the successful candidate’s years of relevant experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The position operates on a 5/8th basis, meaning the working hours are reduced to five-eighths of a full-time schedule, while still offering the standard government service benefits such as a 13th cheque, pension fund contributions, and housing and medical aid allowances.

The core function of this role is to provide comprehensive occupational therapy services within a mental health environment. The therapist will be responsible for conducting thorough assessments of patients, then planning, implementing, and evaluating individualised treatment programmes. This includes performing school and home visits to assess patients in their natural environments, as well as attending ward rounds, multidisciplinary team meetings, and joint team assessments. A key part of the work involves developing therapeutic resources to support interventions, liaising closely with the broader multidisciplinary team, and making referrals to various stakeholders while following up on those referrals to ensure continuity of care. Administrative duties are also integral, including report writing, maintaining patient file entries, capturing daily statistics, managing materials and equipment, and ordering stock. The therapist is expected to participate in academic activities and departmental training to contribute to the professional development of the unit.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as an Occupational Therapist. Registration with the HPCSA is a mandatory requirement, though there is a concession for first-time applicants who have applied for registration and submitted proof of payment of the prescribed fees before the interview date. This concession applies only to health professionals registering for the first time in a specific category, including those changing their registration status. Experience requirements vary by grade: Grade 1 requires no experience after registration, except for foreign-qualified applicants who are not required to perform community service in South Africa, who need at least one year of relevant experience. Grade 2 demands a minimum of ten years of relevant experience post-registration (eleven years for foreign-qualified individuals), while Grade 3 requires twenty years (twenty-one for foreign-qualified). The post also demands specific competencies, including knowledge of applicable health legislation, relevant acts, and public service policies, as well as appropriate mental health experience. An understanding of evidence-based practice and familiarity with the Psychiatric Rehabilitation (PSR) model in a mental health setting is essential. Strong communication, organisational, and planning skills, along with computer literacy, are also required.

This position offers an opportunity to work within a specialised hospital setting, contributing to the rehabilitation and care of mental health patients. The reduced hours may suit candidates seeking a balanced work schedule while still engaging in meaningful clinical work. The Western Cape Department of Health is committed to providing quality healthcare services, and this role is integral to that mission. Interested applicants should note that the post is permanent, and the salary package is aligned with the OSD grades as advertised. Enquiries can be directed to the contact person listed in the vacancy notice.