Occupational Therapist Grade 1 to 3 (Permanent position)

This permanent Occupational Therapist post, based at the Klipfontein/Mitchells Sub-structure Office, offers an opportunity to work within the Western Cape Department of Health’s rehabilitation services. The role is graded from Grade 1 to Grade 3, meaning appointment can be made at any of these levels depending on the candidate’s years of relevant experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The position carries the usual public service benefits, including a 13th cheque, pension fund contributions, and allowances for housing and medical aid, and is structured as a permanent appointment.

The core purpose of the role is to coordinate and manage occupational therapy services for a designated area within the Metro. This involves taking responsibility for the day-to-day delivery of OT interventions, ensuring that services are appropriate, relevant, and aligned with the broader health system. The post also includes a people management component, with oversight of rehabilitation care workers, students, and volunteers. The successful candidate will be expected to liaise and collaborate with a range of stakeholders, both within the health facility and in the wider community, to ensure integrated care. Clinical duties include screening, assessing, and intervening with patients as required, and linking them to the appropriate levels of care within the health system.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows for registration with the HPCSA as an Occupational Therapist. For South African qualified applicants, Grade 1 requires no experience after registration, while Grade 2 requires a minimum of ten years’ relevant experience and Grade 3 requires twenty years. Foreign qualified applicants who are exempt from performing community service in South Africa need one additional year of experience at each grade level. A valid Code B or EB driver’s licence and a willingness to travel within the Metro are inherent requirements of the job. The ideal candidate will have relevant skills in assessing, developing, and implementing occupational therapy interventions, sound knowledge of national and provincial legislation, and familiarity with Health Care 2030. Experience in student training and supervision is important, as is basic computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a practical assessment. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Candidates who do not yet possess the stipulated registration requirements may still apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration with the relevant council and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees 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. This is a demanding but rewarding role for an occupational therapist looking to make a meaningful impact in public health service delivery.