PHYSIOTHERAPIST GRADE 1 TO 3

This is a professionally graded physiotherapy position based at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory, one of South Africa’s leading tertiary academic hospitals. The post is open to applicants at Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 level, depending on their years of relevant experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The role sits within a busy acute and specialist hospital environment, where physiotherapists are integral members of multidisciplinary teams delivering care across a broad spectrum of clinical areas. The successful candidate will be expected to function independently while also collaborating closely with doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals to optimise patient outcomes.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as a Physiotherapist, and they must be registered with the council. For Grade 1, no prior experience is required for South African-qualified employees, though foreign-qualified applicants who are exempt from community service need at least one year of relevant post-registration experience. Grade 2 requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience for RSA-qualified employees, or eleven years for foreign-qualified employees. Grade 3 demands twenty years for RSA-qualified staff and twenty-one years for foreign-qualified staff. Inherent to the job is the ability to work after hours for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) calls, as well as a willingness to work overtime when needed. Candidates should also possess sound knowledge of applicable health legislation, public service policies and procedures, and demonstrate strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills. Prior clinical experience in an acute and specialist or tertiary hospital setting is essential, along with the capacity to supervise undergraduate students, work independently, and operate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. The ability to organise and prioritise patient treatments and discharge plans, perform under extreme pressure, and use computers competently is also required.

The core duties involve assessing and treating patients across a wide range of wards and units, including trauma, oncology, maternity, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, acute spinal cord injuries, outpatient departments, medical, surgical, and cardiothoracic wards, as well as high care and intensive care units associated with these areas. The physiotherapist will also be responsible for patient-related and departmental administration, management of assets in the allocated work area, and assisting in the clinical teaching and supervision of undergraduate physiotherapy students. This is a demanding but rewarding role that offers exposure to complex cases and the opportunity to contribute to the training of future professionals.

Importantly, no payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Candidates who do not yet possess the stipulated registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration with the HPCSA 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 must apply for a change in registration status. This makes the position accessible to recent graduates who are in the process of obtaining their registration. The post is advertised under the Public Service Vacancy Circular, and interested individuals are encouraged to review the full application instructions provided in the listing.