PHYSIOTHERAPIST (X1 POST)

This is a professional physiotherapy vacancy based at the Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital in Howick, offering an opportunity for a qualified and registered physiotherapist to work within a specialised mental health setting. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team delivering physiotherapy services to Mental Health Care Users who present with a range of intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as acute, sub-acute and chronic conditions requiring therapeutic intervention. The role requires a sound understanding of physiotherapy techniques and practices, and involves clinical assessment, appropriate treatment planning, and the implementation of both individual and group programmes where possible. Working within the hospital’s broader rehabilitation framework, the physiotherapist will also link with outside service providers, NGOs and organisations for people with disabilities to support comprehensive holistic care.

Applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, a degree in Physiotherapy, and current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a qualified physiotherapist. For South African qualified employees who have completed one year of community service, no post-registration experience is required. Foreign qualified employees, who are not required to perform community service, must have at least one year of relevant experience after registration with the HPCSA in the relevant profession. Computer literacy is essential. The role demands strong clinical reasoning, the ability to plan and implement treatment programmes based on patient needs, and practical knowledge of ethical conduct, Batho Pele principles, the Disability Rights Charter and evidence-based physiotherapy policies. Candidates should have good written and verbal communication, strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency and the ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team. Knowledge of the scope of practice and referral criteria for other disciplines, as well as insight into community-based rehabilitation, is also required. Additional skills include the ability to organise and manage human and material resources, lateral thinking, creativity, independence, and the capacity to assess the need for assistive and mobility devices.

The main duties include assessing and managing Mental Health Care Users requiring physiotherapy, attending regular ward rounds, maintaining up-to-date clinical records and daily statistics, and generating reports as required. The post holder will participate in the implementation of the employee performance management system for junior staff and will provide guidance and supervision to junior staff, physiotherapy technicians and students. Responsibilities also extend to departmental planning, including human resource and equipment requirements such as procurement plans, and to quality assurance activities such as identifying, planning and monitoring quality improvement projects, participating in peer review and clinical audits, and assisting with the development of standard operating procedures and risk management plans. General administrative duties include monthly stock takes, ordering stock and non-stock items, and submitting job requests. The physiotherapist must function effectively within the multidisciplinary team and help ensure the delivery of a quality physiotherapy service based on Batho Pele principles, human rights ethics and HPCSA guidelines, with due consideration for people with disabilities.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The appointment is subject to a positive outcome from the National Intelligence Agency checks, including security clearance, credit records, qualification verification, citizenship and previous employment verification. All shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise relating to the post’s technical and generic requirements, and an integrity assessment. Receipt of applications will not be acknowledged, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. Candidates invited for interviews are advised that no subsistence and travel claims will be paid.