PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST GRADE 1: THERAPEUTIC AND COUNSELLING SERVICES

This is a senior psychologist post within the Psychological Services directorate at the National Head Office of the Department of Correctional Services. The Principal Psychologist Grade 1 will be responsible for overseeing and guiding the delivery of therapeutic and counselling services across the correctional system. The role is central to ensuring that offender-focused psychological interventions are professionally sound, evidence-based, and aligned with legislative and departmental mandates. The incumbent will operate at a strategic level, providing clinical leadership to psychologists stationed in regions and correctional centres, while also contributing to policy development, research, and programme evaluation.

To be considered, candidates must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Psychologist in one of the recognised categories, including Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Industrial, or Research Psychology. They must be registered with the HPCSA in one of these categories and have at least three years of appropriate experience as a Clinical Psychologist after registration. Computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence are also required. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in providing therapeutic and counselling services, as well as in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating therapeutic intervention programmes. A thorough understanding of Public Service policies, health legislation, norms and standards, and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is essential, particularly in relation to budget compilation, expenditure estimation, and reporting. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, communication, project management, presentation, and report-writing skills are expected, along with the ability to coach, mentor, and train staff. The role demands competence in stakeholder liaison, negotiation, conflict management, analytical thinking, policy development, and performance information management.

The principal duties include managing therapeutic and counselling services at a national level, providing professional and clinical guidance to psychologists in regions and correctional centres, and developing or reviewing offender-focused therapeutic programmes that address behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning challenges. The post holder will monitor the implementation and outcomes of these programmes nationally, and will conduct and coordinate research into offender treatment, behavioural change, rehabilitation outcomes, and counselling interventions. In addition, the role involves managing human resources, finances, assets, and performance information within the component.

This position is appointed under the Public Service Act and is based at the National Head Office. Enquiries may be directed to the named contact persons, and applicants must note that only online applications are accepted. This is a demanding but rewarding opportunity for an experienced psychologist seeking to influence correctional mental health services at a national level.