REGISTERED COUNSELLOR GRADE 1 – 3 [MENTAL HEALTH] – [CONTRACT UP TO 31ST MARCH 2027]

This position offers an opportunity for a qualified and compassionate mental health professional to contribute to public healthcare within a provincial health department in Limpopo. The role is a contract appointment running until 31 March 2027, and is structured as a Registered Counsellor Grade 1 to Grade 3 post within the mental health stream. The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team delivering an integrated psychological service to patients, with a strong emphasis on trauma and supportive counselling. The work is not limited to the main facility; it includes community psychology involvement, outreach to peripheral district clinics, and proactive implementation of intervention programmes tailored to the needs of specific communities. This is a hands-on clinical role that also requires collaboration, leadership, and the ability to work across various platforms and settings.

Applicants must hold appropriate qualifications and be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Registered Trauma Counsellor, with current registration maintained. The grade at which the successful candidate is appointed depends on years of appropriate experience after registration. Grade 1 requires no prior experience, while Grade 2 calls for a minimum of eight years of relevant experience, and Grade 3 requires at least sixteen years, with supervisory and training skills expected at the higher grades. Beyond formal qualifications, the role demands strong problem-solving abilities, excellent report writing skills, and the capacity to work effectively within integrated multi-disciplinary teams. Computer literacy is essential, including proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as familiarity with virtual meeting platforms. A valid driver’s licence and a willingness to travel are also required, given the outreach component of the post.

The core duties revolve around providing an integrated psychological service. This includes offering trauma and supportive counselling to patients, screening individuals and referring them to a clinical psychologist for therapeutic intervention where appropriate, and providing psychoeducation to patients and their families. The counsellor will liaise with other professionals in the multidisciplinary team regarding patient management and psychological issues, ensuring a coordinated approach to care. Community psychology involvement is a key aspect, with outreach to peripheral district clinics for screening and counselling, followed by referral to other professionals for further management. The role also involves developing intervention programmes based on needs profiles and implementing proactive, community-based interventions.

The ideal candidate will exercise the highest degree of skill, care and diligence expected of a professional within the scope of practice, and must adopt a bio-psychosocial approach that takes into account the patient’s current medical and mental health context. This is a demanding but rewarding position for a registered trauma counsellor who is committed to public service, community engagement, and the delivery of quality mental health support. The post is advertised with a specific reference number and closing date, and applications are to be submitted through the provincial e-recruitment system. The salary is determined according to the applicable grade and OSD provisions, and the appointment is subject to the contract period ending on 31 March 2027.