Senior Administrative Officer: Support Services (Mental Health Review Board) (Permanent position)

This permanent Senior Administrative Officer post sits within the Directorate: Assurance (Specialised Hospital) and provides dedicated support services to the Mental Health Review Board (MHRB) in the Western Cape. The role is central to ensuring that the Board functions smoothly and efficiently, with the incumbent acting as the technical and logistical anchor for its operations. This includes co-ordinating the full range of the Board’s functions and services, from organising meetings and processes to ensuring that all stakeholders have the information and support they need. The position also serves as a bridge between the Board and mental health care professionals, document coordinators and external organisations, which calls for clear, professional communication, proactive liaison and the ability to deliver training where required. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining information management systems that support accurate data-capturing and the production of reliable reports, as well as managing the resources allocated to the support function.

To be considered, applicants need an appropriate three-year National Diploma or Degree in administration, procurement, business, health, or an equivalent qualification. The role further requires relevant experience in general office administration or business management, together with specific experience in health administration. Beyond these formal qualifications, the position demands sound working knowledge of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape’s functions and duties, a thorough understanding of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 and its Regulations, and familiarity with key government prescripts and frameworks such as the PFMA, PAIA, POPIA, the Public Service Act and Regulations, the National Archives Act, the Batho Pele Principles and the Patients’ Rights Charter. Candidates must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, as well as strong writing and grammatical ability, since editing and formulating documents is a regular part of the work. The ability to work independently with confidence, remain client- and task-focused, and build effective teams both within and beyond the Mental Health Review Board is essential. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Office365, along with experience in creating and maintaining databases, is also required.

An unendorsed Code B/EB driver’s licence is an inherent requirement, and the incumbent must be willing to travel throughout the Western Cape as part of the duties. This reflects the need to engage directly with facilities, professionals and stakeholders across the province. The post is graded in the administrative officer stream and offers a typical annual salary package with service benefits such as a 13th cheque, pension fund contributions, and allowances for housing and medical aid, as per government conditions. This is a full-time, permanent appointment, so those interested should be prepared for a stable but demanding role that requires both operational rigour and a genuine commitment to supporting mental health governance. The position is based within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, and the selection process will prioritise candidates who can demonstrate the full blend of administrative expertise, health-sector awareness and regulatory knowledge outlined above. Given the sensitive nature of the Board’s work, attention to detail, discretion and a methodical approach to record-keeping and reporting are just as important as the formal qualifications.