About the Role
The Forensic Pathology Service is looking for dedicated Medical Officers Grade 1 to 3 to join their esteemed team at the Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (OFPI) in Cape Town. This vital role involves performing medico-legal post-mortem examinations, where your expertise will help uncover the truth behind unnatural deaths. As a Medical Officer, you will play an essential part in ensuring justice for the community, providing clarity and closure to families while upholding the highest standards of public service.
In this position, you will engage in various responsibilities, including compiling post-mortem reports and providing expert testimony in court. Your work will contribute significantly to the integrity of the forensic pathology field in South Africa, ensuring that the causes of death are documented accurately and that justice prevails. This role not only offers a rewarding career in government jobs but also provides an opportunity to make a real difference in society.
About the Department
The Forensic Pathology Service operates under the Department of Health, focusing on delivering essential medico-legal services, which include conducting post-mortem examinations and providing expert forensic evidence. This department is dedicated to ensuring that the principles of justice and public health are upheld, making it a meaningful place to work. Employees are at the forefront of forensic investigations, contributing to public safety and the legal system in South Africa.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct medico-legal post-mortem examinations.
- Complete all necessary investigations and documentation related to post-mortems.
- Finalize post-mortem reports within a 12-week turnaround period.
- Provide clear conclusions on causes of death based on ancillary investigation reports.
- Offer expert testimony in court regarding autopsy cases.
- Assist with the teaching and training of medical and forensic students.
- Support clinical units and medical specialists within the department.
What You’ll Need
- An appropriate qualification enabling registration as a Medical Practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- For Grade 1: No post-registration experience required for South African qualified candidates; 1 year for foreign qualified applicants.
- For Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience post-registration for South African qualified candidates; 6 years for foreign qualified applicants.
- For Grade 3: A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience post-registration for South African qualified candidates; 11 years for foreign qualified applicants.
- A valid Code B/EB driver’s license and ability to operate various vehicles.
- Experience in trauma-related cases and knowledge of forensic pathology service operations.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to teach and guide others.
- Competence in producing accurate medico-legal documentation and functioning under high-stress conditions.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via the application instructions below.
Requirements
Minimum educational qualification: Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner.Registration with a professional council: Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner.
Experience: Grade 1: None after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees.
1-year relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees.
6 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
Grade 3: A minimum of 10 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA in respect of SA qualified employees.
11 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
Inherent requirements of the job: Valid Code B/EB driver's license and ability to drive manual and automatic cars and bakkies.
Appropriate experience in trauma related cases.
Knowledge of the functioning of Forensic Pathology Service as defined in the Regulations for Rendering of 173 Forensic Pathology Service.
Exposure to Post-mortems, autopsy work and dissection.
Ability and willingness to perform duties outside of normal working hours and away from base of employment.
Able to deliver expert testimony in court proceedings clearly and provide opinions to prosecutors and investigators.
Competencies (knowledge/skills): Above-average computer and software literacy and knowledge of MS Office.
Above average ability to communicate clearly and discreetly in person and in writing.
Ability to teach post graduate students, Forensic Pathology Officers and guide administrative support staff in post-mortem services and related activities.
Good interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of effective service delivery in a public health context.
Basic Knowledge of forensic toxicology, histopathology and ancillary forensic investigation processes.
Ability to produce accurate, legally defensible medico-legal documentation.
Very good administration and file management skills.
Ability to prepare and register to write Diploma in Forensic Pathology within stipulated timeframes.
Ability to function in high stress environments with challenging workloads.
Ability to perform medico-legal autopsies in the examination of unnatural death admissions.
Job Duties
To perform medico-legal post-mortem examinations, complete all related investigations and documentation, and finalise post-mortem reports within a 12-week turnaround period.Compile and complete post-mortem reports and all related medico-legal documentation accurately and timeously.
Provide conclusion of causes of death based on ancillary investigation reports, as well as efficient expert evidence in court related to all autopsied above cases, including formulating forensic second opinions as requested by the Department of Justice.
Attendance of and examination of incident cases.
Support to the Heads: Clinical Unit and Department, Medical Specialists and Safe Practices.
Personal development and academic contributions: Assist with teaching and training of medical and forensic students, forensic pathology officers in medico-legal autopsies and related investigations.
