About the Role
The Free State Psychiatric Complex Hospital is seeking dedicated individuals for the role of Occupational Therapist Grade 1-3. This position is based in the heart of the Free State and plays a crucial part in delivering high-quality occupational therapy services to both adult and paediatric patients who are dealing with various physical and psychiatric disorders. Your work will not only impact individual lives but will also contribute to the overall wellbeing of the community, ensuring that patients receive compassionate and effective care tailored to their specific needs.
As an Occupational Therapist, you will engage in a variety of tasks that ensure the implementation of clinical therapy services in accordance with established guidelines and policies. Your role is vital in the public service sector, where you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to promote mental health and rehabilitation. The community relies on your expertise to enhance the quality of care provided, making this an important and rewarding career choice.
About the Department
The department of Health is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all South Africans. It focuses on providing comprehensive healthcare services and promoting quality care through effective policies and operational guidelines. Working in this department means being part of a mission that prioritizes the health needs of the community, fostering an environment where healthcare professionals can thrive and make a difference in people’s lives.
What You’ll Do
- Assess and treat adult and paediatric patients with physical or psychiatric disorders
- Manage a clinical load effectively while assisting with additional clinical duties as needed
- Participate in administrative tasks and adhere to relevant policies and regulations
- Engage in quality assurance initiatives within the occupational therapy service
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other stakeholders
- Oversee and support allocated officials and supervise occupational therapy students
- Contribute to ongoing professional development and training of staff
- Collaborate with external entities, including universities and rehabilitation services
What You’ll Need
- A degree in Occupational Therapy
- Completion of the community service year in Occupational Therapy
- Registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent practitioner
- Valid driver’s license
- Experience requirements based on the grade level:
- Grade 1: No experience required post-registration
- Grade 2: Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience post-registration
- Grade 3: Minimum of 20 years of relevant experience post-registration
- Proficiency in computer literacy, especially MS Word and MS Excel
- Strong written and communication skills
- Ability to function well within a multidisciplinary team
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
Degree in Occupational Therapy.Completion of community service year in Occupational Therapy.
Registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Occupational Therapist independent practitioner.
Current registration for the period 2026/2027.
Work exposure or further training & education will be an added advantage.
Experience: Grade 1: None after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa in the relevant professional (where applicable) in respect of RSA qualified employees who performed Community Service, as required in South Africa.
One-year relevant experience after registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in the relevant professional (where applicable) in respect of foreign qualified employees, of who it is not required to perform Community Service, as required in South Africa.
Grade 2: Minimum of 10 years after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa in the relevant professional (where applicable) in respect of RSA qualified employees who performed Community Service, as required in South Africa.
Minimum of 11 years relevant experience after registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in the relevant professional (where applicable) in respect of foreign qualified employees, of who it is not required to perform Community Service, as required in South Africa.
Grade 3: Minimum of 20 years after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa in the relevant professional (where applicable) in respect of RSA qualified employees who performed Community Service, as required in South Africa.
Minimum of 21 years relevant experience after registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in the relevant professional (where applicable) in respect of foreign qualified employees, of who it is not required to perform Community Service, as required in South Africa.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge And Skills: Knowledge, skills and competence required: Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel).
Knowledge of public service legislations, policies, and procedures.
Good written and communication skills.
Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Analytical thinking, independent decision- making, and problem-solving skills.
Good communication and interpersonal relation skills.
Ability to work under pressure.
Computer literacy will be an added advantage (appears twice).
Active participation in planned programs/ plans to enhance involvement, capacity building, open communication and participative management in the Therapeutic and Medical Support services Division.
Good record management skills.
Job Duties
Assess and treat all adult or paediatric patients with physical or psychiatric disorders, within allocated clinical load.Assist with other clinical loads as needed.
Partake in allocated administrative duties.
Adhere to provincial, hospital and departmental policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations.
Participate in quality assurance methods.
Communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
Follow the correct channels of communication.
Oversee allocated officials.
Participate in CPD activities.
Supervise OT students.
Exercise care with all consumables and equipment.
Effective and efficient implementation of clinical occupational therapy services to ensure compassionate and quality Occupational Therapy Services rendered according to the OT scope of practice and Mental Health Care Act.
Participate in quality assurance projects in Occupational Therapy service delivery.
Training and supervision to relevant staff and students.
Participate in intra and inter departmental collaboration with relevant stake holders including the University of the Free State, licensed NGO`s and Rehabilitation services.
Participate in information & risk management in Occupational Therapy.
Management of allocated resources (consumables and equipment).
Ongoing professional development in Occupational Therapy Contribute to policy development when required.
Administrative functions required by the job and the area practice profile.
