Psychologist Grade 1 – Polokwane – Department Of Social Development

Psychologist Grade 1 position at the Department of Social Development in Polokwane, a fulfilling government job in South Africa

Published 14 October 2026
Closing Date 23 October 2026
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Social Development is seeking a dedicated Psychologist Grade 1 to join their team at the Seshego Treatment Centre in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role is crucial in providing psychological assessments and support to individuals, particularly children and youth, who are navigating challenging circumstances. As a key player within the public service, you will directly contribute to enhancing mental health outcomes for the community, thereby fostering a healthier and more resilient society.

In this engaging position, your expertise will be utilized to perform medical case assessments, coordinate referrals for obtaining medical opinions, and support the adjudication process. Your work will not only involve direct interactions with clients but also collaboration with various healthcare professionals. This role is vital in ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive and effective mental health support, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the community in Polokwane.

About the Department

The Department of Social Development plays a pivotal role in advancing social welfare and providing essential services to vulnerable populations in South Africa. Its mission revolves around promoting social cohesion, empowering individuals, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. Working within this department allows you to be part of a transformative journey, where your contributions can significantly impact the lives of those in need.

The department is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and responsiveness, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the broader goal of social justice. By joining the Department of Social Development, you will be part of a dedicated team striving to create a supportive environment for individuals facing various social challenges.

What You’ll Do

  • Conduct thorough medical case assessments to evaluate the psychological needs of clients.
  • Facilitate the referral process to obtain necessary medical opinions and treatments.
  • Assist in monitoring and supporting the adjudication process within the treatment framework.
  • Prepare detailed reports documenting assessment findings and treatment recommendations.
  • Collaborate with medical and health professionals to ensure a holistic approach to client care.
  • Participate in after-hours clinical duties as part of the call roster to provide ongoing support.
  • Manage information within the child and youth care information management system effectively.

What You’ll Need

  • A Grade 12 certificate and an appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification in Social Science that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Clinical Psychologist.
  • Current registration with HPCSA as a Psychologist.
  • A valid motor vehicle driver’s license (exceptions apply for persons with disabilities).
  • Strong psychotherapeutic and clinical knowledge across the lifespan, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Familiarity with ethical and legislative frameworks guiding psychological practice.
  • Excellent organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Awareness of community, cultural, and socio-economic factors affecting mental health.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team setting.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Requirements

Grade 12 plus an appropriate qualification at NQF 7 in Social Science (qualification that allows registration with Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Clinical Psychologist.

Current registration with HPCSA as a Psychologist.

Valid motor vehicle driver’s licence (with the exception of persons with disabilities).

Core And Process Competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership, Programme and Project Management, Change Management, Financial Management, People Management and Empowerment, Knowledge Management, Problem Solving and analysis, Client orientation and customer focus.

Knowledge And Skills: Psychotherapeutic and clinical knowledge in patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment across the lifespan.

Ethical and legislative framework of practice.

Knowledge of Departmental guidelines and policies.

Evidence based psychological practice.

Understanding of broader community, cultural, contextual and social - economic factors which impact mental health.

Ability to work within multidisciplinary team.

Good organizing and time management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal relations.

Sensitivity to gender, racial, ethnic, sexuality and disability issues.

Job Duties

Perform medical case assessment.

Coordinate and facilitate the referral process for obtaining medical opinions.

Assist in monitoring and supporting the adjudication process.

Prepare reports.

Liaise with medical and health professionals.

After hours clinical participation in the call roster.

Management of child and youth care information management system.

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Salary

Grade 1: R907 617 per annum, (all-inclusive package)

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re-advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. OTHER POSTS For Enquiries: General enquiries about the advertised posts should be directed to Mr S Rasivumo / Ms ME Gafane / Mr LI Mosehlana / Mr Moraba BV Tel No: (015) 230 4387 / 4391