Medical Officer Grade 1–3: Psychiatry Vacancies

About the Medical Officer Psychiatry Vacancies

These positions are intended for medical practitioners who can provide comprehensive, patient-centred clinical and psychiatric services.

Successful candidates will assess patients, diagnose medical and mental-health conditions, prescribe treatment and refer patients to appropriate specialists or healthcare services where required.

The positions also involve clinical administration, professional development, medical record keeping and participation in training programmes for healthcare professionals.

Medical Officer Salary

A portion of the remuneration package may be structured according to the successful applicant's personal needs.

Successful candidates will also participate in the system of remunerated commuted overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• An appropriate medical qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
• Registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner.
• Appropriate clinical experience or demonstrated experience in Psychiatry.
• Excellent clinical assessment and patient-management skills.
• Good communication and consultation skills.
• Willingness to work across disciplines when required.

Experience Requirements for Grade 1

No post-registration experience is required for South African-qualified medical practitioners.

Eligible foreign-qualified applicants require at least one year of relevant experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign professional council.

Experience Requirements for Grade 2

South African-qualified applicants require at least five years of appropriate experience after registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner.

Eligible foreign-qualified applicants require at least six years of relevant post-registration experience.

Experience Requirements for Grade 3

South African-qualified applicants require at least ten years of appropriate experience after registration with the HPCSA.

Eligible foreign-qualified applicants require at least eleven years of relevant post-registration experience.

Knowledge and Competencies

Suitable applicants should demonstrate:

• Appropriate experience in Psychiatry.
• Excellent clinical assessment and management skills.
• Strong consultation and communication skills.
• Knowledge of planning, organisation and service implementation.
• Knowledge of public-health policies, guidelines and related prescripts.
• The ability to manage available resources effectively.
• The ability and willingness to work across disciplines.
• Professional judgement and responsible clinical decision-making.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The appointed Medical Officers will:

• Provide comprehensive medical and psychiatric care.
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries and other health conditions.
• Assess and manage patients with mental-health conditions.
• Prescribe and manage treatment plans, medication and therapies.
• Refer patients to specialists or other healthcare services when required.
• Deliver an efficient, cost-effective and high-quality clinical service.
• Maintain a patient-centred approach.
• Maintain complete and accurate clinical records.
• Complete medical reports and documentation for legal and administrative purposes.
• Use departmental resources effectively and responsibly.
• Participate in education and training programmes for healthcare professionals.
• Complete required continuing professional development activities.
• Maintain valid professional registration with the HPCSA.
• Comply with applicable HR requirements and the Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Uphold the reputation and integrity of the medical profession.

Documents to Prepare

• An updated and comprehensive CV.
• Your South African identity document.
• Your recognised medical qualification.
• Your current HPCSA registration details.
• Evidence of appropriate clinical experience.
• Contactable professional references.
• Any additional documents requested by the recruitment portal.

Shortlisting and Assessments

Candidates may be required to complete competency, practical and integrity assessments as part of the recruitment process.

Further suitability checks may include qualification verification, criminal-record checks, security clearance and verification of previous employment.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to bring recently certified copies of their identity document, qualifications and professional registration documents.

How to Apply

1. Open the official Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness vacancy page.
2. Confirm that the reference number is GSH118/2026.
3. Read the complete job requirements and employment conditions.
4. Create an applicant profile or sign into an existing recruitment account.
5. Complete all required personal, professional and employment information.
6. Attach an updated CV.
7. Review the application carefully.
8. Submit the application before 29 June 2026.

Enquiries

Vacancy-related enquiries may be directed to:

Dr I. Lewis
Telephone: 021 404 5381
Email: Ian.lewis@uct.ac.za

or

Dr J. Jordaan
Email: jeannere.jordaan@uct.ac.za

Applications must not be emailed to the enquiry contacts. Use the official online application portal.