ASSISTANT DIRECTOR- THERAPEUTIC & MEDICAL SUPPORT SERVICES – GRADE 1 (OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY OR PHYSIOTHERAPY)

The Gauteng Department of Health is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Assistant Director to lead Therapeutic & Medical Support Services at their Central Office in Johannesburg. This pivotal role focuses on enhancing and developing Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy services across the province, with a direct impact on improving the lives of people with various disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

As an Assistant Director, you will be instrumental in:

• Contributing to the strategic development of rehabilitation services, with a specific focus on Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.
• Facilitating the integration of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services within key health programmes.
• Working to improve the independence and daily functioning of individuals living with diverse disabilities.
• Developing, facilitating, and monitoring the implementation of clinical guidelines, treatment protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Overseeing clinical risk management and evaluating the effectiveness of clinical practice for physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
• Collaborating effectively with academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
• Resolving complex professional and management problems and policy issues.
• Coordinating the placement of students and community service professionals, including bursary holders.
• Leading and directing quality management activities for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services throughout the province.
• Monitoring and supporting the Ideal Hospital/Clinic Programme and other Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Utilising health information technology and systems to transform and improve services.
• Monitoring and evaluating services, as well as managing relevant research projects.
• Strengthening public literacy and health promotion efforts regarding Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services.
• Managing human resources in accordance with relevant directives and legislation.
• Building governance, leadership, and management capacity among Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy managers.
• Developing workplace systems that support common professional ethical values, conduct, and behaviour.
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development for the therapy workforce.

Who We Are Looking For

To succeed in this challenging yet rewarding role, you will need:

Qualifications & Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy.
• A minimum of three (3) years of appropriate experience, registered as an independent practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Five (5) years of extensive management experience, with experience within the Public Sector hospital or Primary Health Care (PHC) environment being a significant advantage.
• Postgraduate qualifications will be an added advantage.
• Basic computer skills.
• Current HPCSA registration is mandatory (a certified copy must be submitted with your application).
• A valid South African driver’s license (exceptions will be granted for people with disabilities).

Key Competencies & Attributes:

• Strong management and leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency in change management, programme, and project management.
• A strong client orientation and customer focus.
• Skills in financial and human resource management.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Competence in research, policy development, data management, knowledge management, problem-solving, and risk management.
• Good interpersonal relations and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to relate well to diverse personnel and a range of stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the province and work after hours when required.

Salary & Benefits

This is a Grade 1 position offering an attractive annual salary of R 638,856.00, plus additional benefits.

Work Location

This position is based at the Central Office in Johannesburg.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted strictly online through the official Gauteng E-Recruitment portal. Please ensure you follow these instructions carefully:

• Visit the E-Recruitment portal: http://jobs.gauteng.gov.za/ (For direct application, use the link provided in the application field below).
• No hand-delivered, faxed, or emailed applications will be accepted.
• For assistance with online applications, you can email your query to [email protected].
• Required Documents for Application:
  • A fully completed and signed new Z83 application form (downloadable from www.dpsa.gov.za/documents or obtainable from any Public Service Department).
  • A recently updated, comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • A registration certificate with the HPCSA.
  • Proof of your current HPCSA registration (Annual Practicing Certificate/Card).
• Applications submitted without the new Z83 form, a detailed CV, HPCSA registration certificate, and proof of current registration will be disqualified.
• Please Note: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by HR and asked to submit certified copies of educational qualifications and other relevant documents (not older than 6 months) on or before the day of the interview.
• If you have foreign qualifications, they must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and accompanied by an evaluation certificate.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within 3 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• Suitable candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks (including criminal record, citizenship, credit record checks, qualification verification, and employment verification).
• A skills/knowledge test may be conducted as part of the assessment process.
• The recommended candidate may be subjected to Medical Surveillance as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 5/1993.
• The Department aims to promote representivity (race, gender, and disability) in the Public Service through the filling of these posts. Women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The Department reserves the right not to appoint or fill this post.

Closing Date

Ensure your application is submitted by 22 October 2025.