ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – THERAPEUTIC & MEDICAL SUPPORT SERVICES – GRADE 1 (SPEECH THERAPY OR AUDIOLOGY)

The Gauteng Department of Health is seeking a dedicated and experienced Assistant Director to lead and enhance Therapeutic and Medical Support Services, specifically focusing on Speech Therapy and Audiology within the province. This is a critical leadership role aimed at improving health outcomes for people with hearing and communication disabilities.

About the Role

As an Assistant Director, you will play a pivotal role in the strategic development and implementation of comprehensive speech therapy and audiology services across Gauteng. You will be responsible for driving quality improvement initiatives, managing key programmes, and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure high-quality patient care and rehabilitation.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic development of rehabilitation services, with a specific focus on strengthening speech therapy and audiology.
• Integrate speech therapy and audiology services into priority health programmes.
• Develop and implement operational plans for comprehensive and quality speech therapy and audiology programmes.
• Improve the independence of individuals with hearing and communication disabilities.
• Develop, facilitate, and monitor the implementation of various audiology guidelines and protocols (e.g., hearing aid fitting, OAE, ABR, ASSR screening/diagnostic protocols), dysphagia, AAC, and aural rehabilitation protocols, aligned with national and provincial health systems.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of Speech Therapy and Audiology Clinical Guidelines.
• Collaborate with academic institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
• Resolve complex professional and management problems and policy issues.
• Coordinate the placement of students and community service professionals, including bursary holders.
• Lead and direct quality management activities for speech therapy and audiology services across the province.
• Monitor and support Ideal Hospital/Clinic Programme and Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Utilise health information technology to transform and improve services.
• Monitor and evaluate speech therapy and audiology services, and manage research projects.
• Strengthen public literacy and health promotion efforts regarding hearing and communication impairments.
• Enhance governance, leadership, and management capacity among speech therapy and audiology managers.
• Develop workplace systems that support professional ethical values, conduct, and behaviour.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and development for the workforce.
• Assist in the management of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).
• Ensure knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and relevant supply chain directives.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional with a passion for public health and leadership. To be considered for this role, you must meet the following requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Speech Therapy and Audiology, Speech Therapy, or Audiology.
• A minimum of three (3) years of appropriate experience as an independent practitioner, duly registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Current registration with the HPCSA (proof required).
• A valid South African driver’s license (exceptions made for people with disabilities).

The following will be considered an added advantage:

• Five (5) years of extensive experience in a managerial role.
• Experience within the Public Sector hospital or Primary Health Care (PHC) environment.
• Postgraduate qualifications.
• Basic computer skills.

Key Competencies & Attributes:

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

Package & Benefits

This full-time position offers a competitive annual salary of R638,856.00 per annum, plus additional benefits. The Department of Health is committed to promoting representivity (race, gender, and disability) in the Public Service, and WOMEN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Location

This position is based at the Central Office in Johannesburg.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted strictly online via the Gauteng Provincial Government E-Recruitment portal.

Application Link: http://jobs.gauteng.gov.za

Application Closing Date: 22 October 2025

Important Application Notes:

• No hand-delivered, faxed, or emailed applications will be accepted for the submission itself.
• For assistance with online applications, you may email your query to [email protected].
• Your application must include a fully completed and signed new Z83 application form (downloadable from www.dpsa.gov.za/documents), a recently updated comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV), your registration certificate with the HPCSA, and proof of current registration (Annual Practising Certificate/Card).
• Applications without the Z83 form, detailed CV, HPCSA registration certificate, and current practicing certificate will be disqualified.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by HR and will be required to submit certified copies of educational qualifications and other relevant documents (not older than 6 months) on or before the day of the interview.
• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and accompanied by an evaluation certificate.
• Correspondence will only be limited to shortlisted candidates. 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 (criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification). A skills/knowledge test and medical surveillance may also be required.