Medical Officer Grade 1

About this role

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is hiring a Medical Officer Grade 1 for UMzimkhulu Psychiatric Hospital. You will work across primary health care (PHC) and community health centre (CHC) facilities in the Harry Gwala District, providing mental health care close to where people live.

This is a fixed-term contract linked to the NHI programme, running from 1 December 2026 to 31 March 2027.

What you’ll do

• Assess, diagnose and treat patients with mental health conditions, including full clinical histories, mental status and physical examinations, and a clear case formulation.
• Plan and deliver evidence-based, compassionate care, treatment and rehabilitation for patients.
• Work with district family physicians and PHC staff to deliver combined mental and medical health care.
• Handle medical and psychiatric emergencies at PHC level.
• Set up referral routes within the district and between the district and hospitals, following mental health policies and protocols.
• Counsel patients and their families, and run mental illness prevention and mental health promotion activities in the community.
• Work with other non-health organisations on the care of people with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Keep clinical records up to date and prepare monthly reports.

What you need

• An appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Practitioner, with a Diploma in Mental Health.
• Proof of current HPCSA registration.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• A willingness to travel across facilities in the district.
• Experience in PHC and community psychiatry (advantageous).
• Sound clinical knowledge and skills in psychiatry.
• Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
• Knowledge of mental health legislation, policies and procedures.
• Computer literacy and common office software.
• Good decision-making skills and a solution-focused approach.

Is this job for you?

This role suits a qualified doctor who has an interest in psychiatry and community mental health. You should be comfortable moving between facilities, working with a team, and taking clinical decisions on your own in a district setting.

Tips before you apply

• Have your HPCSA registration details and Diploma in Mental Health information ready. Copies are only requested from shortlisted candidates, but you will need to know the details for your CV.
• Describe your PHC and community psychiatry work in detail on your CV, including the settings, patient numbers and the type of care you gave.
• Complete the Z83 form in full and write the reference number UMZ 06/2026 in the space provided. Applications missing this detail may be disqualified.

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