Medical Officer Grade 1

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health - Medical Officer Grade 1 UMzimkhulu Psychiatric Hospital

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.

• Closing date: 13 November 2026