DPSA Circular vacancies
Department of Health

Director: Forensic Mental Health

Salary or stipendR1 317 384 per annum, (an all-inclusive remuneration package), (basic salary consist of 70% of total package, the State’s contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund (13% of basic salary) and a flexible portion]. The flexible portion of the package can be structured according to the Senior Management Service guidelines.

The Department of Health is looking for a Director: Forensic Mental Health. This is a permanent role based in Gauteng.

Pretoria

Source: DPSA Circular 38 of 2026Post 38/149, page 88

Reference number
NDOH 82/2026
Appointment
Permanent
Province
Gauteng
Centre
Pretoria

What you will need

  • Grade 12 certificate and an appropriate NQF 7 in Mental Health Related Profession (Medicine, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, Occupational Therapy or Social Work) as recognised by SAQA.
  • Registration with a relevant statutory council as a Mental Health Practitioner.
  • Postgraduate qualification in Psychiatry 89 or another relevant mental health specification will be an advantage.
  • Evaluation/assessments relating to section 77, 78 and Criminal Procedure Act No 51 of 1977 (as amended), section 11 of the child Justice Act No 75 of 2008.
  • Implementation of Sexual Offences Act.
  • Knowledge in health legislation and health policies, health systems as well as of Clinical Mental Health/psychiatry/psychology, forensic mental health and research.
  • Good communication (verbal and written), facilitation and people management, financial management, leadership, planning and organisation, problem solving, human resource management and computer skills (MS Office package).
  • A valid driver’s licence.
  • SMS pre-entry Certificate is required for appointment finalization.

Experience

At least five (5) years’ experience in middle/senior managerial level in the field involved with forensic mental health. Demonstrable experience in forensic psychiatry/mental health including care, treatment and rehabilitation of State patients and mentally ill prisoners as outlined in the Mental Health Act No 17 of 2002.

Professional registration

Registration with a relevant statutory council as a Mental Health Practitioner.

Driver's licence

A valid driver’s licence.

Skills and competencies

  • Good communication (verbal and written), facilitation and people management, financial management, leadership, planning and organisation, problem solving, human resource management and computer skills (MS Office package).

Key responsibilities

  • Process, monitor and ensure compliance of the department with the legislative mandates emanating from the Mental Health Care Act, Criminal Procedure Act, Child Justice Act, and Sexual Offences Act.
  • Develop legislation, policies, guidelines and programmes on forensic mental health services.
  • Develop training programme for psychiatrics and clinical psychologists on the implementation of the legal mandates emanating from the Criminal Procedure and Child Justice Act.
  • Ensure adequate appropriate infrastructure for forensic mental health services.
  • Develop and seek approval for the proposal on a project for increasing beds for mental observations in psychiatric hospitals.
  • Consult provinces on the number of beds required for mental observations in designated psychiatric hospital.
  • Maintain and update information management systems on forensic mental health.
  • Keep and update information management systems for State patients on movements to and from designated psychiatric hospitals.
  • Facilitate intersectoral, interdepartmental and intradepartmental collaboration on issues pertaining to forensic mental health.
  • Serve in the Director-General’s Child Justice Committee and the Development Committee (DevComm) of the Criminal Justice system led by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
  • Participate in the Human Rights Commission on issues pertaining to the human rights of involuntarily detained persons.

Additional details

  • Grade: National

How to apply

  • Enquiries: Ms CM Mongale
  • Telephone: (012) 395 8044

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to ask a question.

LEAVE A COMMENT

Comments are reviewed before they appear publicly.