Cape Winelands Health District
Salary Levels:
- Grade 1: R413 121 per annum
- Grade 2: R482 499 per annum
- Grade 3: R564 822 per annum
Centre: Drakenstein Sub-district
Introduction to the Position
The Cape Winelands Health District is currently seeking qualified and dedicated professionals to fill the position of Occupational Therapist (Grade 1 to Grade 3) within the Drakenstein Sub-district. This role forms part of the district’s rehabilitation and healthcare services aimed at improving the quality of life and functional independence of patients across different healthcare settings.
Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in supporting individuals who experience physical, psychological, developmental, or social challenges that affect their ability to perform daily activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering holistic, patient-centred occupational therapy services in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
This position offers an opportunity to work across hospital environments, primary healthcare facilities, transitional care units, intermediate care facilities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), depending on service needs.
Salary Structure and Grading
This post is offered across three occupational therapy salary levels depending on experience and years of professional practice:
Grade 1
- Annual Salary: R413 121
- Entry-level position for newly registered Occupational Therapists
- Suitable for candidates with minimal or no post-registration experience
Grade 2
- Annual Salary: R482 499
- Requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience after registration with HPCSA
- Indicates mid-level professional competence and experience
Grade 3
- Annual Salary: R564 822
- Requires a minimum of 20 years of relevant experience after HPCSA registration
- Represents senior-level clinical expertise and leadership capability
The grading system ensures that remuneration aligns with experience, expertise, and contribution to the healthcare system.
Minimum Educational Requirements
Applicants must possess a recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Occupational Therapist.
This includes:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy
- A qualification that meets HPCSA standards for professional registration
Without this qualification, applicants will not be eligible for consideration unless they meet the special registration concession criteria outlined below.
Professional Registration Requirement
All candidates must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Occupational Therapist.
Registration ensures that practitioners are legally authorised to practice within South Africa’s healthcare system and adhere to professional, ethical, and clinical standards.
Applicants must provide valid proof of registration or proof of application for registration where applicable.
Experience Requirements
Experience requirements vary depending on the grade level:
Grade 1
- No experience required after HPCSA registration
- Foreign-qualified candidates not required to complete community service must have at least one year of relevant experience after registration
Grade 2
- Minimum of 10 years relevant experience after HPCSA registration
- Foreign-qualified candidates require at least 11 years of relevant experience
Grade 3
- Minimum of 20 years relevant experience after HPCSA registration
- Foreign-qualified candidates require at least 21 years of relevant experience
These requirements ensure that higher-grade positions are occupied by highly experienced professionals capable of handling complex clinical and managerial responsibilities.
Inherent Requirements of the Job
Applicants must meet the following essential requirements:
1. Valid Driver’s Licence
A valid driver’s licence is required to enable mobility between different healthcare facilities within the sub-district.
2. Willingness to Travel
The role requires regular travel within the Drakenstein Sub-district to provide services across multiple healthcare settings.
Core Competencies and Skills Required
The position requires a combination of clinical expertise, communication ability, and administrative competence.
1. Compliance with Departmental Standards
Candidates must adhere to:
- Departmental policies and protocols
- National healthcare guidelines
- Clinical governance standards
- Patient safety regulations
2. Holistic Occupational Therapy Service Delivery
Applicants must be able to:
- Provide independent occupational therapy services
- Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
- Deliver services across hospital and primary healthcare settings
- Support NGOs and community-based rehabilitation programmes
3. Clinical Documentation and Reporting Skills
Strong administrative and documentation abilities are essential, including:
- Accurate clinical record keeping
- Report writing
- Referral documentation
- Patient progress tracking
4. Communication Skills
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Excellent written communication abilities
- Ability to communicate with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
5. Computer Literacy
Proficiency in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
These tools are essential for reporting, presentations, and administrative tasks.
6. Knowledge of National Healthcare Standards
Candidates must comply with:
- National Core Standards
- Ideal Clinic/Facility Requirements
This ensures quality healthcare service delivery across all facilities.
7. Assistive Device Knowledge
Applicants must have knowledge and experience in:
- Prescription and issuing of assistive devices
- Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking aids
- Adaptive technology for patients with disabilities
8. Clinical Therapy Skills
The role requires advanced clinical skills including:
- Patient assessment techniques
- Treatment planning and intervention
- Discharge planning
- Patient follow-up care
9. Wheelchair and Seating Assessment Skills
Competency in:
- Basic to intermediate wheelchair seating assessments
- Prescription and fitting of wheelchairs
- Issuing of assistive mobility devices
10. Splinting Skills
Ability to:
- Fabricate upper and lower limb splints
- Prescribe appropriate splints for rehabilitation
- Support patient recovery through therapeutic devices
11. Adaptability and Innovation
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Flexibility in responding to diverse patient needs
- Innovative approaches to rehabilitation
- Ability to work within resource limitations
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Occupational Therapist will be responsible for delivering comprehensive rehabilitation services within the Drakenstein Sub-district.
1. Clinical Occupational Therapy Service Delivery
The incumbent will:
- Provide rehabilitation services to patients at primary healthcare level
- Work within transitional and intermediate care facilities
- Collaborate with NGOs involved in rehabilitation services
- Deliver patient-centred therapy interventions
2. Wheelchair Assessment and Management
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting wheelchair seating assessments
- Prescribing suitable mobility devices
- Fitting and issuing wheelchairs
- Ensuring correct patient-device matching
3. Assistive Device Prescription
The therapist will:
- Assess patient needs for assistive technology
- Prescribe appropriate mobility and adaptive devices
- Monitor effectiveness of issued devices
4. Splint Fabrication and Prescription
Duties include:
- Designing and fabricating splints
- Prescribing splints for upper and lower limb rehabilitation
- Supporting patient recovery through therapeutic interventions
5. Participation in Multidisciplinary Teams
The Occupational Therapist will:
- Attend ward rounds
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings
- Collaborate with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers
- Contribute to patient care planning
6. Training and Development Activities
The role includes:
- Participation in in-service training
- Engagement in professional development programmes
- Skills transfer to junior staff and colleagues
- Attendance at district and sub-district training sessions
7. Data Collection and Reporting
The incumbent will:
- Collect daily clinical data
- Submit monthly reports
- Maintain departmental statistics
- Ensure accurate record keeping
8. Resource Management
Responsibilities include:
- Efficient use of assistive devices and consumables
- Monitoring stock levels
- Facilitating repair and maintenance of equipment
- Ordering supplies according to departmental procedures
9. Relief Duties
The therapist may be required to:
- Provide relief services for colleagues
- Support other areas within the rehabilitation ecosystem when needed
Special Application Conditions
Applicants should note the following:
- No payment is required when applying for this position
- Candidates may be required to undergo assessments or competency testing
- Applicants not currently registered with HPCSA may still apply under certain conditions
Registration Concession
Candidates who are not yet registered may apply on condition that:
- Proof of application for HPCSA registration is submitted
- Proof of payment of registration fees is provided
- This applies only to first-time registration in a specific category or change of registration status
This concession allows new or transitioning healthcare professionals an opportunity to enter the system while completing registration requirements.
Enquiries
For further information regarding this post, contact:
Dr R Gaffoor
Telephone: (021) 877 6400
Conclusion
The position of Occupational Therapist (Grade 1 to 3) in the Drakenstein Sub-district presents a valuable opportunity for both emerging and highly experienced professionals in the field of rehabilitation therapy.
This role is essential in improving patient independence, functional ability, and quality of life through structured therapeutic interventions. Occupational Therapists in this position will work across various healthcare environments, contributing to multidisciplinary care teams and community rehabilitation programmes.
With responsibilities ranging from clinical therapy delivery and assistive device management to training and data reporting, this role requires dedication, clinical expertise, and a strong commitment to public healthcare service.
Qualified candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply and contribute to strengthening rehabilitation services within the Cape Winelands Health District.