Assistant Director: Occupational Therapy
- Department: Free State Department of Health
- Post: POST 30/85
- Reference Number: H/A/28/2026
- Location: Corporate Office, Bloemfontein
- Salary: R664 410 – R735 930 per annum
- Benefits: 13th cheque, housing allowance and optional medical aid
- Closing Date: Not provided in the supplied advert
Job Overview
The Free State Department of Health is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Assistant Director: Occupational Therapy to provide provincial leadership and strategic direction for occupational therapy services.
The successful candidate will oversee OT programmes, policy implementation, resource management, staff development, quality assurance and stakeholder coordination across the province.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Matric (Grade 12).
- An appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as an Occupational Therapist.
- Current registration with the HPCSA for 2026/2027.
- Appropriate post-registration experience in Occupational Therapy.
- Experience in management or supervisory management as specified in the official advert.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Note: The supplied advert states “a minimum of 3 years’ appropriate experience after registration … of which 5 years must be appropriate experience in management or supervisory management.” This appears internally inconsistent, so applicants should verify the official vacancy notice for the precise experience requirement.
Knowledge & Skills
Candidates should have:
- Strong understanding of health policies and regulations.
- Strategic planning abilities.
- Project management skills.
- Financial management experience.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong analytical abilities.
- Computer literacy.
- Knowledge of occupational therapy service delivery and professional standards.
Key Responsibilities
Provincial OT Leadership
- Provide overall leadership for provincial occupational therapy services.
- Plan, coordinate and monitor OT programmes in line with national and Free State health strategies.
- Support implementation of initiatives such as the National Health Plan, National Rehabilitation Policy and Primary Health Care Re-engineering.
Policy & Compliance
- Develop, implement and review occupational therapy policies, guidelines and standards.
- Ensure provincial OT practices comply with legislative and professional requirements.
- Monitor compliance with HPCSA and Department of Health norms and standards.
Financial & Resource Management
- Assist with managing resources allocated to OT services.
- Prepare and monitor budgets.
- Coordinate the procurement of specialised equipment and supplies.
- Ensure therapeutic equipment and assets are properly maintained.
Human Resources & Staff Development
- Oversee recruitment, supervision and performance management of occupational therapy staff.
- Coordinate staff training and development.
- Manage student placements.
- Support continuing professional development (CPD) initiatives to strengthen staff capacity.
Stakeholder Coordination
- Liaise with:
- Hospitals
- District health offices
- Academic institutions and OT training programmes
- Professional bodies such as SACOT/OTASA
- Other relevant stakeholders
- Promote integrated occupational therapy services across the province.
- Represent the Department in relevant forums, working groups and interdepartmental initiatives.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor key performance indicators for OT services.
- Compile regular reports for senior management, including the annual OT programme report.
- Identify service-delivery challenges and support corrective interventions.
Quality & Patient Service
- Ensure occupational therapy services meet required quality standards.
- Promote Batho Pele principles and customer-focused service delivery.
- Support continuous improvement of provincial OT services.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: R664 410 – R735 930 per annum
Benefits include:
- 13th cheque
- Housing allowance
- Optional medical aid, subject to prescribed requirements
Enquiries
Dr XTN Mthethwa
Telephone: 051 408 1540/1