Principal Psychologist Grade 1: Therapeutic and Counselling Services

About the role

The Department of Correctional Services is hiring a Principal Psychologist Grade 1: Therapeutic and Counselling Services in Psychological Services, based in National Head Office. This is a permanent post, paying R1,295,388 a year. How to apply: should be submitted online at https://careers.dcs.gov.za/. Emailed, post or hand delivered applications will not be considered. Reference number to quote: HO 2026/11/23 Closing date: 09 November 2026 @ 15H45. Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: Appointment under the Public Service Act.

Responsibilities

• Management of therapeutic and counselling services.
• Provide professional and clinical guidance to Psychologists rendering therapeutic services in regions and correctional centres.
• Develop and review offender-focused therapeutic programmes aimed at addressing behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning challenges.
• Monitor the implementation and outcomes of therapeutic and counselling programmes nationally.
• Conduct and coordinate research relating to offender treatment, behavioural change, rehabilitation outcomes, and counselling interventions.
• Management of human resources, finance and assets.
• Management of performance information.

Requirements

• An appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Psychologist in a relevant category (i.e. Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Industrial, Research Psychology).
• Registration with the HPCSA as Psychologist in any of the identified categories.
• At least 3 years appropriate experience as a Clinical Psychologist after registration with the HPCSA as Psychologist in any of the identified categories.
• Computer literacy.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Competencies And Attributes:
• Extensive experience in the provision of therapeutic and counselling services
• Experience in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of therapeutic intervention programmes
• Knowledge and understanding of Public Service policies and mandates
• Knowledge of all legislation, norms and standards that governs health care
• Leadership interdisciplinary systems
• PFMA – compilation of budgets, estimation, expenditure and reporting
• Professional values and attitude
• Applied strategic thinking, communication, project management, presentations and report writing skills
• Service delivery standards
• Coaching, mentoring and training
• Project and programme management, decision making, problem solving, networking/liaison with stakeholders, negotiation, organising, conflict management, analytical thinking, policy development, analysis, monitoring, evaluation and implementation advice.
• Information collection.