Jobs · National · Correctional Services
Principal Psychologist Grade 1: Therapeutic and Counselling Services
Directorate: Psychological Services
Closes Monday 9 November 2026 at 15:45
The circular is the only authoritative source. Open the PDF at page 14 (opens in new tab)
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Senior psychologist role managing therapeutic and counselling services for offenders at National Head Office. Suits registered psychologists with at least three years of clinical experience after HPCS
- The job is Principal Psychologist Grade 1 in the Therapeutic and Counselling Services team, Psychological Services directorate, at National Head Office.
- Duties include managing therapeutic and counselling services, guiding psychologists in regions and correctional centres, and developing and reviewing offender-focused therapeutic programmes.
- Also required: monitoring programme outcomes nationally, and conducting or coordinating research on offender treatment and rehabilitation.
- Must-have: an appropriate qualification that allows HPCSA registration as a Psychologist in a relevant category, plus at least three years of appropriate experience as a Clinical Psychologist after registration.
- Other requirements include computer literacy and a valid driver's licence. The salary is R1 295 388 per annum (all-inclusive package).
- The text does not state a closing date or what documents to submit. Enquiries: Ms NS Khumalo or Ms TP Ngobeni, (012) 307 2174 or (012) 305 8589.
Generated by claude-haiku-5-5 from the text below; it may be wrong or incomplete. Original wording, page 14 (opens in new tab)
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.
- A minimum of three (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.
Duties
- 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.
How to apply
should be submitted online at https://careers.dcs.gov.za/. Emailed, post or hand delivered applications will not be considered.
New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.
Enquiries
National Head Office: Ms NS Khumalo Tel No: (012) 307 2174 or Ms TP Ngobeni Tel No: (012) 305 8589.
Notes from the department
Appointment under the Public Service Act.
As printed in Circular 38 of 2026 · page 14 · open the PDF (opens in new tab)
POST 38/14: PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST GRADE 1: THERAPEUTIC AND COUNSELLING SERVICES REF NO: HO 2026/11/23 Directorate: Psychological Services SALARY: R1 295 388 per annum, (all-inclusive package) CENTRE: National Head Office 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. A minimum of three (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. DUTIES: 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. ENQUIRIES: National Head Office: Ms NS Khumalo Tel No: (012) 307 2174 or Ms TP Ngobeni Tel No: (012) 305 8589. NOTE: Appointment under the Public Service Act.