Principal Psychologist Grade 1: Therapeutic and Counselling Services

About the role

The Department of Correctional Services is seeking a Principal Psychologist Grade 1 for Therapeutic and Counselling Services, within Psychological Services at National Head Office. The role leads therapeutic and counselling work across regions and correctional centres, giving professional and clinical guidance to psychologists and helping develop offender-focused programmes that address behaviour, emotions, thinking and social functioning. The successful candidate will also monitor programme outcomes, support research on offender treatment and rehabilitation, and manage people, finances, assets and performance information. The salary is R1 295 388 per annum, all-inclusive package. Blacks and Whites are encouraged to apply. Applications close on 9 November 2026 at 15:45 and must be submitted online. Source: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 38 of 2026, Post 38/14, Ref No: HO 2026/11/23.

Responsibilities

Manage 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 programmes nationally; conduct and coordinate research relating to offender treatment, behavioural change, rehabilitation outcomes and counselling interventions; manage human resources, finances and assets; manage performance information.

Requirements

An appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Psychologist in a relevant category, namely Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Industrial or Research Psychology; registration with the HPCSA as a Psychologist in any of the identified categories; a minimum of three years of appropriate experience as a Clinical Psychologist after registration with the HPCSA as a Psychologist in any of the identified categories; computer literacy; a valid driver's licence; extensive experience in the provision of therapeutic and counselling services; and experience in the development, implementation and monitoring of therapeutic programmes, as well as strategic thinking, communication, project management, presentation and report-writing skills, service delivery standards, coaching, mentoring and training, project and programme management, decision making, problem solving, networking and liaison with stakeholders, negotiation, organising, conflict management, analytical thinking, policy development, analysis, monitoring, evaluation and implementation advice, and information collection.

Skills