MEDICAL OFFICER GRADE 1 TO 3 (Contract Till 31 March 2027) Emergency and Clinical Support Services

Job Overview

A Medical Officer (Grade 1 to 3) position is available at the Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (OFPI) within the Forensic Pathology Service, Western Cape Government. The contract runs until 31 March 2027. Responsibilities include performing medico-legal post-mortem examinations, completing reports within a 12-week turnaround, giving court testimony, and teaching students. Requirements include an appropriate qualification, HPCSA registration as a Medical Practitioner, varying years of experience depending on the grade, a valid driver's license, and relevant forensic exposure. Applications must be submitted online.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Practitioner.
• Grade 1: None after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA (or 1-year relevant experience for foreign-qualified employees without Community Service requirement).
• Grade 2: Minimum of 5 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA (or 6 years for foreign-qualified employees).
• Grade 3: Minimum of 10 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA (or 11 years for foreign-qualified employees).
• Valid Code B/EB driver's license and ability to drive manual and automatic cars and bakkies.
• Appropriate experience in trauma-related cases.
• Knowledge of the functioning of Forensic Pathology Service.
• Exposure to Post-mortems, autopsy work, and dissection.
• Ability and willingness to perform duties outside of normal working hours and away from base of employment.
• Able to deliver expert testimony in court proceedings and provide opinions to prosecutors and investigators.
• Above-average computer and software literacy, including MS Office.
• Basic knowledge of forensic toxicology, histopathology, and ancillary forensic investigation processes.
• Ability to function in high-stress environments with challenging workloads.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform medico-legal post-mortem examinations and complete all related investigations and documentation.
• Finalise post-mortem reports within a 12-week turnaround period.
• Compile and complete post-mortem reports and all related medico-legal documentation accurately and timeously.
• Provide conclusion of causes of death based on ancillary investigation reports.
• Provide efficient expert evidence in court related to autopsied cases, including formulating forensic second opinions.
• Attend and examine incident cases.
• Provide support to the Heads: Clinical Unit and Department, Medical Specialists, and Safe Practices.
• Assist with the teaching and training of medical and forensic students, and forensic pathology officers.

Enquiries & Contact