Occupational Health Practitioner

About the position

A key role has opened for a dedicated Occupational Health Practitioner to provide comprehensive health services supporting the wellbeing of staff and stakeholders. This position is ideal for a qualified healthcare professional with expertise in occupational health nursing and proven experience in workplace health and safety compliance.

As the Occupational Health Practitioner, you will be responsible for delivering occupational health services, managing clinic operations, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and standards. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to promote a healthy and safe working environment.

Key Responsibilities (amongst others):

• Provide comprehensive occupational health services including medical examinations, audiometry, and spirometry.
• Conduct pre-employment, periodic, and exit medical examinations aligned with occupational health and safety legislation.
• Assess fitness for duty according to job medical standards and Labour Relations Act requirements.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to advise and promote occupational health practices.
• Manage incapacity cases in line with applicable policies and legislation.
• Conduct health risk assessments to identify exposures and develop medical surveillance programs.
• Identify and report occupational injuries and diseases in compliance with COIDA.
• Manage clinic stock, including ordering, dispensing, and record-keeping.
• Oversee contractors providing occupational health clinic services.
• Ensure clinic operations comply with current legal requirements and standards; communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Develop, review, and implement Standard Operating Procedures and policies related to occupational health.
• Maintain accurate health records and promote a healthy and conducive work environment.
• Coordinate procurement processes related to clinic operations.

Minimum Requirements
Qualification(s) required:

• Degree in Nursing with a specialisation in Occupational Health.
• Registration with the South African Nursing Council (member in good standing).
• Registration with the South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing (member in good standing).
• Certificates in Audiometry and Spirometry.
• Valid Driver's License (Code 8/10) (Must be able to operate a motor vehicle).
• Computer literacy.

Experience required:

• Minimum 5 years post-registration experience as an Occupational Health Care Practitioner.
• At least 2 years' experience in team management (advantageous).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Occupational health, safety, and COIDA legislation.
• Vaccination protocols and medical examinations (baseline, follow-ups, exit).
• Employee counselling and team performance management.
• Development of procedures and health risk assessments.
• Primary health care and medicine dispensing.
• Strong communication, conflict management, decision making, and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Empathy, professionalism, client orientation, and confidentiality.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a critical health function within a nationally significant scientific organisation. You will play a vital part in fostering a safe and healthy workplace that supports operational excellence.

NB: Only candidates meeting the qualifications and experience criteria will be considered.

Desired Skills:

• Occupational Health Practitioner
• SANC
• SASOHN
• Audiometry
• Spirometry

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years

Desired Qualification Level & Accreditations:

• Degree
• South African Nursing Council