Gauteng Department of Health HIV Counsellor Jobs 2026: 50 Posts Available Across Five Regions
The Gauteng Department of Health invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for 50 HIV Counselling and Testing Counsellor (Lay Counsellor) vacancies across five regions in Gauteng. The opportunities are available in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand. Successful applicants will receive a salary of R144,024 per annum (Salary Level 2). Candidates must have Grade 12 and a valid Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) certificate to qualify. The closing date for applications is 20 November 2026.
Are you looking for a job opportunity in the healthcare sector? The Gauteng Department of Health has announced 50 vacancies for people who have the required qualifications and skills to provide HIV counselling and testing services.
These positions form part of the department’s efforts to provide healthcare services and support people who need HIV testing, counselling and guidance.
The successful candidates will work with patients and communities, helping people understand HIV testing, learn about prevention and access the healthcare services they need.
This opportunity may interest people who have completed Grade 12, hold an RTCQI certificate and have an interest in working in public healthcare.
If you meet the requirements, here is everything you need to know about the vacancies, including the salary, locations, minimum qualifications, duties and application process.
Gauteng Department of Health HIV Counsellor Jobs 2026: Vacancy Details
Before applying, take note of the important information about these positions.
- Department: Gauteng Department of Health
- Directorate: HAST Directorate
- Job Title: HIV Counselling and Testing Counsellor (Lay Counsellor)
- Number of Posts: 50
- Reference Number: refs/057385
- Salary Level: Level 2
- Annual Salary: R144,024
- Estimated Monthly Basic Salary: R12,002 before deductions
- Locations: Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand
- Employment Sector: Public Healthcare
- Application Method: Online application
- Closing Date: 20 November 2026
- Enquiries: Ms Rebecca Lesimola
- Contact Number: 083 641 4222
The positions are spread across five regions in Gauteng. Applicants should check the official advertisement for further information about the available placements.
Where Are the 50 HIV Counsellor Positions Available?
The Gauteng Department of Health is recruiting 50 Lay Counsellors across the following regions:
- Ekurhuleni.
- Johannesburg.
- Tshwane.
- Sedibeng.
- West Rand.
These regions cover different communities in Gauteng, where healthcare facilities provide HIV testing, counselling and other related services.
Applicants interested in these opportunities should check the official recruitment portal for more information about the available placements and application requirements.
Minimum Requirements for HIV Counselling and Testing Counsellor Jobs
Applicants must meet specific educational and professional requirements before they can be considered for these positions.
According to the vacancy information, candidates must have the following:
1. Grade 12 Certificate
Applicants must have a Grade 12 or Senior Certificate, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the relevant authorities.
This is the basic educational requirement for the advertised positions.
2. Valid RTCQI Certificate
Candidates must have a valid Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) certificate.
This certificate is important because the job involves HIV rapid testing and following the correct testing procedures.
Applicants should make sure their RTCQI certificate is valid and available when required during the recruitment process.
3. Knowledge of HIV Testing and Treatment
Applicants must have a sound understanding of HIV-related healthcare services.
This includes knowledge of:
- HIV Testing Services (HTS).
- HIV Self-Testing.
- Index Testing.
- Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
- Tuberculosis (TB) management.
- HIV prevention methods.
- Batho Pele principles.
Candidates should understand how HIV testing works and why patients need proper information and support before and after testing.
4. Computer Literacy
Applicants must have computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office programmes.
They should also be comfortable entering information into electronic systems and working with routine healthcare data.
Basic numerical skills are important because employees may need to record, organise and manage information collected during their duties.
5. Communication and Counselling Skills
Good communication is very important for this position.
Candidates should have strong counselling and interpersonal skills and be able to communicate in local languages.
They must also be able to speak to patients in a respectful and understanding manner.
6. A Non-Judgmental Attitude
Successful candidates will work with people from different backgrounds and communities.
They must treat patients with dignity, respect and confidentiality.
Applicants should be comfortable supporting people who may be dealing with difficult personal or health-related situations.
Additional Experience That Will Be an Advantage
Although the main requirements are Grade 12 and a valid RTCQI certificate, the following qualifications and experience may strengthen an application:
- At least one year of experience in HIV counselling and testing.
- A Basic HIV/AIDS certificate.
Candidates who have previously worked in healthcare facilities or community health programmes may have useful experience for this type of position.
However, applicants should not assume that additional experience replaces the mandatory qualifications.
Duties and Responsibilities of HIV Counselling and Testing Counsellors
Successful applicants will help provide HIV testing and counselling services to patients and members of the community.
The role involves more than conducting tests. Counsellors must also help patients understand their results, provide information about prevention and guide them towards the correct healthcare services.
Some of the important duties include:
1. Providing HIV Counselling and Testing Services
Counsellors will assist patients who want to access HIV testing services.
They must follow the approved testing procedures and provide the correct information before and after testing.
This includes helping patients understand the testing process and explaining the importance of knowing their HIV status.
2. Following HIV Testing Procedures
Employees must understand and follow the approved HIV Testing Services algorithms.
They will also need to apply the 5 Cs of HIV testing:
- Consent.
- Confidentiality.
- Counselling.
- Correct test results.
- Connection to care.
These principles help ensure that patients receive respectful, accurate and appropriate testing services.
3. Supporting Patients After Testing
Counsellors play an important role in helping patients access further healthcare services.
Where necessary, they may assist with patient referrals and navigation to appropriate treatment and support services.
This includes supporting same-day ART initiation processes where applicable.
ART stands for Antiretroviral Therapy. It is treatment given to people living with HIV to help manage the virus and protect their health.
4. HIV Prevention and Risk Reduction
Another responsibility is providing information about HIV prevention.
Counsellors help patients understand ways to reduce their risk of HIV infection and make informed decisions about their health.
They may also provide information about HIV Self-Testing and Index Testing.
5. TB and STI Screening Support
The role also includes working with other healthcare services.
Counsellors should understand TB symptom screening and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening procedures.
This helps patients receive the correct healthcare support when they need it.
6. Data Collection and Record Keeping
Employees will also be expected to complete basic administrative duties.
These may include:
- Entering patient information into electronic systems.
- Recording HIV testing information.
- Maintaining accurate healthcare records.
- Managing routine programme data.
- Using basic numerical information for reporting.
Accuracy is important because healthcare workers rely on patient records and programme information when providing services.
Salary for Gauteng Department of Health HIV Counsellor Jobs
The advertised salary for the 50 positions is:
R144,024 per annum (Salary Level 2).
This works out to approximately:
R12,002 per month<
Estimated basic monthly salary before tax and other deductions.
The monthly amount is calculated by dividing the annual salary by 12.
The vacancy information also refers to applicable public service benefits. Applicants should consult the official advertisement or contact the department to confirm the employment conditions and benefits attached to the positions.
Required Documents for Your Application
Applicants must prepare the correct documents before submitting their applications.
According to the vacancy information, the following documents are required:
- A fully completed and signed new Z83 application form.
- A comprehensive and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
The Z83 form is the official application form used when applying for positions in the South African Public Service.
Candidates can obtain the form from government departments or download it from the Department of Public Service and Administration website.
Official website: https://www.dpsa.gov.za
What Happens After Shortlisting?
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Human Resources department and asked to provide certified copies of their supporting documents.
These may include:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copies of educational certificates.
- Other relevant supporting documents requested by the department.
The supplied vacancy information states that these certified documents must not be older than six months.
Applicants with qualifications obtained outside South Africa must provide an official evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Make sure your CV is updated and that your contact details are correct so that the department can reach you if you are shortlisted.
How to Apply for Gauteng Department of Health HIV Counsellor Jobs 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the Gauteng Provincial Government E-Recruitment portal.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Gauteng E-Recruitment portal.
- Register an account if you do not already have one.
- Log in to your account.
- Search for the HIV Counselling and Testing Counsellor vacancy.
- Use reference number refs/057385 to find the correct position.
- Complete your online application profile.
- Upload your fully completed and signed new Z83 form.
- Upload your comprehensive and updated CV.
- Check that all the information you provided is correct.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Important: Applications must be submitted electronically. Physical, faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted according to the supplied vacancy information.
Official Application Link
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE 50 HIV COUNSELLOR POSITIONS
Applicants can also visit the main recruitment portal:
Enquiries About the Vacancies
If you need more information about the advertised positions, you can contact the person listed in the vacancy information.
- Contact Person: Ms Rebecca Lesimola
- Telephone Number: 083 641 4222
Applicants should use the reference number refs/057385 when making enquiries about these positions.
