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.
Before applying, take note of the important information about these positions.
The positions are spread across five regions in Gauteng. Applicants should check the official advertisement for further information about the available placements.
The Gauteng Department of Health is recruiting 50 Lay Counsellors across the following regions:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Applicants must have a sound understanding of HIV-related healthcare services.
This includes knowledge of:
Candidates should understand how HIV testing works and why patients need proper information and support before and after testing.
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.
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.
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.
Although the main requirements are Grade 12 and a valid RTCQI certificate, the following qualifications and experience may strengthen an application:
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.
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:
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.
Employees must understand and follow the approved HIV Testing Services algorithms.
They will also need to apply the 5 Cs of HIV testing:
These principles help ensure that patients receive respectful, accurate and appropriate testing services.
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.
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.
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.
Employees will also be expected to complete basic administrative duties.
These may include:
Accuracy is important because healthcare workers rely on patient records and programme information when providing services.
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.
Applicants must prepare the correct documents before submitting their applications.
According to the vacancy information, the following documents are required:
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
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Human Resources department and asked to provide certified copies of their supporting documents.
These may include:
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.
Applications must be submitted online through the Gauteng Provincial Government E-Recruitment portal.
Follow these steps to apply:
Important: Applications must be submitted electronically. Physical, faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted according to the supplied vacancy information.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE 50 HIV COUNSELLOR POSITIONS
Applicants can also visit the main recruitment portal:
If you need more information about the advertised positions, you can contact the person listed in the vacancy information.
Applicants should use the reference number refs/057385 when making enquiries about these positions.
The closing date for the 50 HIV Counselling and Testing Counsellor positions is 20 November 2026.
All applications must be submitted through the Gauteng E-Recruitment portal before the deadline.
Late applications will not be considered.
Candidates are encouraged to apply early and make sure their Z83 forms and CVs are uploaded correctly.
1. How many HIV Counsellor positions are available?
The Gauteng Department of Health is recruiting 50 HIV Counselling and Testing Counsellors across Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand.
2. What is the salary for these positions?
The advertised annual salary is R144,024. This is approximately R12,002 per month before tax and other deductions.
3. Is Matric required?
Yes. Applicants must have Grade 12, a Senior Certificate or a recognised equivalent qualification.
4. Is an RTCQI certificate compulsory?
Yes. The supplied vacancy requirements state that applicants must have a valid Rapid Testing Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) certificate.
5. Is previous work experience required?
One year of HIV counselling and testing experience is listed as an added advantage. Applicants should still meet the mandatory educational and certification requirements.
6. Is a driver’s licence required?
A driver’s licence is not listed as a mandatory requirement in the supplied vacancy information.
7. How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the Gauteng Provincial Government E-Recruitment portal. Search using reference number refs/057385.
8. What is the closing date?
The closing date is 20 November 2026.
The 50 HIV Counselling and Testing Counsellor vacancies offer an opportunity for qualified candidates to work in the public healthcare sector.
The positions allow employees to support communities, provide important health information and help patients access HIV testing and treatment services.
They also offer an opportunity to gain practical experience in counselling, patient support, healthcare administration and data management.
If you have Grade 12, a valid RTCQI certificate and the required skills, this opportunity may be worth considering.
Visit the official Gauteng E-Recruitment portal, search for reference number refs/057385 and submit your application before 20 November 2026.
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