OPERATIONAL MANAGER (SPECIALTY) (X1 POST)

The Operational Manager (Specialty) post at Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital in Howick is a senior nursing leadership role within a dedicated mental health facility in KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and leading a unit that provides specialized psychiatric care, ensuring that all nursing practices align with the Nursing Act and relevant mental health legislation. This OSD-graded position is central to the hospital’s mission of delivering optimal, holistic care to mental health care users in a specialized psychiatric setting. The role calls for a seasoned professional who can balance clinical excellence with effective unit administration, staff supervision, and resource management.

Candidates must hold a Senior Certificate or equivalent, plus a degree or diploma in General and Psychiatric Nursing (R425) and a post-basic diploma in Psychiatric Nursing or Child Psychiatric Nursing. A minimum of nine years of appropriate nursing experience since registration as a Professional Nurse with the South African Nursing Council is required, of which at least seven years must have been gained after obtaining the one-year post-basic qualification in advanced or child psychiatric nursing. A degree or diploma in Nursing Management will be an advantage, as will computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence. The role demands excellent communication, leadership, interpersonal and conflict management skills, together with a thorough understanding of labour relations, disciplinary procedures, and human resource and financial management principles. Knowledge of occupational health and safety, infection control, medical waste management, risk assessment, and the Mental Health Care Act is essential, along with the ability to build teams and supervise effectively.

Key duties include overseeing clinical assessments of mental health care users, managing the unit’s nursing team, and ensuring that care is provided in accordance with professional standards and legal frameworks. The Operational Manager will actively participate in training and research to expand the specialist psychiatric body of knowledge, implement quality improvement standards, and maintain constructive relationships with nursing colleagues and other stakeholders. The role also involves controlling expenditure and monitoring the utilisation of human, financial and material resources. Disciplinary and grievance matters, absenteeism, and performance reviews under the EPMDS system fall within this remit, as do staff development, health promotion, and illness prevention initiatives.

Applicants should note that this position is subject to a range of pre-employment checks, including security vetting, credit checks, and verification of qualifications, citizenship, and previous employment. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete two assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The application process involves a Z83 form and a detailed CV, with original supporting documents requested only from shortlisted candidates; the relevant reference number must be indicated on the form. Due to the high volume of applications, only those shortlisted will be contacted, and no subsistence or travel claims will be paid for interview attendance. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced psychiatric nurse seeking a management career in a specialised hospital environment.