DEPUTY DIRECTOR: COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES West Coast District

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced health professional to take on a senior leadership role within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, based at the West Coast District Office in Malmesbury. The Deputy Director: Comprehensive Services will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of integrated comprehensive health services across the West Coast District, operating within the Rural West Eco-system. This means overseeing the full continuum of care, from home and community-based services through the Primary Health Care platform and district hospitals, with a strong emphasis on quality, patient-centred care and seamless service integration.

Candidates must hold an appropriate health-related qualification at NQF level 7 that enables registration with one of the recognised statutory bodies – the Health Professions Council of South Africa, the South African Nursing Council, or the South African Pharmacy Council. The role further requires appropriate experience in District Health Services and Health Service Management, as well as proven experience in managing priority health services and health programmes. This is a high-level management post, so the ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of the District Health System and the strategic direction of the Department of Health and Wellness, including the Healthcare 2030/2050 vision. Operational competences include sound project management, financial management, computer literacy in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and strong facilitation skills. The post also demands excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership and conflict management abilities, along with a thorough knowledge of health-related regulations, policies and acts pertaining to statutory bodies, health facility boards and district health councils. An inherent requirement is a valid Code B/EB/C1 driver’s licence and a willingness to travel, as the role involves moving across the district.

In terms of core duties, the Deputy Director will provide strategic leadership and direction for the delivery of integrated comprehensive health services, ensuring quality patient-centred care across all platforms. The role includes overseeing information management systems and monitoring and evaluation processes, which involves setting specific targets, tracking indicators and assessing health outcomes across the district. The post also carries responsibility for resource allocation, budget management, people management and asset management within the component. A key part of the work is interface management and maintaining effective communication with all internal and external stakeholders on various platforms. Furthermore, the position entails leading and supporting skills development and capacity building, including clinical nurse training and the support of the non-profit organisation sector that delivers community-based services.

Applicants should note that this advertised post is linked to the institution or facility that forms part of the Ecosystem Service platform, and upon appointment the incumbent will be expected to render clinical services across institutions in the ecosystem as needed to sustain health service delivery. The selection process will include a competency assessment. Importantly, no payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. This is a substantial career opportunity for a health manager who is ready to shape integrated, patient-centred care in a rural district setting, working collaboratively across facilities and community structures to improve health outcomes in the West Coast.