DEPUTY MANAGER NURSING GRADE 1 [PN-A8]: NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND SPECIAL CARE

This is a senior nursing management position within the National Head Office of the Department of Correctional Services, specifically placed in the Directorate for Non-Communicable Diseases and Support Services. The Deputy Manager Nursing Grade 1 (PN-A8) is an OSD-graded post that carries overall responsibility for shaping, directing and overseeing the department’s clinical and policy response to non-communicable diseases, special care needs, and therapeutic and medical support services. The role operates at a strategic level, meaning the incumbent must align nursing and healthcare delivery with broader public service legislation, correctional centre realities, and the department’s operational plans. It is a demanding leadership post that requires both clinical credibility and managerial maturity, as the incumbent will be expected to influence how healthcare is planned, delivered, monitored and improved across correctional facilities.

To be considered, candidates must hold a basic R425 qualification, which is a Diploma or Degree in Nursing, or an equivalent qualification that permits registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse. Active registration with the SANC is mandatory. In addition, applicants need a minimum of nine years of appropriate and recognisable nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse in General Nursing, and at least four of those years must have been gained at a management level. Computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence are also required, along with a willingness to travel, as the role may involve visits to correctional centres or other sites. The ideal candidate will bring a strong working knowledge of the nursing care process and procedures, nursing statutes, and relevant legal frameworks, including grievance procedures and disciplinary codes. Financial management, problem-solving, decision-making, facilitation, project management, conflict management, training and development skills are all essential, as are good report writing, time management, and the ability to plan, organise, lead and control. The post demands a high level of integrity, honesty, assertiveness, confidentiality, client orientation, and a sound understanding of public service policies and legislative frameworks.

The core duties are broad and strategic. The Deputy Manager will develop, implement, monitor and review policies, programmes, guidelines and standard operating procedures relating to non-communicable diseases, special care, and therapeutic and medical services. This includes coordinating and overseeing the prevention, management and control of NCDs within correctional centres, as well as coordinating and monitoring the provision of therapeutic and medical support services across the department. Another key responsibility is the development, implementation, monitoring and review of medical parole policies, procedures and guidelines, ensuring they are legally sound and practically applicable. The role also involves conducting risk assessments and developing risk management plans specifically for NCDs, special care and therapeutic services. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for the management of human resources, finance and assets within the component, as well as the management of performance information to support evidence-based decision-making and accountability.

This is a Public Service Act appointment, meaning the successful candidate will be subject to the regulations, codes and conditions that govern public service employment. The post is based at the National Head Office, and while the salary package is all-inclusive, the role is clearly positioned at a senior management level within the nursing profession. Given the nature of the work, the incumbent must be prepared to work within a correctional services environment, which brings unique ethical, security and operational considerations. The position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of inmates and to contribute to the professionalisation of nursing services within the department. Interested applicants should note that this is a highly responsible role that requires both clinical expertise and the ability to lead complex programmes within a government setting.