OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING (SPECIALTY: PSYCHIATRY) (MENTAL MALE HIGH CARE UNIT)

This position offers an experienced psychiatric nurse the opportunity to step into a senior operational management role within a specialised mental health setting. Based at Valkenburg Hospital under the Metro Health Services directorate, the Operational Manager Nursing (Specialty: Psychiatry) will be responsible for the Mental Male High Care Unit, a demanding environment that requires both clinical expertise in advanced psychiatric nursing and strong leadership capabilities. The role sits within the broader public health framework of the Western Cape, where the incumbent will be expected to uphold the highest standards of nursing care while managing resources effectively and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, particularly the Mental Health Care Act and other prescripts governing nursing practice.

Candidates must be registered with the South African Nursing Council as Professional Nurses and hold a basic R425 qualification in nursing, or an equivalent qualification that permits such registration. In addition, applicants need either a one-year post-basic qualification in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Science accredited with the SANC under R212, or a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing combined with a post-graduate diploma in Mental Health Nursing accredited under R635. The experience requirement is substantial: at least nine years of recognisable nursing experience after registration as a Professional Nurse in General Nursing, with a minimum of five of those years specifically in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Science following completion of the relevant post-basic qualification. This ensures that the successful candidate brings both depth and breadth of clinical and managerial exposure to the unit.

The duties are wide-ranging and carry significant responsibility. The Operational Manager will ensure adherence to the Mental Health Care Act and other legal frameworks, manage the ward effectively, and also take charge of the hospital after hours, over weekends, and on public holidays according to a planned roster, including relieving the night manager as needed. This requires sound judgement and the ability to act decisively in the absence of senior staff. The role also involves managing and monitoring the utilisation of human, financial, and physical resources in line with departmental policies, which calls for basic financial management skills and computer literacy. Furthermore, the incumbent will coordinate and actively participate in the focused training and development of permanent staff and nursing students, helping to build capacity within the unit. Participation in the analysis, formulation, and implementation of nursing guidelines, practices, standards, and procedures is also a core part of the job, meaning the role contributes to shaping how psychiatric nursing is delivered at the facility.

Inherent to the position are specific requirements, including the ability to work night duty on a planned schedule and possession of a valid Code B/EB driver’s licence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills, maintain constructive relationships within the multi-disciplinary team, and possess excellent verbal and written communication abilities. This is an OSD-graded post within the public service, and as with all government vacancies, no payment of any kind is required when applying. Applications are accepted only through the official online portal, and enquiries can be directed to the named contact person for the post. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned psychiatric nurse ready to take on a challenging and rewarding management role in a specialised high care environment.