Manager Medical Services – Howick – Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital

Manager Medical Services at Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital in Howick, a rewarding government job in South Africa

Published 4 November 2026
Closing Date 17 November 2026
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated professional to fill the role of Manager Medical Services. This position is critical to ensuring that high-quality medical care is delivered to patients in a supportive and ethical environment. Located in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, this role not only involves managing medical services but also plays a vital part in the healthcare system by enhancing the overall quality of psychiatric care. Your contributions will significantly impact the lives of individuals in the community, reinforcing the public service commitment to providing accessible and effective mental health services.

In this role, you will oversee the delivery of safe and legal medical care in the psychiatric hospital, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures. By facilitating communication between medical teams and liaising with district and head offices, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining high standards of care. Your leadership will foster an environment that encourages professional growth and collaboration among medical practitioners, ultimately benefiting the patients you serve and the wider community.

About the Department

The Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital operates under the Department of Health, which is dedicated to providing comprehensive health services across South Africa. The department’s mission is to promote health, prevent illness, and ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare. Working within this department means being part of a larger mission to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals across the nation, making it a fulfilling and impactful career choice.

What You’ll Do

  • Ensure the provision of safe, ethical, and high-quality medical care in a psychiatric setting.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with statutory regulations and ethical standards.
  • Supervise and support medical officers, sessional doctors, and community service doctors.
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives and conduct clinical audits to maintain standards.
  • Organize and facilitate clinical training, ward rounds, and outpatient clinics.
  • Serve on clinical and management committees to ensure effective governance and service delivery.
  • Maintain communication with stakeholders and address any labour relations issues according to established procedures.
  • Engage in clinical research and contribute to academic programmes within the hospital.

What You’ll Need

  • A Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent.
  • An MBCHB or equivalent medical qualification.
  • A minimum of three years of experience as a Medical Practitioner registered with the HPCSA.
  • At least two years of supervisory experience in a medical setting.
  • Current registration with the HPCSA.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • A valid driver’s license (code 8 or 10).
  • Strong clinical knowledge in general medicine and psychiatry, along with relevant legislation.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

How to Apply

Please refer to the application instructions below.

Requirements

Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent; Plus, MBCHB or equivalent qualification.

A minimum of three years’ experience as a Medical Practitioner after registration with HPCSA Plus Current registration with HPCSA.

A minimum of two years’ supervisory experience.

Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and Unendorsed valid driver’s licence (code 8) or C drivers’ license (code 10).

Knowledge And Skills: Knowledge of general medicine and psychiatry, laws and regulations that govern medical services.

Ability to diagnose and manage common medical problems and emergencies.

Knowledge of relevant Acts, Policies and Regulations governing the Public Service.

Knowledge of the District Health System.

Sound clinical knowledge and experience.

Ability to function as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to work and maintain meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

Management skills.

Supervisory skills.

Communication and Interpersonal skills.

Implementation and evaluation skills.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Sound negotiation.

Organizing and conflict management skills.

Computer literacy.

Job Duties

Ensure the provision of safe, ethical, legal and high-quality medical care in a psychiatric hospital.

Facilitate the formulation of policies and procedures and ensure that these are in line with statutory regulations and code of ethics.

Ensure the provision of protocols and guidelines to doctors at the correct level.

Participate in the quality improvement programme of the component to ensure that policies and procedures are followed.

Conduct clinical audit with the support of the clinical staff.

Liaise with the District Office and Head Office on matters related to medical services.

Ensure that effective delivery service is maintained within the hospital.

Maintain discipline and deal with labour relations issues in terms of the laid down procedures.

Supervise and support medical officers, sessional doctors and community service doctors.

Serve in all clinical related committees, including management committees like Management Committees, Cashflow committee, IMLC etc.

Ensure availability of clinical protocols for the management of high-risk conditions at the hospital.

Provide duties that can be allocated in terms of the hospital, district and departmental needs.

Organize both academic and clinical service functions of the Department, including ward rounds, outpatient clinics and clinical training ward rounds.

Participate in clinical research and academic programmes in the 227 respective clinical departments.

Provide academic and clinical administrative leadership.

Attending to staff at the Occupational Health clinic if the Medical Officer allocated is not available.

Salary

Grade 1: R1 479 723 per annum, inclusive package consists of 70% basic salary and 30% flexible portion that may be structured in terms of the applicable rules Plus Commuted Overtime CENTRE Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital: Howick

How to Apply

Applications quoting the relevant reference UMG 07/2026. All Applications should be forwarded to: Mr VM Mvelase, The Chief Executive Officer, Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital, Private Bag X23, Howick, 3290 for attention: Human Resource Department or courier OR hand delivered at the Human Resources Office Umgeni Hospital, Old Main Road, Howick, 3290. Applications can also be emailed to [email protected]. The reference number must be indicated in the column provided on the form Z83, e.g. UMG 05/2019. For Enquiries: Mr VM Mvelase Tel No: (033) 3306146, Ext. 120