About the Role
The Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated Operational Manager to join their team in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. In this crucial role, you will lead a unit focused on providing exceptional and professional nursing care for Mental Health Care Users. Your leadership will directly impact the quality of care delivered to patients in this specialized psychiatric setting, making a significant difference in the community’s mental health services.
The significance of this role cannot be overstated. As the Operational Manager, you will not only manage daily operations but also drive a culture of excellence in nursing practices. This position offers the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse team while ensuring that patients receive holistic and specialized care that adheres to the Nursing Act and relevant health regulations.
About the Department
Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services that cater to the unique needs of individuals facing mental health challenges. The hospital’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for patients by fostering an environment of healing and support. Working here means being part of a compassionate team that prioritizes patient welfare and professional development.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee and lead the nursing unit in delivering efficient and professional care.
- Conduct clinical assessments of Mental Health Care Users.
- Foster a collaborative and respectful working environment among staff and stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with nursing and health care laws and regulations.
- Engage in training and research to enhance knowledge and practices within the unit.
- Implement and maintain quality standards for nursing practices.
- Manage human, financial, and material resources effectively.
- Address disciplinary and grievance matters following established procedures.
- Promote professional growth and development among nursing staff through targeted training initiatives.
- Participate in health promotion and illness prevention programs within the hospital.
What You’ll Need
- Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent.
- Degree/Diploma in General and Psychiatric Nursing (R425).
- Post Basic qualification in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing/Child Psychiatric Nursing.
- A minimum of nine years of recognized nursing experience, with at least seven years in a psychiatric setting post-qualification.
- Valid Driver’s License and computer literacy.
- Degree/Diploma in Nursing Management is advantageous.
- Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of conflict management, labour relations, and nursing care processes.
- Familiarity with Occupational Health and Safety, Infection Control, and Mental Health Care Act.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below for submitting your application quoting the relevant reference UMG 07/2026.
Requirements
Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent.Degree/ Diploma in General and Psychiatric Nursing/R425.
Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing-Post Basic/Child Psychiatric Nursing.
A minimum of nine (9) years of appropriate/recognizable experience in Nursing after registration as a Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing.
At least seven (7) years of the period referred to above must be appropriate / recognizable experience after obtaining one (1) year post basic qualification in advanced Psychiatric Nursing/Child Psychiatric Nursing.
Valid Driver’s License.
Computer Literacy.
Degree/Diploma in Nursing Management will be an advantage.
Knowledge And Skills: Good communication, leadership, interpersonal skills.
Conflict management and knowledge of labour basic qualification in Psychiatry (Advanced Psychiatric Nursing).
Relations and disciplinary process/procedures.
Human Resources and financial management skills.
Sound knowledge of disciplinary processes and grievance procedures.
Knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures.
Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety, Infection Control, medical waste and risk assessment and Mental Health Care Act and team building and supervisory skills.
Good communication, leadership, interpersonal and conflict management skills.
Job Duties
Manage and lead the unit in rendering efficient and professional nursing care as laid down by the Nursing Act.Engages in clinical assessment of Mental Health Care Users in a specialized psychiatric setting.
Work effectively, co- operatively, amicably at supervisory level with people of diverse intellectual cultural or racial or differences.
Ensures provision of optimal, holistic, specialized care in accordance with laws and regulations relevant to nursing and health care in the Unit.
Participates in training and research with a view to increasing body of knowledge in a specialized psychiatric setting.
Implement standards, practices, criteria and indicators for quality nursing practices.
Maintain constructive working relationships with nursing and other stakeholders.
Exercise control and account for expenditure by managing and monitor utilization of human, financial and material resources.
Manage disciplinary and grievance matters including monitoring and managing absenteeism in terms of laid down policies and procedures.
Maintain professional growth/ethical standards and development of self and personnel, by analysing their needs, formulating and implementing training and developmental strategies and monitoring its effectiveness.
Participate in performance reviews i.
e.
EPMDS.
Participate in health promotion and illness prevention initiatives within the institution.
