About the Role
The Department of Health is seeking an Operational Manager (Specialty Psychiatry) to join the dedicated team at Fort England Psychiatric Hospital in the Sarah Baartman District. This role is vital to ensuring the delivery of high-quality mental health care services to the community, and you will be at the forefront of patient support and clinical governance. By providing effective management and professional leadership, you will contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals who rely on psychiatric services in South Africa.
Located in the beautiful Eastern Cape, this position offers an opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of patients. The Operational Manager will oversee specialized units, ensuring that treatment and care adhere to the principles of Batho Pele, which emphasizes putting the needs of patients first. Your leadership will inspire a culture of compassion and commitment within the hospital, fostering an environment where patients feel valued and supported.
About the Department
The Department of Health is committed to promoting and protecting the health of all South Africans. It strives to provide equitable and accessible health services that are responsive to the needs of the community. Working within this department means being part of a mission that prioritizes the health and well-being of individuals, making a tangible difference in society. As an Operational Manager, you will play an essential role in advancing the department’s goals while maintaining a high standard of care.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and manage the specialized psychiatric units with effective communication and teamwork.
- Ensure compliance with clinical governance and nursing standards.
- Supervise resources and staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Advocate for patient care and treatment, fostering a supportive environment.
- Implement disaster management protocols and monitor service delivery frameworks.
- Coordinate health promotion activities and evaluate relevant data to improve care quality.
- Participate in weekend and night duties as required to support nursing services.
What You’ll Need
- A Basic R425 qualification (diploma/degree in nursing) or equivalent, registered with the SANC as a Professional Nurse.
- A post-basic qualification in Psychiatric Nursing Science, accredited for at least one year.
- A minimum of 9 years’ experience in nursing post-registration, including 5 years in psychiatric nursing.
- Strong knowledge of nursing care processes, legal frameworks, and patient rights.
- Proven leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills within the public sector.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, including conflict resolution abilities.
- A valid driver’s license and basic computer literacy.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below.
Requirements
Basic R425 qualification (i.e.
diploma/degree in nursing) or equivalent qualification that allows Registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse.
A post basic nursing qualification, with duration of at least one (01) year accredited with the SANC in Psychiatric Nursing Science.
Registration with the SANC as Professional Nurse.
A minimum of 9 years appropriate/recognisable experience in nursing after registration as Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing.
At least 5 years of the period referred to above must be appropriate/ recognisable experience in the specific specialty after obtaining the 1-year post-basic qualification in the relevant specialty.
Knowledge of nursing care processes and procedures, nursing statutes and other relevant legal frameworks such as Nursing Act, Health Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act Patient’s Rights Charter, Batho-Pele Principles.
Sound knowledge and skills in implementing disciplinary code and procedure, grievance procedure Leadership, organizational, decision making and problem-solving abilities within the limit of the public sector and institutional policy framework.
Good interpersonal skills including public relations, negotiating, conflict handling and counselling skills.
Knowledge of financial and budgetary prescripts and processes pertaining to the relevant resources under management Insight into public health sector strategies and priorities including the nursing strategy, standards procedures and policies pertaining to nursing care, computer skills in basic programs.
A valid driver’s licence.
Job Duties
Provide effective management and professional leadership in the specialized units of Psychiatric.Demonstrate effective communication with patients, supervisors, other health professional and junior colleagues including more complex report writing when required Effective management, utilization and supervision of all resources Display a concern for patients, promoting, advocating and facilitating proper treatment and care and ensure that the unit adheres to the principles of Batho Pele Maintain clinical competence by ensuring that scientific principles of nursing and clinical governance are implemented.
Implement maternal guidelines, demonstrate an in-depth understanding of nursing legislation and related legal and ethical nursing 179 practice.
Exercise control of discipline, grievance and any labour related issues in terms of laid down procedures.
Provide supportive supervision and comply with PMDS evaluation of staff, formulate training programs and participate in training and development of staff and nursing students.
Monitor implementation Disaster management, monitor implementation of NCS and Ideal Hospital Realization Framework and interpret its impact on service delivery thereof.
Coordinate and participate in health promotion activities and monitor and evaluation of data Demonstrate basic computer literacy as a support tool to enhance service delivery.
Support Nursing Services Management by working weekend and night duty when required.
