About the Role
The Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated Physiotherapist to join their dynamic healthcare team in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. In this vital role, you will be responsible for assessing and managing Mental Health Care Users (MHCUs) with various levels of intellectual and physical disabilities, addressing their physiotherapeutic needs through tailored interventions. Your work will significantly contribute to the quality of care delivered to the community, ensuring that these individuals receive the support they need to improve their physical health and overall well-being.
As a Physiotherapist, you will engage with a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, holistic care. Your expertise will not only enhance the quality of life for patients but will also help uphold the principles of Batho Pele—putting people first in public service. This role is essential for ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to quality physiotherapy services, reinforcing the commitment to human rights and dignity for all.
About the Department
The Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital is dedicated to providing specialized mental health care services. The department’s mission is to promote mental health and well-being, offering support to individuals faced with various challenges. Working here means contributing to a meaningful cause, where your efforts help shape the lives of those who need care the most. The hospital emphasizes quality service delivery, reinforcing its commitment to ethical practices, and the continuous professional development of its staff.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct thorough assessments of MHCUs to determine their physiotherapy needs.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments.
- Attend regular ward rounds and maintain accurate clinical records.
- Supervise and provide guidance to junior staff and physiotherapy students.
- Engage in quality improvement projects and participate in clinical audits.
- Manage departmental administrative tasks, including stock management and equipment procurement.
- Collaborate with external service providers and NGOs to enhance patient care.
- Ensure compliance with ethical codes and Batho Pele principles in service delivery.
What You’ll Need
- A Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
- A degree in Physiotherapy.
- Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- Basic computer literacy.
- At least one year of relevant experience post-registration (community service included).
- Strong clinical reasoning skills and ability to develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with cultural competency.
- Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Knowledge of ethical practices and the Disability Rights Charter.
How to Apply
Applications quoting the relevant reference UMG 12/2026 should be directed to the Chief Executive Officer, Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital.
Requirements
Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent.Degree in Physiotherapy Current registration with the HPCSA as a qualified physiotherapist.
Computer literate.
Experience: No experience after registration with HPCSA as an Independent Practitioner in respect of South African qualified employees who performed one year of community service.
One (1) year relevant experience after registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa in the relevant profession 247 (where applicable) in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform community service.
Knowledge And Skills: Knowledge of physiotherapy diagnostic assessment, therapeutic procedures and equipment.
Good clinical reasoning skills, ability to plan and implement appropriate treatment plans/programs based on patient’s needs.
Practical knowledge of ethical code of conduct and Batho Pele principles, Disability Rights Charter and various clinical physiotherapy policies based on evidence -based practice.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills, cultural competency and excellent ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
Knowledge of scope of practice and referral criteria for other disciplines is essential.
Good computer literacy skills.
Ability to plan, organize and manage resources (both human and material).
Creativity and Initiative, ability to think laterally and work independently.
Insight into Community Based Rehabilitation.
Ability to plan and implement individual and group programs where possible.
Ability to determine need for assistive/mobility devices.
Job Duties
Demonstrate a sound understanding of Physiotherapy, techniques and practices.Assessment and appropriate physiotherapeutic management of MHCUs (Mental Health Care Users) with various levels of Intellectual and Physical Disabilities presenting with acute, sub-acute and chronic conditions requiring physiotherapy intervention.
To attend regular ward rounds.
Maintain up to date clinical records and daily statistics and generate reports as required.
Participate in the implementation of EPMDS for junior staff.
To provide guidance and supervision to junior staff, physiotherapy technicians, students.
Participate in planning the HR and equipment requirements for the department e.
g.
Procurement Plans.
Participate in activities aimed at ensuring quality service delivery e.
g.
Identify the need for, plan, implement and monitor Quality Improvement Projects, participate in peer review/Clinical audits/IHRM audits, assist in developing and reviewing SOPs and Risk Management Plans.
Be responsible for general administrative duties of the department e.
g.
monthly stock take, ordering of monthly stock and non-stock items, submitting job requests.
Function within a multi-disciplinary team and link to outside service providers, NGO’s and organizations for people with disabilities to provide comprehensive holistic care.
Assist in ensuring the delivery of a quality Physiotherapy service based on Batho Pele Principle and Human Rights Ethics with due consideration for people with disabilities and according to HPCS guidelines.
