Operational Manager (Speciality)

About the role

The Department of Health (KwaZulu-Natal) is hiring an Operational Manager (Speciality), based in Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital. This is a permanent post, paying R720,819 a year. How to apply: APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO: UMGENI SPECIALIZED PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, PRIVATE BAG X23, HOWICK 3290 OR HAND DELIVERED OR COURIED FOR ATTENTION: Human Resource DEPARTMENT OR Email to: UmgeniHospital.HRJobapplication@kznhealth.gov.za Reference number to quote: UMG 07/2026 Closing date: 6 November 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• 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 person of diverse intellectual cultural 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 increase 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 the disciplinary and grievance matters including monitoring and managing for 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 the 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.

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 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 the above must be appropriate / recognizable experience after obtaining one (1) year post basic qualification in advanced Psychiatric Nursing/Child Psychiatric Nursing
• Proof of current registration with South African Nursing Council (SANC)
• Valid Driver’s License
• Computer Literacy
• Proof of previous and current experience endorsed and stamped by employer/s must be attached
• Degree/Diploma in Nursing Management will be an advantage
• 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.