Professional Nurse Grade 1 to 2 (Specialty: Mental Health) at Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness

REQUIREMENTS : Minimum educational qualification:

• Basic R425 qualification (i.e. diploma/degree in nursing) or equivalent qualification (R683 plus R880) that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse. A post-basic nursing qualification with a duration of at least 1 year accredited with the SANC in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Science (R212).
• or A 4 year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (R174) or equivalent qualification (R171 plus R1497) that allows registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse. A post graduate diploma (R635) accredited with the SANC in Mental Health Nursing. Registration with a professional council: Registration with the SANC as Professional Nurse.
• Inherent requirements of the job: A valid driver’s licence. Willingness to work overtime when needed.

Experience:

•  Grade 1: A minimum of 4 years appropriate/recognisable experience in nursing after registration as Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing. 
• Grade 2: A minimum of 14 years appropriate/recognisable experience in nursing after registration as Professional Nurse with the SANC in General Nursing. At least 10 years of the period referred to above must be appropriate/recognisable experience after obtaining the 1-year post-basic qualification or post-graduate diploma in the relevant specialty.
• Competencies: Good psychosocial- and health assessment skills. Knowledge of Mental Health Legislation and Psychopharmacology. Good problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, planning and organisational skills. Knowledge in the use of clinical equipment and control of budget levels. Experience in data management and accurate record keeping of the relevant mental health services. 

DUTIES :

• Actively participate as a specialist nurse in the provision of acute and chronic mental health care to clients of all age groups at Primary Health Care facilities in the Knysna/Bitou Sub District.
• Make bio-psychosocial health assessments that are culturally sensitive. Design and implement treatment plans and critically evaluate outcomes.
• Engage in case management activities such as organising, accessing, negotiating, coordinating and integrating services. Promote and maintain mental health and manage the effects of mental illness through education, counselling and psycho-social rehabilitation. Participate in the training and clinical supervision of other health care providers.