Job Description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to

improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from

designated groups in accordance with our Equity Plan.

Research Assistant- MhINT Psychosis (2 posts)

(1year fixed term contract)

College of Health Sciences

Centre for Research in Health systems

School of Nursing and Public Health

uMgungundlovu District

Reference Number: MHP2/RA2025

Preamble:

The CRH conducts research to strengthen health systems with a focus on developing


and testing innovations and service delivery improvement within resource constrained settings,


extending to improving governance, participation, and universal health coverage.

Project description: Feasibility and acceptability of critical time intervention to support people

with severe mental illness following post-acute hospital discharge in South Africa

Evidence-based interventions in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) that promote positive


outcomes for people living with severe mental illness (SMIs) in community settings, particularly


following the disruption and trauma of acute psychiatric hospitalization, remain limited. This period


of transition is a particularly promising window wherein the effects of interventions aiming to


prevent psychiatric relapse and promote individual wellbeing can be maximized. The overall aim


of this research is to determine the feasibility of real-world implementation of a co-produced


health system strengthening intervention in reducing hospital re-admission rates related outcomes


among people living with severe mental illness following acute psychiatric hospitalization in South


Africa.

Brief Summary of position: - Fieldworkers x2 (Health Care Facilities)

The Research Assistant- MhINT Psychosis will be required to work with mental health patients and


their families, and community health workers, and WBPHCOTS using established research


procedures. Duties include administration of psychological assessments for patients with psychosis,


visits to households, administration of questionnaires and interviews, liaison with family members of


patients with psychosis, and health care facilities and stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements:

4 Year Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych) degree with registration with HPCSA OR MA
in Social Work specializing in mental health OR 4 year Diploma in Nursing OR 4 year


Degree in Nursing


1 year Fieldwork experience in qualitative interviewing and administering
questionnaires


Driver's license with at least 2 years experience driving Experience working with people with psychosis

Essential Requirements:

Proven capacity to work independently / without constant supervision Work experience in health research settings involving communities Work experience in mental health services Fluent isiZulu /English Willing to travel to rural and urban community settings Willing to travel between healthcare settings and within communities, including
conducting research within households

Additional information

The remuneration package offered will be in line with university salary scales and dependent on


the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. The contract period is 12 months


with the possibility of extension depending on availability of external funding. Please note these


posts are based in uMgungundlovu District. The project does not cover any relocation or


associated costs if applicable, for the successful candidate who does not reside in the area.

This post reports to the Project Coordinator. The job profile is available from Dr Tasneem Kathree,

Tel Number: 031 260 1569 or e-mail: crh@ukzn.ac.za.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 28 February 2025. The University, however, reserves

the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or extend the above date in

order to facilitate further searches.

Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form, which is available on the

Vacancies website at www.ukzn.ac.za. Completed forms must be accompanied by a curriculum

vitae formatted to include each minimum requirement as stated in the advertisement, together

with supporting documents where applicable, and a covering letter and must be sent to E-mail

address crh@ukzn.ac.za. Please quote "Research Assistant -MhINT Psychosis " as a reference in

your subject line. Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted