Donor Care Officer – SANBS Pietermaritzburg

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced nursing professionals to apply for the position of Donor Care Officer based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing safe, professional and efficient donor care while supporting the collection of quality blood and blood products at fixed and mobile blood drives.

Job Details

Job Title: Donor Care Officer
Employer: South African National Blood Service (SANBS)
Listing Reference: sanbs_003398
Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Business Unit: Pietermaritzburg Mobile 1
Contract Type: Permanent
Industry: Medical, Health & Social Care
Job Category: Health, Fitness, Medical and Optometry
Remuneration: R502,542 per annum
Employment Equity: Yes
Closing Date: 10 August 2026
Listing Status: Online

About the Job

The Donor Care Officer plays an important role in ensuring that safe and quality blood and blood products are collected in accordance with SANBS standards, procedures and daily collection targets.

The position involves working directly with blood donors before, during and after donation. The successful candidate will assist with donor registration, medical assessment, blood collection, donor education, documentation and post-donation care.

The role may involve working at mobile blood drives and requires the candidate to assist with preparing, transporting, setting up and packing equipment and consumables.

Key Performance Areas

Financial Management

The Donor Care Officer will assist in managing costs associated with blood collection by:

Managing cost per unit within approved blood-drive targets.
Determining and preparing consumables according to collection targets.
Packing and loading consumables required for blood drives.
Monitoring equipment and ensuring that maintenance and repairs are addressed promptly.
Reporting discrepancies in consumable stock deliveries.
Reporting significant increases or decreases in consumable usage.

Donor and Stakeholder Care

The successful candidate will be expected to provide professional and courteous service to donors and stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

Welcoming donors when they arrive at the blood drive.
Guiding donors to the registration area.
Providing donors with relevant information before medical assessment.
Assisting donors with completing forms and documentation.
Answering donor questions and clarifying concerns.
Handling or escalating complaints appropriately.
Understanding donor needs and maintaining a positive donor experience.
Supporting team members in improving customer service.
Discussing the causes of complaints, compliments and donor queries with the team.

Blood Collection and Clinical Duties

A major part of the position involves ensuring safe and effective blood collection.

Duties include:

Collecting whole blood and/or apheresis units according to assigned targets.
Preparing the blood-drive area before donors arrive.
Assisting with loading and off-loading vehicles.
Assisting with registration and identification of donors.
Checking donor forms for completeness.
Conducting basic physical checks according to approved procedures.
Recording relevant donor information accurately.
Reporting abnormalities or irregularities to the Clinic Supervisor or designated deputy.
Conducting confidential donor risk-behaviour interviews.
Educating donors about high-risk behaviour.
Preparing blood packs and ensuring the correct collection volume.
Preparing the phlebotomy area.
Performing phlebotomy according to the relevant SANBS SOP.
Monitoring and caring for donors during donation.
Providing refreshments and donor education.
Providing post-donation advice and care.
Completing all required post-donation documentation.

Emergency and Donor Safety

The Donor Care Officer must be able to respond appropriately when a donor experiences a medical emergency.

The role includes:

Providing immediate assistance during donor emergencies.
Initiating First Aid or CPR when required.
Working with the person in charge and SANBS Medical Lead Consultant.
Supporting emergency personnel until they arrive.
Maintaining a safe environment for donors and staff.
Following approved health and safety procedures.

Learning and Development

The successful candidate may also support the development and competency of other staff members.

Responsibilities include:

Performing Clinic Supervisor duties when required by operational circumstances.
Participating in staff meetings.
Maintaining regular communication with colleagues and supervisors.
Supporting team-building activities.
Keeping up to date with policy and SOP changes.
Assisting in identifying staff training needs.
Supporting staff competency assessments.
Participating in relevant continuing professional development activities.
Maintaining required portfolios of evidence and training records.

Governance and Compliance

The Donor Care Officer must ensure that operational activities comply with SANBS requirements.

Duties include:

Maintaining staff and equipment files.
Keeping required records up to date.
Applying relevant SANBS policies and procedures.
Following SHEQ and operational requirements.
Ensuring medical waste is correctly disposed of.
Maintaining workplace safety.
Ensuring blood-drive activities are conducted according to approved SOPs.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Qualification

Diploma or Degree in General Nursing Sciences.

Professional Experience

At least 2 years’ experience as a Registered Professional Nurse.

Driver’s Licence

Code B or EB manual driver’s licence is required.

Knowledge Requirements

Candidates should have an understanding of:

SANBS policies and procedures.
Standards of Practice for Blood Transfusion in South Africa.
Relevant clinical procedures.
Donor assessment and care.
Blood collection procedures.
Phlebotomy.
Health and safety requirements.
Relevant legislation.
Medical waste management.
Customer and stakeholder service.

Important Skills

The position requires someone who can:

Communicate effectively with donors and colleagues.
Work professionally with members of the public.
Follow clinical procedures accurately.
Maintain confidentiality.
Work effectively as part of a team.
Handle donor queries and complaints professionally.
Maintain accurate records.
Respond appropriately to emergencies.
Work efficiently under pressure.
Follow strict safety and quality standards.
Demonstrate good attention to detail.
Provide compassionate donor care.

Working Environment

The position is part of the Pietermaritzburg Mobile 1 business unit and may involve supporting mobile blood drives.

The successful applicant should therefore be prepared to assist with operational activities such as setting up collection venues, moving equipment and consumables, assisting donors and ensuring that the blood-drive environment is ready for safe collection.

Who Can Apply?

This position is particularly suited to Registered Professional Nurses who have the required nursing qualification, at least two years of professional nursing experience and a valid Code B or EB manual driver’s licence.

Applicants should be comfortable working directly with members of the public and following detailed clinical, safety and operational procedures.

Salary and Employment

Salary: R502,542 per annum
Employment Type: Permanent
Employment Equity: Yes
Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Closing Date

10 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date. The vacancy is currently listed as Online.

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should apply through the official SANBS recruitment platform.

When applying, use the following vacancy information:

Position: Donor Care Officer
Listing Reference: sanbs_003398
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Closing Date: 10 August 2026

Only candidates who meet the stated minimum requirements should apply.

Important: Applicants should ensure that their qualifications, professional nursing experience and driver’s licence details are accurately reflected in their application.

Apply Here