About the Role
The Department of Health is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to fill the positions of Social Worker Grade 1 to 4 at the Mitchells Plain District Hospital. This role is vital to enhancing the wellbeing of patients and their families through comprehensive clinical social work services. Located in the vibrant community of Mitchells Plain, this position offers the chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and groups. The role not only involves direct interactions with patients but also requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care and address psychosocial needs effectively.
As a Social Worker, you will be at the forefront of providing essential support to those facing challenging circumstances. Your expertise in psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and discharge planning will be invaluable in facilitating access to resources and promoting patient wellbeing. This role matters profoundly to the community, as it strives to enhance the quality of life of individuals while fostering a supportive and integrated healthcare environment.
About the Department
The Department of Health is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the communities of South Africa. With a mission to enhance the health status of the population, the department focuses on preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services. Working in this department means being part of a dedicated team that values professionalism, compassion, and community engagement, making every day meaningful as you contribute to the public service and betterment of health outcomes.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and provide counselling to patients and families.
- Offer crisis intervention and child protection services to vulnerable groups.
- Develop and implement discharge plans to ensure a smooth transition for patients leaving the hospital.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to advocate for patients and coordinate services.
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and statistical data in compliance with legal and organisational standards.
- Contribute to quality assurance, service improvement, and training initiatives to enhance social work practices.
- Adhere to ethical standards and departmental policies while engaging in continuous professional development.
What You’ll Need
- An appropriate qualification as a Social Worker, allowing for registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP).
- Current registration with the SACSSP as a Social Worker.
- For Grade 2: A minimum of 10 years of experience in Social Work after registration; for Grade 3: 20 years; for Grade 4: 30 years.
- A valid Code B/EB driver’s licence and willingness to work across all hospital departments.
- Knowledge of social work legislation, policies, and case management processes.
- Strong communication, counselling, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in report writing, documentation, and administrative tasks.
- Excellent problem-solving and advocacy skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Looking for more South African government jobs? Browse the latest vacancies on JobsSouthAfrica.co.za. If you are applying for the first time, read our Complete Guide to Applying for Government Jobs in South Africa, covering the Z83 form, certified copies, CV format, interview tips and more.
Requirements
Minimum educational qualification: Appropriate qualification as a Social Worker that allows for registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP).Registration with a professional council: Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as 295 Social Worker.
Experience: Grade 1: None, Grade 2: A minimum of 10 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with SACSSP, Grade 3: A minimum of 20 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with SACSSP, Grade 4: A minimum of 30 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with SACSSP.
Inherent requirement of the job: Valid Code B/EB driver’s licence.
Willing to work across all hospital departments; including Emergency Centre Heideveld and Freesia Ward and represent the hospital in stakeholder engagements.
Competencies (knowledge/skills): Knowledge of social work legislation, policies, ethical standards, and case management processes, including psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, child protection, discharge planning, and services to vulnerable groups.
Strong communication, counselling, interviewing, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, families, multidisciplinary teams, and external stakeholders.
Report writing, documentation, and administrative skills, including accurate record keeping, statistical reporting, quality assurance, and compliance with organisational requirements.
Problem-solving, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively, manage complex cases, and coordinate services across multiple sectors.
Job Duties
Render comprehensive clinical social work services through psychosocial assessments, counselling, crisis intervention, child protection services, and discharge planning for patients and families.Provide support to vulnerable individuals and groups by addressing psychosocial needs, facilitating access to resources, and promoting patient wellbeing and continuity of care.
Participate in multidisciplinary team processes and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate services, advocate for patients, and address barriers to care and discharge.
Maintain accurate and compliant records, reports, and statistics in accordance with professional, legal, and organisational requirements.
-Contribute to quality assurance, service improvement, supervision, training, and research activities to promote effective and evidence-based social work practice.
Ensure professional governance and compliance through adherence to legislation, ethical standards, departmental policies, continuous professional development, and performance management requirements.
