About the Role
The Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join its team in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is pivotal in supporting mental health care users and their families through the process of admission and ongoing care. As a Social Worker, you will engage directly with individuals and their families, providing essential psychosocial assessments, counselling, and social support. Your work will not only help to strengthen family relationships but will also contribute to the overall improvement of mental health services in the community.
In this meaningful position, you will serve as a bridge between families and healthcare providers, ensuring effective communication and coordination among all stakeholders involved. By participating in multidisciplinary team meetings and conducting home visits, you will play a crucial role in nurturing a supportive environment for those living with intellectual disabilities and other medical conditions. Your efforts will make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating the complexities of mental health care.
About the Department
The Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services to the community. Its mission is to promote the well-being and recovery of individuals facing mental health challenges, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary for their recovery journey. Working in this department offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the public service by improving mental health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for many.
The hospital focuses on a holistic approach to mental health, integrating various therapeutic interventions and community resources. Being part of this department means engaging in meaningful work that fosters collaboration and promotes mental health awareness in the broader community.
What You’ll Do
- Facilitate the application process for potential admissions to Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments for mental health care users and their families.
- Arrange and attend screening meetings to evaluate care needs.
- Provide counselling and psychoeducation to families of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Strengthen family relationships and support through effective communication.
- Assist in pre-discharge planning and ensure smooth transitions for patients.
- Design and implement quality improvement programmes for better service delivery.
- Maintain accurate records of social work interventions and outcomes.
- Participate in ward rounds and meetings with relevant stakeholders.
- Conduct home visits to assess living conditions and support needs.
- Perform administrative duties, including writing comprehensive social work reports.
What You’ll Need
- Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent.
- Bachelor of Social Work degree.
- Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Computer literacy certificate.
- Knowledge of the Mental Health Care Act No: 17 of 2002 and related legislation.
- Understanding of human behaviour and social systems.
- Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and crisis intervention skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and within a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in both IsiZulu and English.
- Capability to maintain confidentiality and produce comprehensive reports.
How to Apply
Applications quoting the relevant reference UMG 11/2026 should be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer, Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital, as detailed below.
Requirements
Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent.Bachelor of Social Work.
Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
Valid Driver’s licence.
Computer certificate.
Experience: No experience required.
Knowledge And Skills: Knowledge and understanding of Mental Health Care Act No: 17 of 2002, Intellectual disability and physical disabilities.
Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social system.
Knowledge of government policies, Acts, legislation pertaining to social work practice.
Theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge of all social work methods and social work principles.
Decision-making, problem-solving skills, crisis intervention, planning and organizing skills.
Ability to work under pressure with good insight, diplomacy and work with multidisciplinary team members.
Good interpersonal relations and listening skills.
Ability to write comprehensive social work reports.
Ability to safeguard confidentiality.
Verbal and written communication skills both in IsiZulu and English.
Job Duties
Facilitate the process of application for possible admission to Umgeni thus liaising with all the relevant external stakeholders and Umgeni MDT.Conduct psychosocial assessments of mental health care users and their families.
Arrange and attend screening meetings.
Provide counselling, social support, and psychoeducation to families living and caring for mental health care users with intellectual disabilities and other medical conditions.
Strengthen family relations after admission.
Provide pre-discharge planning.
Design and implement quality improvement programmes.
Develop and maintain good working relations with both external and internal stakeholders for better co- ordination of services and effective service delivery.
Produce and maintain accurate records of social work interventions, process and outcomes.
Keep up to date with new developments in the social work profession.
Attend to ward rounds and meetings with other departments and non-governmental institutions to take cognizance of the latest developments in the relevant fields.
Perform all the administrative functions required of the job, including writing comprehensive social work reports.
Conduct home visits.
Relieve in the absence of Social Worker.
