Social Worker Full Time Job

Social Worker required in Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands

A very well-established private psychiatric hospital is looking for a Social Worker to join their team in Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands.

Very good compensation package on offer plus internal career advancement opportunities.

Position Overview:

The successful candidate will support patients throughout their recovery journey by addressing a broad range of psychosocial needs.

The Social Worker will work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nursing staff, medical practitioners and other mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive, patient centered care.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
• Current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
• Previous experience in mental health, child protection, hospital social work or statutory services
• Sound knowledge of South African legislation relevant to mental healthcare, children, families and vulnerable persons
• Strong therapeutic, assessment, report-writing and case-management skills

Position Requirements:

• Experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families (advantageous)
• Experience within a psychiatric, hospital, mental-health or clinical environment (beneficial)
• Experience in psychosocial assessment and therapeutic social-work interventions
• Knowledge and experience relating to child protection and statutory intervention
• Ability to identify and manage safeguarding concerns, including abuse, neglect, exploitation and domestic violence
• Experience with case management, discharge planning, referrals and community reintegration
• Understanding of family systems and the ability to work effectively with complex family dynamics
• Experience preparing professional clinical, statutory and court-related reports (advantageous)
• Ability to manage sensitive, complex and urgent cases with sound professional judgement
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and practise in an ethical manner

Legislative and Statutory Knowledge:

The successful candidate should have knowledge of South African legislation and statutory
requirements, including:

• Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and associated regulations
• Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002
• Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, as amended
• Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007
• Older Persons Act 13 of 2006, where applicable
• Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008
• Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013
• Relevant procedures involving Form 22, Form 21 and other statutory documentation

Position Responsibilities:

• Core Responsibilities:
  • Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients and their family systems
  • Assess family functioning, caregiving capacity, living circumstances, support networks and relevant social stressors
  • Identify safeguarding concerns, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, domestic violence and inadequate care
  • Assess risks relating to discharge, placement, family reunification, schooling and community reintegration
  • Develop social-work intervention plans for referred patients
  • Provide individual counselling and therapeutic social-work interventions
  • Facilitate family sessions, parental guidance and family-system interventions
  • Support patients and families in understanding psychiatric diagnoses, treatment needs and recovery planning
  • Assist with crisis intervention, grief, trauma, adjustment difficulties and relationship challenges
  • Facilitate appropriate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups where required
  • Coordinate communication between patients, families, the hospital team and external service providers
  • Arrange and monitor referrals to relevant departments
  • Liaise with the Department of Social Development, designated child-protection organisations, SAPS, courts and other statutory bodies
  • Coordinate school placement, alternative care, rehabilitation, accommodation and community support
  • Participate actively in discharge planning and ensure appropriate follow-up services are established
  • Ensure continuity of care following discharge
• Child Protection & Statutory Intervention:
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to suspected child abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation
  • Complete and submit Form 22 notifications when legally indicated
  • Liaise with designated child-protection organisations and statutory social workers
  • Assist with Form 21 processes and related hospital documentation where applicable
  • Participate in safety planning and make recommendations regarding appropriate care and placement
  • Provide factual information and professional testimony when legally required
• Multidisciplinary Teamwork:
  • Work collaboratively with psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nursing staff, medical practitioners and other professionals
  • Attend ward rounds, case discussions, family meetings and discharge-planning meetings
  • Contribute to integrated assessment, treatment and discharge plans
  • Advocate for the patient’s rights, dignity, safety and best interests
  • Maintain collaborative professional relationships
  • Provide clear psychosocial formulations and recommendations to the multidisciplinary team
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate, timely and confidential clinical records
  • Complete psychosocial assessments, intervention plans, progress notes and discharge summaries
  • Record referrals, consultations, meetings and statutory actions accurately
  • Ensure all documentation complies with hospital policies, relevant legislation, SACSSP requirements
  • Protect confidential patient information and obtain appropriate consent

Personal Attributes:

• Warm, compassionate and empathetic approach
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong emotional intelligence and active listening abilities
• Ability to build trust with patients and families
• High ethical standards and professional integrity
• Calm and professional approach when dealing with complex or high-risk situations
• Strong sense of responsibility and accountability
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Applying for this position:

• Only open to South African citizens.
• If you are interested in this great career opportunity, please send your CV.