Social Worker (6-month contract)

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is dedicated to promoting kidney health and providing quality, highly subsidised dialysis treatment and holistic care to patients. NKF strives to be an advocate and integrator for the community, by the community. While supporting kidney failure patients with quality dialysis treatment and integrated care, NKF’s greater mission lies in preventing or delaying kidney failure through kidney health education, with deeper integration into the community and strategic collaborative partnerships.

As NKF moves towards its Future Forward 2030 vision, the Foundation remains committed to pioneering advancements in kidney health and patient care. Key goals include tackling the growing prevalence of kidney failure, enhancing patient support and care, and leveraging innovative technologies to improve quality and efficacy of treatment, enabling patients to thrive on dialysis. With a steadfast focus on these initiatives, NKF aims to be at the forefront of kidney health in Singapore.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Social Worker to join the Community Care team. Reporting to the Manager, you will play a critical role in providing casework management and counselling through social work assessments and interventions for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients (BPSS, Risk & Needs Matrix, Case Intervention Plans, etc). Your responsibilities are as follows:

1. Case Management and Intervention

• Manage ESRD patients in dialysis centres or home dialysis (HD/PD) through client engagement, conducting interviews, data collection, case assessment (BPSS, risk & needs assessment, and other relevant assessment tools), case conceptualisation, case planning, and intervention plans for best patient outcomes.
• Identify presenting/underlying issues and problems to design a care plan to enhance/maintain and promote the psychosocial functioning of patients.
• Conduct FFRs (Financial Fee Reviews) and placement on NKF subsidies and welfare programmes.

2. Counselling and Support

• Conduct visits to dialysis centres, homes, or hospitals to provide supportive counselling.
• Facilitate patient and caregiver support group programmes.
• Advocate for the protection of patient's dignity, confidentiality, and rights.

3. Collaboration and Networking

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals internally and externally in total patient management.
• Network with government, community, social agencies, or individuals to mobilise social resources to meet patient’s needs.

4. Documentation and Reporting

• Document bio-data of patients and interventions in the clinical system for records, complete timely online case documentations (case session recordings, follow-up recordings, risk and needs assessment, social reports, patient feedback forms, etc.).

Qualifications

• BA majoring in Social Work/Graduate Diploma in Social Work.
• Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Singapore Association of Social Workers.

Experience

• Experience in a social service agency, with at least 3-4 years in direct social work practice.
• Candidates without experience are welcome to apply.

Key Competencies

1. Strong Communication Skills: Enables effective interaction with patients, families, and healthcare teams, fostering understanding and trust, which is crucial for patient support and advocacy.
2. Empathy and Compassion: Helps build rapport and provide emotional support to patients and their families, fostering a sense of care and understanding.
3. Problem-Solving Abilities: Facilitates the development of practical solutions for patients’ psychosocial and financial challenges, ensuring comprehensive care.
4. Organizational and Time Management Skills: Essential for managing multiple cases and ensuring timely follow-up and documentation, contributing to efficient service delivery.
5. Adaptability and Flexibility: Ensures smooth handling of dynamic and evolving patient needs, as well as adjusting to new processes or challenges in the healthcare environment.
6. Collaboration and Teamwork: Promotes seamless integration with healthcare professionals and external agencies, ensuring holistic patient care.

Personal Attributes

1. Resilience and Stress Management: Critical for handling emotionally challenging situations and maintaining professional composure.
2. Ethical Conduct and Integrity: Builds trust and ensures confidentiality, which is vital in maintaining patient dignity and fostering a safe environment.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Enhances the ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring tailored and respectful care.
4. Self-Motivation and Initiative: Drives continuous improvement in patient care and contributes proactively to team efforts and program development.

Note

• Dialysis Centre Coverage: East
• Comfortable with travelling arrangements to different dialysis centres.
• This is a 6-month contract for maternity cover.