Social Work jobs in South Africa

Job Title: Senior Clinical Social Worker

Location: Benoni

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Director of Clinical Services

Job Summary:

Curo Health is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Clinical Social Worker to lead our team of clinical social workers. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of hospital experience and possess strong leadership skills to oversee the social work department, ensuring high-quality care and support for our patients. This role involves supervising and mentoring a team of social workers, providing direct clinical services, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care to patients and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership and Development:
   • Lead and supervise a team of clinical social workers, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
   • Conduct regular team meetings to discuss case management, share best practices, and foster a collaborative environment.
   • Develop and implement training programs for social workers to enhance skills and knowledge in clinical practice.
2. Clinical Services:
   • Provide direct clinical social work services to patients and families, including assessments, interventions, and discharge planning.
   • Address psychosocial issues related to health conditions, offering counseling and support to help patients cope with illness, disability, and loss.
   • Ensure the delivery of culturally competent care tailored to the diverse needs of patients.
3. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans for patients.
   • Serve as a liaison between the social work department, hospital administration, and community resources.
   • Communicate effectively with patients and families regarding treatment options, available resources, and support services.
4. Strategic Leadership:
   • Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance the social work department's effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals.
   • Assist in setting departmental objectives and performance metrics to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.
   • Facilitate strategic planning sessions to identify opportunities for service enhancements and resource allocation.
5. System Implementation:
   • Lead the integration of new technologies and software systems to improve workflow and documentation efficiency within the social work department.
   • Oversee the implementation of standardized protocols and practices in accordance with best practices and regulatory requirements.
   • Monitor the effectiveness of system implementations and make adjustments as necessary to optimize operational efficiency.
6. Training and Development:
   • Design and conduct training sessions for social work staff on clinical practices, ethical standards, and emerging trends in healthcare.
   • Create onboarding programs for new social workers to ensure a smooth transition into the team and familiarize them with departmental policies and procedures.
   • Assess ongoing training needs and develop plans to address skill gaps and enhance professional development opportunities.
7. Policy Development and Compliance:
   • Develop and implement social work policies, procedures, and best practices in accordance with regulatory standards and hospital guidelines.
   • Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards related to patient confidentiality and social work practices.
8. Quality Improvement:
   • Participate in quality assurance initiatives to improve the effectiveness of social work services.
   • Collect and analyze data to evaluate the impact of social work interventions on patient outcomes.
   • Provide feedback and recommendations for program improvement based on findings.
9. Resource Management:
   • Identify community resources and services to support patients and their families, facilitating referrals as necessary.
   • Manage and allocate departmental resources efficiently to meet the needs of patients.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Africa with the relevant Council.
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical social work experience in a hospital or healthcare setting.
• Proven leadership experience, including supervision of social work staff.
• Strong knowledge of medical social work practices, patient advocacy, and community resources.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in electronic medical records and clinical documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices in social work.
• Knowledge of healthcare policies, regulations, and ethical standards.

Benefits:

• Very Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education.
• Supportive work environment committed to employee wellness.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume detailing their relevant experience and qualifications to Natasja@curohealth.co.za by 28 February 2025.