SOCIAL WORKER (X1 POST)

This position offers an opportunity for a qualified social worker to join the multi-disciplinary team at Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital, located in Howick. The role is central to the hospital’s function of providing care for mental health care users, particularly those with intellectual disabilities and other medical conditions. As a social worker within this specialised psychiatric setting, you will be responsible for the full spectrum of psychosocial care, from the point of referral and admission through to discharge and family reintegration. The work requires close collaboration with both internal multi-disciplinary team members and external stakeholders, ensuring that services are well-coordinated and responsive to the needs of patients and their families.

To be considered for this post, applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, a Bachelor of Social Work degree, and be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. A valid driver’s licence and a computer certificate are also required. While no prior work experience is necessary, the role demands a solid theoretical and practical grounding in social work methods and principles. Essential knowledge includes familiarity with the Mental Health Care Act No. 17 of 2002, an understanding of intellectual and physical disabilities, and insight into human behaviour and social systems. You should also be well-versed in government policies and legislation relevant to social work practice. Strong decision-making, problem-solving, crisis intervention, planning, and organisational skills are vital, as is the ability to work under pressure with diplomacy and good judgement. Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, the capacity to write comprehensive social work reports, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are all crucial. Proficiency in both IsiZulu and English, in verbal and written communication, is required for effective engagement with patients, families, and colleagues.

The duties of the post are varied and demanding. You will facilitate the admission process by liaising with external stakeholders and the hospital’s multi-disciplinary team, conduct psychosocial assessments of mental health care users and their families, and arrange or attend screening meetings. You will provide counselling, social support, and psychoeducation to families caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities and other conditions, while also strengthening family relations after admission. Pre-discharge planning, designing and implementing quality improvement programmes, and conducting home visits are all part of the role. You will be expected to maintain accurate records of interventions and outcomes, attend ward rounds and meetings with other departments and non-governmental institutions, and keep up to date with developments in the profession. Administrative functions, including writing comprehensive reports, are integral to the job, and you may be required to relieve the social worker in their absence.

This is an OSD-graded position with associated benefits such as a housing allowance, subject to prescribed requirements. The post is subject to security clearance and other verification checks, and shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Given the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and no claims for travel or subsistence expenses will be paid for interviews. This is a meaningful opportunity for a dedicated social worker to contribute to the care and rehabilitation of vulnerable individuals within a specialised psychiatric hospital environment.