Social Auxiliary Worker - Thabazimbi at Anova Health Institute

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Provide Psychosocial Programs and Support in Primary Care Health Facilities.
• Support conducting of individual assessments/screening, provision of support interventions and/or referral to higher levels of care.
• Assist with the referral of patients for further support in the community.
• Conduct individual and group counselling working together with the outreach and clinical support team, with supervision on the social worker.
• Provide input on the social needs of mental health users in the program.
• Ensure all support provided to clients is documented correctly and records of the clients and next of kin are up to date and complete.
• Always client information confidential except when client gives consent for information to be shared for purposes of assisting the client further.
• Conduct skills development or empowerment measures for clients with the supervision of the social worker.
• Assist with linkage to shelters or other community support if necessary.
• Follow up on each client and encourage adherence treatment or support sessions.

 
Retention in Care                  

• Provide support and continuous, documented monitoring of client’s progress.
• Educate and provide relevant material or referrals to empower clients.
• Assist in developing and formulating support groups for adherence to treatment or therapeutic sessions, with the supervision of the social worker.
• Provide ongoing counselling and support to ensure clients complete support programmes.
• In support of the social worker, mentor clinic staff and community organisations on provision of support to people with mental health challenges.
• Compile reports on client’s progress, needs or challenges and recommended action required.
• Perform relevant office administration duties for the programme.
•  Advocate for the Programme
• Identify potential advocacy issues and report to the social worker.
• Assist with the collection of human rights data and report violations as and when reported or required.
• Advocate for support sessions to both clients and family members.
• Promote the rights of mental health clients and help educate various stakeholders on mental health matters.
• Participate in learning and development opportunities to remain relevant with the profession.
• Stay abreast of latest developments in the field of mental health or any relevant therapeutic methods.
• Partner, learn and engage with social workers and clinicians for debriefing and further empowerment.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Programme

• Provide regular feedback and a monthly report to manager (social worker).
• Obtain regular feedback from clients to establish, obtain and ensure the effectiveness of the programme.
• Provide regular feedback to relevant stakeholders as and when required.
• Contribute and participate in project, operational and research activities as and when required.
• Any other relevant tasks as agreed with the line manager.

 Minimum qualifications, qualification and skills required;

• Social Auxiliary Worker certificate or relevant qualification.
• Matric or Grade 12.
• Must be registered with The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP/Council). 
• 2 years’ experience working as a Social Auxiliary Worker.
• Experience working with mental health clients.
• 1 year experience working in a public health facility/clinic.
• Knowledge of various mental therapeutic interventions and related legislations.
• Knowledge of working with DoH policies.
• Be reliable, consistent, and respectful to clients.
• Excellent record keeping skills.
• Resilient and mental strong individual.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willing to travel as and when required.
• Innovative, organized, analytical and excellent interpretation data skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and has attention to details.
• Facilitation and presentation skills.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Computer Literate – MS Office Packages (MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel & PowerPoint).
• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Fully vaccinated for Covid 19