Social Worker (40 hours per week) (post level 10/11 ) (contract appointment: 12 months with the possibility of renewal) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

•    Resolve and/or report on patients' needs or issues.
•    Monitor and record data accurately regarding patients' conditions; document all provided care services.
•    Function well during stressful situations to palliative care needs of patients and their families based palliative care principles.
•    Delegate and administer workloads as needed by the team.
•    Follow all care regulations and standards.
•    Work within and cooperate with a multidisciplinary team to achieve the best patient care possible.
•    Guide the teams at the down referral hubs on the social worker component of care and report to the core team (Pl's, project manager and M&E officer of the grant on the processes).
•    Teach and train students and community care workers in palliative care.

Inherent Job Requirements:

•    Bachelor's degree on NQF level 7 in Social Work.
•    Current Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
•    Significant experience working as a social worker in the professional setting (more than 5 years).
•    Experience in the management of patients in the palliative care setting (more than 2 years).
•    Evidence of continued learning to maintain proficiency of professional and technical emerging knowledge specific in palliative care.

Recommendations:

•    Qualifications in teaching and training.
•    Experience in teaching and training.
•    Exceptional problem solving, prioritising, and multitasking skills.

Competencies
Key Competencies Required:

   Results orientated:

•          The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
•          The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

   Strategic thinking:

•          The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner. 
•          The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

   Business acumen:

•          The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
•          Proficient in using MS Office.
•          Palliative Care principles and policies 
•          Teaching

   Leading:

•          The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
•          The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

   Building coalitions:

•          The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
•          The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.