Social Worker_PWID ( uMgungundlovu) at TB HIV Care

Purpose of the position:

• To provide psychosocial and counselling services to people who inject drugs (PWID) service users by proving professional and holistic social work services. To lead the psychosocial team in ensuring ART adherence and PrEP retention

Minimum Requirements    
Education

• Degree in social work
• Proof of registration with the South African Council for Social Services Platform as a Social Worker 

Experience:

• At least 3 years’ experience working in the public health sector as a Social Worker.
• Experience in administration and management.
• Experience working with Key Populations in the HIV/TB Sector 

Job requirements:

• Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• SA Citizen or valid work permit to work in South Africa
• Minimal/Moderate overnight travel (up to 30%) by land or air if required.
• Willing to work overtime.

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Supervises the psychosocial team on fast-tracking referrals from teams in order to assess and provide direct psychosocial support to service users who inject drugs
• Supervises the psychosocial team in providing onsite and/or telephonic post-initiation and adherence counselling to link service users to treatment and retain them in care
• Ensures that the psychosocial team provides appropriate interventions and/or referrals based on the needs arising
• Provides debriefing and/or counselling to staff when necessary
• Conducts home visits for service users when required, particularly those lost to follow-up
• Conducts and facilitates monthly adherence clubs and other appropriate support groups to improve ART and PrEP retention
• Coordinates and facilitates district-level quarterly community engagement meetings with PWIDs and other stakeholders to establish a forum for health education, beneficiary feedback and tailored service delivery
• Informs PWID of eligibility criteria for social support and disability grants
• Assists service users with appropriate referrals for other issues related to psychosocial, (e.g. paralegal, rape, trafficking, etc.)
• Records and maintains accurate and detailed service user’s information and interventions and keeps statistics in order to submit as required
• Maintains relations with health services managers, indoor managers/owners and other gate keepers/stakeholders
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings
• Assists with managing crises, if needed

Skills and Competencies    

• Excellent understanding of the Social Assistance Act, National Health Act and Children’s Act, relevant policies and guidelines
• Sound knowledge of the Public Service Act and the Batho Pele Principles
• Good understanding of existing information systems used in Social Services
• Knowledge an understanding of government supported psychological and social support systems also working within the Key Populations spaces relating to men who have sex with other men, and transgender persons.
• Ability to think strategically, proactively identify barriers and risks, and optimize use of the resources at hand
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Professional counselling skills
• Good coordination skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Ability to build, lead, and motivate effective teams
• Excellent communication skills (both interpersonal and written)
• Excellent report writing skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Administrative and management skills