Ads Area

Social Worker Mental Health Program at Anova Health Institute

Job Title: Social Worker Mental Health Program at Anova Health Institute
Company: Anova Health Institute
Job Reference: SIOC-CDT
Location: Thabazimbi , ZA
Employment Type: Full Time
Date Posted: 2024-10-09
Closing Date: 2024-10-17
Salary: ZAR 15000 - 20000 per month

Social Worker Mental Health Program at Anova Health Institute - Job Description

Social Worker – Mental Health Program at Anova Health Institute

Position Overview: The Anova Health Institute, in collaboration with the SIOC Development Trust (SIOC-CDT), is inviting applications for a Social Worker to join their innovative Mental Health Programme aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of individuals in the Thabazimbi area, Limpopo. This initiative strives to reduce the premature mortality caused by non-communicable diseases through preventative strategies, treatment, and psychosocial support for those in need. The Social Worker will be an integral part of the programme, providing critical mental health support, engaging with community stakeholders, and ensuring a seamless coordination between health facilities and community services.

Organization Overview: Anova is a non-profit organization that has a long-standing commitment to empowering individuals and communities by providing accessible healthcare solutions. The organization operates across South Africa, focusing on delivering services and support to marginalized groups who face significant barriers to healthcare. Anova believes in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all, particularly those suffering from mental health challenges.

The SIOC Development Trust, which was established in 2006 by the Sishen Iron Ore Company, is a key partner in this programme. Through its collaboration with Anova, SIOC-CDT has been able to contribute to the development and upliftment of communities in the mining areas it operates. The partnership is aimed at addressing not only the physical health needs but also the mental and emotional well-being of the community, especially focusing on reducing the stigma around mental illness and enhancing access to care.

Job Purpose: The primary responsibility of the Social Worker is to coordinate and provide psychosocial support to individuals diagnosed with mental health issues (MHUs) within both health facilities and the community. This involves direct interaction with patients, overseeing the work of Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs), and ensuring that the mental health program is aligned with ethical standards and community needs. The Social Worker will advocate for the rights of mental health clients, promote community mental health education, and work to integrate mental health services into the broader healthcare and social systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Component of the Mental Health Project:
The Social Worker will play a pivotal role in coordinating the community-based components of the Mental Health Programme. This includes:
Community Health Workers (CHWs): The Social Worker will capacitate and guide outreach team leaders to support community health workers. This support will focus on mental health users through home visits, education on adherence to treatment, relapse recognition, and helping community health workers identify and refer individuals at risk of mental health issues.
Community Mapping: The Social Worker will identify and map existing community-based organizations that provide mental health support, such as addiction recovery groups, shelters for gender-based violence victims, youth and child support organizations, and others. Strengthening these referral pathways will ensure comprehensive care for individuals requiring mental health support.
Advocacy and Forums: Engaging with local community forums and stakeholders, including traditional leaders, to promote mental health awareness and encourage help-seeking behaviors will be an essential part of the role. The Social Worker will represent Anova in forums dedicated to mental health prevention and promotion.
Traditional Health Practitioners: As part of promoting holistic care, the Social Worker will engage with traditional health practitioners to establish referral systems and ensure that individuals receive well-rounded support.
Media Outreach: The Social Worker will utilize local radio stations and other media platforms to raise awareness about mental health issues, provide information on prevention, and promote available services.
Facility-Based Mental Health Support:
The Social Worker will have a hands-on role at health facilities, ensuring that mental health users receive adequate care and support:
Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs): Daily oversight and capacity building of SAWs will be required. This includes ensuring that they follow the correct Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and meet statutory requirements.
Counseling and Support: Providing direct support to mental health users who need extra help and ensuring that they are linked to appropriate community resources. This includes ensuring proper documentation of the services provided.
Training and Capacitation: The Social Worker will work closely with Department of Health (DoH) counselors and other staff members to enhance their ability to offer psychosocial support to mental health users at health facilities.
Community and Facility Linkages:
The Social Worker will facilitate the seamless connection between mental health users at health facilities and appropriate community resources. This involves:
Overseeing the bi-directional referral system, ensuring that mental health patients are referred between health facilities and community services as needed.
Coordination with key partners like SANCA, Vertice, and LoveLife to integrate their services with the mental health program. This includes supporting community campaigns, outreach days, and awareness activities.

Project Administration and Reporting:
As part of the role, the Social Worker will be required to:
Prepare and submit detailed reports on project activities, both at the community level and within health facilities, to the project manager. These reports should be accurate, comprehensive, and submitted in a timely manner.
Maintain clear and professional communication via email and written reports.
Ensure that patient records are managed ethically and confidentially, in line with the organization’s ethics guidelines.
Contribute to the preparation of technical assistance tools and other administrative duties as assigned by the project manager.
Advocacy and Capacity Building:
As part of the broader program goals, the Social Worker will be expected to:
Actively advocate for mental health clients and ensure that their rights are respected.
Contribute to the development of community-based mental health programs and engage with stakeholders to enhance the mental health support network.
Provide training and capacity building to relevant community organizations and healthcare staff to improve the quality of mental health services.
Essential Qualifications and Skills:

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a recognized institution is a minimum requirement. A post-graduate qualification or additional certification in mental health would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least two years of experience working in the field of mental health, particularly in community-based programs or healthcare settings.
Familiarity with the public healthcare system and community-based mental health services is essential.
Previous experience working with diverse populations, including vulnerable groups, is highly preferred.
Skills and Competencies:
Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with mental health users, community members, and healthcare staff. This includes proficiency in both written and verbal communication.
Organizational Skills: Strong project management abilities, including the capacity to coordinate multiple tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
Cultural Sensitivity: An understanding of the cultural dynamics in rural and diverse communities, and the ability to work within these contexts sensitively and respectfully.
Advocacy and Representation: The ability to advocate for mental health clients and represent their needs in various forums and meetings.
Collaboration: A team player who can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, community organizations, and stakeholders.
Personal Attributes:
Empathy and a genuine passion for improving the mental health and well-being of individuals in underserved communities.
A proactive attitude, capable of identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions.
Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
Working Conditions:

The position is based in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, with frequent travel within the local area.
The Social Worker will report directly to the project manager and will work closely with other team members at both the facility and community levels.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their applications by 17 October 2024. Please ensure that your application includes a current CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying for the role.
Conclusion: This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a transformative mental health program aimed at improving the lives of individuals suffering from mental health challenges in the Thabazimbi area. The role of Social Worker is crucial in bridging the gap between healthcare facilities and community support systems, ensuring that mental health users receive the holistic care they need. If you are passionate about mental health, community work, and social justice, this position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact.

For further information, visit Anova Health Institute’s website or contact the HR department directly.

Program at Anova Health Institute

Position Overview: The Anova Health Institute, in collaboration with the SIOC Development Trust (SIOC-CDT), is inviting applications for a Social Worker to join their innovative Mental Health Programme aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of individuals in the Thabazimbi area, Limpopo. This initiative strives to reduce the premature mortality caused by non-communicable diseases through preventative strategies, treatment, and psychosocial support for those in need. The Social Worker will be an integral part of the programme, providing critical mental health support, engaging with community stakeholders, and ensuring a seamless coordination between health facilities and community services.

Organization Overview: Anova is a non-profit organization that has a long-standing commitment to empowering individuals and communities by providing accessible healthcare solutions. The organization operates across South Africa, focusing on delivering services and support to marginalized groups who face significant barriers to healthcare. Anova believes in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all, particularly those suffering from mental health challenges.

The SIOC Development Trust, which was established in 2006 by the Sishen Iron Ore Company, is a key partner in this programme. Through its collaboration with Anova, SIOC-CDT has been able to contribute to the development and upliftment of communities in the mining areas it operates. The partnership is aimed at addressing not only the physical health needs but also the mental and emotional well-being of the community, especially focusing on reducing the stigma around mental illness and enhancing access to care.

Job Purpose: The primary responsibility of the Social Worker is to coordinate and provide psychosocial support to individuals diagnosed with mental health issues (MHUs) within both health facilities and the community. This involves direct interaction with patients, overseeing the work of Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs), and ensuring that the mental health program is aligned with ethical standards and community needs. The Social Worker will advocate for the rights of mental health clients, promote community mental health education, and work to integrate mental health services into the broader healthcare and social systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Component of the Mental Health Project:
The Social Worker will play a pivotal role in coordinating the community-based components of the Mental Health Programme. This includes:
Community Health Workers (CHWs): The Social Worker will capacitate and guide outreach team leaders to support community health workers. This support will focus on mental health users through home visits, education on adherence to treatment, relapse recognition, and helping community health workers identify and refer individuals at risk of mental health issues.
Community Mapping: The Social Worker will identify and map existing community-based organizations that provide mental health support, such as addiction recovery groups, shelters for gender-based violence victims, youth and child support organizations, and others. Strengthening these referral pathways will ensure comprehensive care for individuals requiring mental health support.
Advocacy and Forums: Engaging with local community forums and stakeholders, including traditional leaders, to promote mental health awareness and encourage help-seeking behaviors will be an essential part of the role. The Social Worker will represent Anova in forums dedicated to mental health prevention and promotion.
Traditional Health Practitioners: As part of promoting holistic care, the Social Worker will engage with traditional health practitioners to establish referral systems and ensure that individuals receive well-rounded support.
Media Outreach: The Social Worker will utilize local radio stations and other media platforms to raise awareness about mental health issues, provide information on prevention, and promote available services.
Facility-Based Mental Health Support:
The Social Worker will have a hands-on role at health facilities, ensuring that mental health users receive adequate care and support:
Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs): Daily oversight and capacity building of SAWs will be required. This includes ensuring that they follow the correct Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and meet statutory requirements.
Counseling and Support: Providing direct support to mental health users who need extra help and ensuring that they are linked to appropriate community resources. This includes ensuring proper documentation of the services provided.
Training and Capacitation: The Social Worker will work closely with Department of Health (DoH) counselors and other staff members to enhance their ability to offer psychosocial support to mental health users at health facilities.
Community and Facility Linkages:
The Social Worker will facilitate the seamless connection between mental health users at health facilities and appropriate community resources. This involves:
Overseeing the bi-directional referral system, ensuring that mental health patients are referred between health facilities and community services as needed.
Coordination with key partners like SANCA, Vertice, and LoveLife to integrate their services with the mental health program. This includes supporting community campaigns, outreach days, and awareness activities.
Project Administration and Reporting:
As part of the role, the Social Worker will be required to:
Prepare and submit detailed reports on project activities, both at the community level and within health facilities, to the project manager. These reports should be accurate, comprehensive, and submitted in a timely manner.
Maintain clear and professional communication via email and written reports.
Ensure that patient records are managed ethically and confidentially, in line with the organization’s ethics guidelines.
Contribute to the preparation of technical assistance tools and other administrative duties as assigned by the project manager.
Advocacy and Capacity Building:
As part of the broader program goals, the Social Worker will be expected to:
Actively advocate for mental health clients and ensure that their rights are respected.
Contribute to the development of community-based mental health programs and engage with stakeholders to enhance the mental health support network.
Provide training and capacity building to relevant community organizations and healthcare staff to improve the quality of mental health services.


Essential Qualifications and Skills:

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a recognized institution is a minimum requirement. A post-graduate qualification or additional certification in mental health would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least two years of experience working in the field of mental health, particularly in community-based programs or healthcare settings.
Familiarity with the public healthcare system and community-based mental health services is essential.
Previous experience working with diverse populations, including vulnerable groups, is highly preferred.
Skills and Competencies:
Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with mental health users, community members, and healthcare staff. This includes proficiency in both written and verbal communication.
Organizational Skills: Strong project management abilities, including the capacity to coordinate multiple tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
Cultural Sensitivity: An understanding of the cultural dynamics in rural and diverse communities, and the ability to work within these contexts sensitively and respectfully.
Advocacy and Representation: The ability to advocate for mental health clients and represent their needs in various forums and meetings.
Collaboration: A team player who can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, community organizations, and stakeholders.
Personal Attributes:
Empathy and a genuine passion for improving the mental health and well-being of individuals in underserved communities.
A proactive attitude, capable of identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions.
Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
Working Conditions:

The position is based in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, with frequent travel within the local area.
The Social Worker will report directly to the project manager and will work closely with other team members at both the facility and community levels.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their applications by 17 October 2024. Please ensure that your application includes a current CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying for the role.

Conclusion: This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a transformative mental health
Job Posting Image