Social Worker

In brief

**Overview** This document outlines the Social Worker position (Reference No: UMG 11/2026, X1 Post) available at Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital in Howick, under the Kwazulu Natal Department Of Health. The role is offered at Salary Grade 1, ranging from R338,208 to R397,668 per annum, with optional medical aid and a housing allowance (subject to meeting prescribed requirements). The position is integral to facilitating admissions, providing psychosocial support, and coordinating care for mental health care users with intellectual and physical disabilities within a multidisciplinary team environment. **What you will do** * Facilitate the process of application for possible admission to Umgeni, liaising with all relevant external stakeholders and the Umgeni Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). * Conduct psychosocial assessments of mental health care users and their families. * Arrange and attend screening meetings. * Provide counselling, social support, and psycho-education to families living with and caring for mental health care users with intellectual disabilities and other medical conditions. * Strengthen family relations after admission. * Provide pre-discharge planning. * Design and implement quality improvement programmes. * Develop and maintain good working relations with both external and internal stakeholders for better co-ordination of services and effective service delivery. * Produce and maintain accurate records of social work interventions, processes, and outcomes. * Keep up to date with new developments in the social work profession. * Attend ward rounds and meetings with other departments and non-governmental institutions to take cognizance of the latest developments in the relevant fields. * Perform all administrative functions required of the job, including writing comprehensive social work reports. * Conduct home visits. * Relieve in the absence of other Social Workers. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent. * Bachelor of Social Work. * Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. * Valid Driver’s licence. * Computer certificate. * Experience: No experience required. * Knowledge And Skills: * Knowledge and understanding of Mental Health Care Act No: 17 of 2002, Intellectual disability and physical disabilities. * Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social system. * Knowledge of government policies, Acts, legislation pertaining to social work practice. * Theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge of all social work methods and social work principles. * Decision-making, problem-solving skills, crisis intervention, planning and organizing skills. * Ability to work under pressure with good insight, diplomacy and work with multidisciplinary team members. * Good interpersonal relations and listening skills. * Ability to write comprehensive social work reports. * Ability to safeguard confidentiality. * Verbal and written communication skills both in IsiZulu and English. **Who should apply** This role is suitable for individuals with a Bachelor of Social Work and current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. Candidates should possess a valid driver's licence and computer proficiency. As no experience is required, recent graduates are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the Mental Health Care Act, human behaviour, social systems, and relevant social work legislation and policies. Essential skills include decision-making, problem-solving, crisis intervention, planning, organizing, and the ability to work under pressure with diplomacy within a multidisciplinary team. Strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills (both IsiZulu and English) are necessary, along with the ability to write comprehensive reports and maintain confidentiality. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. **Deadline** 17 November 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/kwazulu-natal-department-of-health-vacancies-from-dpsa-circular-39-of-2026#spani-ref-umg-11-2026 Source: govpage

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• No previous work experience required.

• Driver's licence
• isiZulu

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

Job description

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