Social Worker Professional

**Work Description**

The role of the sub-district social worker is to provide strategic social support integration technical assistance to the district, internal leadership, SAWs and Social support services directly to TB patients in need. This includes development of screening tools for faster identification of patients in need of social support, capacity building and sensitisation of HCWs of the impact of social issues on patient adherence, the provision of social care, support, protection and development of people with TB, their families and communities affected by TB through relevant programs. The DSW will work closely with the sub district TB/ HAST managers and health facility managers. The position will report directly to the Project/ Programme Manager at District level who will monitor day to day activities and approve timesheets. This position requires a good understanding of the Department of Social Development legislative mandate, policies and programmes, the Batho Pele principles and knowledge of the social services network at district level.

**Technical Work Responsibilities**
- Develop a sub district work plan for with clear roles, responsibilities and timeframes on social support services and monitor progress.
- Establish a referral system for TB clients together with sub district TB/ HAST manager, Social Work supervisors, Community Development Liaison Officers and Social Auxiliary Workers
- Assess the TB clients’ needs, situations, strengths, and support networks to determine goals and appropriate interventions.
- Ensuring that all client files, and other records, comply with policies, regulations, and procedures.
- Refer clients/escalate to appropriate treatment centres, as indicated.
- Make recommendations on the best course of action for a client and/or family.
- Organise/ Plan the appropriate package of support to alleviate distress and promote social wellbeing for TB clients.
- Monitor referrals to ensure that TB clients access services or support they have been referred to.
- Provide progress reports in sub district meetings and participate in DHMT/Nerve centre meetings.
- Report daily or weekly to the district level SR supervisor, or as per organizations policies and procedure.
- Submit monthly activity reports as per workplan to the district level SR supervisor and sub district TB/ HAST manager.
- Maintain and update data bases or registers used.
- Perform all administrative functions required of the job.

**Duties**:

- Liaise with all Stakeholders, when necessary, towards the achievement of Company and Departmental Goals
- Stakeholder engagement
- Collaborate with community-based organizations and clinics to facilitate transition of participants into care
- Managing and supporting TB program services:

- Support all Clinical Professional Staff Members in the TB Program through sound advice for difficult or complex TB cases.
- Develop a district operational plan with clear timeframes, outputs and responsibilities.
- Assess the TB clients’ needs, situations, strengths, and support networks to determine goals and appropriate interventions.
- Establishing a referral system for TB clients in conjunction with the TB/HAST manager, linkage officers, social auxiliary workers, and relevant colleagues identified, for the district.
- Strengthen the management and referral of patients to appropriate treatment centres as identified.
- Plan the appropriate package of support to alleviate distress and promote social wellbeing for TB clients.
- Conduct quality audits to ensure all data bases or registers used are maintained and updated.
- Conduct mortality audits and analysis.
- Developing policies and standard operating procedures that help the Organization maintain compliance with company standards, health care laws and regulations.
- Represent the Organization in clinical activities with Key Stakeholders (Department of Health, Private Companies etc) in liaison with Assistant program manager.
- Performing any other duties that will
- contribute to the efficient running of the TB programs may be assigned by Management
- Ensure proper administration of social support in the TB program provided to the district.
- Document all relevant activities done or social findings in patient records where relevant.
- Timeous, correct and complete recording and reporting of events where necessary.
- Writing of referral letters to DoH social workers/relevant bodies in line with DoH policies and algorithms
- Contribute to timeous, accurate Monthly Status Reports
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge on social issues.
- Reading HIV/TB prevention, treatment and care literature
- Attending workshops/conferences as deemed relevant by Management.
- Subscribing to professional periodicals
- Sharing of new development on TB with Social auxiliary workers and other team members where relevant
- Oversee all training and continuing professional development of Clinical Staff
- Ensure that Professional Staff are kept up to date