Social Worker_PWID

Purpose of the position

• The Social Worker plays a central role in providing psychosocial support, case management, and community outreach to key populations, specifically People Who Inject Drugs individuals. The position ensures that KP communities receive stigma-free, rights-based, gender-sensitive health and social services, while also contributing to advocacy and empowerment initiatives.

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 The role of the social worker is to provide social support services to clients. This includes:

• Advanced adherence counselling
• Trauma and IPV counselling and referral
• Mental health assessment and referral
• Substance use assessment and referral
• Review all human rights violations cases reported by peer educators, human rights ambassadors and advocacy officers, and assess case merits
• Engage with clients who experienced/reported human rights violations and work towards resolutions of these cases
• Assessing human rights violations and escalating relevant cases to paralegals for further action
• Supporting paralegals and attorneys with additional information on cases as needed
• Assess the clients' needs, situations, strengths, and support networks to determine goals and appropriate interventions.
• Refer clients to appropriate treatment centres, as indicated.
• Monitor referrals to ensure that clients access services or support that they have been referred to.
• 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 clients.
• Ensuring that all client files, and other records, comply with policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Provide progress reports and participate in internal and external meetings.
• Submit monthly activity reports as per workplan to the district level SR supervisor
• Maintain and update databases or registers used.
• Perform all administrative functions required of the job.
• Facilitating appropriate referrals.
• Ensure reaching outcomes of Human Rights Violations.

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 People who inject drugs.
• 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
• Management/Supervisor Skills

Deadline:9th September,2026