Social Worker

Overview

Social Worker Jobs in Cape Town at U-turn Homeless Ministries

Summary

The Hope Exchange operated by U-turn Homeless Ministries is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Social Worker to join The Hope Exchange team based in Cape Town. This position will initially be a 1 year fixed term contract.

This Position

The position for a Social Worker exists at Geoff Burton House. Geoff Burton House is classified as a second phase shelter. It is specifically designed for men who have already taken significant steps toward stability. Its primary goal is reintegration—helping residents transition back into society as self-sufficient individuals. This will require the therapist to work closely with other stakeholders such as internal and external referral partners, other members of the interdisciplinary team and the work-site managers and house managers that form part of the client’s cosmos. The therapist will be required to hold a strong therapeutic process with the client while keeping healthy boundaries, facilitating the client to take responsibility for their growth and development. The therapist will also be required to run therapy groups as part of the therapy programme and give feedback in MDT meetings.

Key Areas of Responsibility (KARs)

1. Social Work Direct Service Delivery

• Render social work services to Geoff Burton House (GBH) residents under the supervision of the Operational/Clinical Manager, within a multidisciplinary team.
• Conduct screening, intake and assessment interviews for prospective GBH residents.
• Provide individual case management and support to each GBH resident.
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for all new residents.
• Develop and implement Personal Development Plans (PDPs) tailored to each resident’s needs, with a focus on community reintegration and family reunification.
• Monitor and evaluate resident progress, updating PDPs as required.
• Support GBH residents in developing and managing monthly budgets, while promoting consistent savings aligned with their individual exit plans.
• Manage the GBH waiting list in collaboration with the GBH Team.
• Conduct exit interviews for all residents transitioning out of GBH.
• Crisis intervention, e.g. resolving conflict, responding to suicidal ideation, psychosis, or terminal illness etc.

2. Social Work Supervision

• Provide weekly supervision to GBH staff (Social Auxiliary Worker and social work students), including administrative guidance, educational support and practical training.
• Complete and submit formal student evaluations to academic supervisors in a timely manner.
• Obtain and review regular feedback from GBH staff to enhance programme effectiveness.
• Oversee the facilitation of weekly Life Skills group sessions for GBH residents.

3. Administration

• Conduct weekly GBH MDT meetings.
• Attend weekly GBH fees meetings with the Administrator and Operational/Clinical Manager.
• Assist the Operational/Clinical Manager with compiling reports and registers for the Department of Social Development (DSD) quarterly reports within required deadlines.
• Complete required data capturing, client notes and progress reports.
• Use and contribute to the existing planning and record keeping systems to ensure continuous improvement of your areas of responsibility.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff for GBH.

4. Social Work Meetings and Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in quarterly engagement meetings with the external stakeholders (i.e Department of Social Development).
• Participate in supervision, MDT meetings and audits.

Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• At least 1 year experience in social work practice (preferably in homelessness, addiction and recovery, or community development).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to self-manage and prioritise on a micro and a macro level.
• Fluency in English (Afrikaans/Xhosa will be an added advantage).
• Good record keeping and administrative skills.
• Good time management, organization and planning skills.

Organisational Fit (where applicable)

• If in recovery – actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support and practicing recovery behaviour
• If employed as a Professional – affiliation with a professional board, continued personal development and accessing supervision
• Gospel orientation – connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible and grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action

Next Steps

Candidates interested in this position should submit a motivation letter and CV to recruitment(at)homeless.org.za. The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered.

Work Location: In person

Title: Social Worker

Company: U-turn Homeless Ministries

Location: Cape Town