Social Worker (post level 9) (Job ID 6589)

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements as well as the following standard documentation:
A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of your qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications please include SAQA accreditation).
A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter appointment contract service certificate or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:
Provide psychosocial assessment and support services to students by:
Conducting psychosocial assessments of students experiencing personal academic emotional or social challenges.
Providing short-term counselling and psychosocial interventions within the scope of professional social work practice.
Developing intervention plans aligned to individual student needs.
Attending to psychosocial emergencies after hours as needed and where possible.
Providing trauma-informed support where appropriate.
Provide input on policies and procedures that assist in management of students.
To support student wellbeing resilience and academic success.

Provide crisis intervention services by:
Responding to students experiencing mental health crises trauma bereavement abuse gender-based violence financial or social distress.
Assessing immediate risks.
Supporting students who experience setbacks in academic performance.
Coordinating emergency support and referrals where required.
Ensuring timely intervention and student safety during crises.

Manage student support cases by:
Managing cases from initial assessment through resolution.
Maintaining confidential case records.
Monitoring student progress.
Reviewing intervention outcomes and follow-up actions.
Ensuring coordinated and effective psychosocial support services.
Support other academic staff as it pertains to students in crisis the MBChB and LOP programmes.

Coordinate referral services by;
Identifying students requiring specialised intervention.
Referring students to appropriate internal and external support services.
Coordinating multidisciplinary support where required.
Monitoring referral outcomes where appropriate.
Ensuring students receive appropriate specialist support.

Develop and facilitate student wellness programmes by:
Planning and facilitating wellness initiatives addressing mental wellbeing resilience stress management self-care and burnout prevention.
Conducting awareness campaigns relevant to health sciences students.
Promoting preventative wellbeing and student resilience.

Collaborate with academic and support stakeholders by:
Liaising with academic staff programme directors clinical training platforms and faculty management regarding students requiring support.
Participating in multidisciplinary student support meetings.
Providing professional recommendations on student support interventions.
Building relationships with internal and external support service providers.
Promoting integrated student support and coordinated intervention

Ensure professional and legislative compliance by:
Delivering services in accordance with SACSSP ethical standards University policies and relevant legislation.
Supporting compliance with HPCSA accreditation requirements relating to student support.
Maintaining professional registration and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Ensuring ethical professional and compliant service delivery.

Maintain student support records and management reporting by:
Maintaining confidential student records.
Compiling statistical and management reports on student interventions referrals wellness programmes and case outcomes.
Safeguarding confidential information in accordance with POPIA requirements.
Supporting institutional reporting service improvement and governance.

Inherent requirements:
Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent qualification in the field of Social Work on NQF Level 8.
A minimum of two (2) years relevant experience as a registered Social Worker.
A minimum of two (2) years relevant experience in working with young adults or students.
A minimum of two (2) years relevant experience in counselling crisis intervention and case management.
Active registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a social worker (attach proof).

Recommendations:
Experience within a higher education institution or healthcare environment.
Experience supporting students in professional or clinical training programmes

Required competencies:
Results Orientated:
- The ability to be reliable responsible dependable and to fulfil obligations.
- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
28 September 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme medical aid scheme group life insurance housing allowance leave and sick leave service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries please feel free to contact or email or Additionally kindly contact / 9813 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.