Social Worker- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Social Worker
- Job ID: 6589
- Reference: 2274
- Department: School of Clinical Medicine
- Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Job Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Assumption of Duty: As soon as possible
- Closing Date: 28 September 2026
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The Social Worker will provide professional psychosocial assessment and support services to students, with a particular focus on supporting student wellbeing, resilience and academic success.
The successful candidate will provide counselling and crisis intervention, manage student support cases, coordinate referrals, facilitate wellness programmes and collaborate with academic and support stakeholders.
The role will also require the Social Worker to maintain confidential records, prepare management reports and ensure that all services comply with professional, ethical and legislative requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Psychosocial Assessment and Support
The successful candidate will:
- Conduct psychosocial assessments of students experiencing personal, academic, emotional or social challenges.
- Provide short-term counselling and psychosocial interventions within the scope of professional social work practice.
- Develop intervention plans according to individual student needs.
- Provide trauma-informed support where appropriate.
- Attend to psychosocial emergencies after hours when required and possible.
- Provide input into policies and procedures supporting student management.
- Support student wellbeing, resilience and academic success.
Crisis Intervention
Responsibilities include:
- Responding to students experiencing mental health crises, trauma, bereavement, abuse, gender-based violence, financial distress or social distress.
- Assessing immediate risks.
- Supporting students experiencing setbacks in academic performance.
- Coordinating emergency support and referrals.
- Ensuring timely intervention and student safety during crises.
Student Case Management
The Social Worker will:
- Manage cases from initial assessment through to resolution.
- Maintain confidential student case records.
- Monitor student progress.
- Review intervention outcomes and follow-up actions.
- Ensure coordinated and effective psychosocial support services.
- Support academic staff regarding students in crisis within the MBChB and LOP programmes.
Referral Services
The successful candidate will:
- Identify students requiring specialised intervention.
- Refer students to appropriate internal and external support services.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary support where necessary.
- Monitor referral outcomes where appropriate.
- Ensure students receive suitable specialist support.
Student Wellness Programmes
The role will involve:
- Planning and facilitating wellness initiatives focused on mental wellbeing, resilience, stress management, self-care and burnout prevention.
- Conducting awareness campaigns relevant to Health Sciences students.
- Promoting preventative wellbeing and student resilience.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
The Social Worker will:
- Liaise with academic staff, programme directors, clinical training platforms and Faculty management.
- Participate in multidisciplinary student support meetings.
- Provide professional recommendations on student support interventions.
- Build relationships with internal and external support service providers.
- Promote integrated and coordinated student support.
Professional and Legislative Compliance
The successful candidate must:
- Deliver services in accordance with SACSSP ethical standards, University policies and relevant legislation.
- Support compliance with HPCSA accreditation requirements relating to student support.
- Maintain professional registration and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Ensure ethical, professional and compliant service delivery.
Records and Reporting
Duties include:
- Maintaining confidential student records.
- Compiling statistical and management reports covering student interventions, referrals, wellness programmes and case outcomes.
- Safeguarding confidential information in accordance with POPIA requirements.
- Supporting institutional reporting, service improvement and governance.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent qualification in Social Work at NQF Level 8.
- At least 2 years’ relevant experience as a registered Social Worker.
- At least 2 years’ relevant experience working with young adults or students.
- At least 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.
Recommended Experience
The following will be advantageous:
- Experience working within a higher education institution or healthcare environment.
- Experience supporting students enrolled in professional or clinical training programmes.
Required Competencies
Results Orientated
- Reliable, responsible and dependable.
- Ability to fulfil professional obligations.
- Ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage several activities simultaneously.
- Creative and open-minded approach to workplace challenges.
Business Acumen
- Ability to adhere to rules and work regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leading
- High levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- Ability to cooperate with others and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Sensitive and understanding approach to people’s needs and feelings.
- Ability to interact with others and establish professional connections.
Benefits
Subject to specific conditions, the successful candidate may receive fringe benefits including:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits