Senior Social Worker - Mental Health Specialist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 860,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Conferences and workshops

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Social Worker with a mental health specialization to join a remote-first team across South Africa. The role emphasizes advanced therapeutic interventions, case management, and leadership in supervising junior social workers while collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals.

You will leverage telehealth platforms to engage clients, develop robust treatment plans, and ensure ethical, data-protected care.

Qualifications

• MSW from an accredited institution and SACSSP registration is required.
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification clinical social work experience with a mental health focus.
• Proven expertise in evidence-based modalities and crisis intervention.
• Experience supervising junior staff is advantageous.
• Strong diagnostic, assessment and treatment planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for clients with diverse mental health conditions.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based practices (CBT, DBT, psychodynamic).
• Develop and review individualized treatment plans.
• Manage complex cases, including crisis intervention and risk assessment.
• Supervise junior social workers and mentor staff.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain confidential records.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Independent work

Remote work discipline

Education

Master's degree in Social Work (MSW)

SACSSP registration

Tools

Telehealth platforms

Digital record-keeping tools

Job description

About the Role Our client is a leading mental health service provider seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Social Worker with a specialization in mental health to join their dedicated team. This role is designed to be fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will play a crucial role in providing advanced therapeutic interventions, case management, and support to individuals facing various mental health challenges. This position requires a deep understanding of psychological theories, therapeutic modalities, and crisis intervention techniques. You will also be involved in supervising junior social workers and contributing to the development of best practices within the organization. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact in the field of mental health while enjoying the benefits of a remote-first work environment. Your expertise will be vital in enhancing the well-being of clients and supporting the broader mental health landscape across the nation. We are committed to providing accessible and high-quality mental healthcare, and this role is central to achieving that goal.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for clients presenting with diverse mental health conditions.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based practices (e.g., CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy).
• Develop, implement, and review individualized treatment plans tailored to client needs.
• Manage complex cases, including crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning.
• Offer support and case management services to facilitate clients' access to community resources and healthcare services.
• Supervise and mentor junior social workers, providing guidance and professional development support.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records and ensure compliance with professional ethical standards and data protection regulations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures related to mental health services.
• Engage in continuous professional development to stay abreast of the latest research, trends, and best practices in mental health social work.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or equivalent qualification from an accredited institution.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in clinical social work, with a significant focus on mental health.
• Proven expertise in various therapeutic modalities and evidence-based interventions for mental health disorders.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention, risk management, and safety planning.
• Experience in supervising junior staff is highly advantageous.
• Excellent diagnostic, assessment, and treatment planning skills.
• Strong understanding of mental health legislation and ethical practice guidelines.
• Proficiency in utilizing tele-health platforms and digital tools for remote client engagement and record-keeping.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage a caseload effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from any location. Our client provides a competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization. You will join a supportive and forward-thinking team that values innovation and evidence-based practice. We invest in our employees' development through continuous training and encourage participation in conferences and workshops. This role offers the chance to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals seeking mental health support across South Africa, all while enjoying the autonomy and work-life balance that a remote career provides.