Social Worker - Acute Rehab

Lenmed Private Hospitals; Durban; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Durban is seeking a qualified Social Worker to join the Acute Rehabilitation Unit. The ideal candidate will provide counseling and support to patients and their families, conduct psychosocial assessments, and facilitate discharge planning. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and have current registration with the SACSSP, alongside 3-5 years of relevant experience in a healthcare setting. This role plays a vital part in patient care and rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ relevant experience within a hospital or rehabilitation setting.
• Demonstrated experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to manage social work service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and emotional support to patients and families.
• Conduct initial psychosocial assessments of patients.
• Coordinate discharge planning, including family meetings.

Skills

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Emotional support

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Current registration with SACSSP

Tools

Electronic health record systems

Job description

Job Location : KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

Deadline : January 31, 2026

Main Focus Areas

• A vacancy exists for a Social Worker within the Acute Rehabilitation Unit at eThekwini Hospital & Heart Centre. This successful candidates will report to Therapy Manager. The Group is committed to creating places of healing for their communities, focused on attracting the best expertise and dedicated to building a steadfast, devoted team.

Key Performance Areas : (include but are not limited to)

• Provide counselling and emotional support to patients and their families to help them adjust to changes in health status and functional ability.
• Conduct initial psychosocial assessments of patients and families, identifying support needs and developing intervention plans.
• Coordinate and facilitate discharge planning , including family meetings, caregiver training, and home pass-outs when necessary.
• Advocate for patients' rights and access to care, acting as a liaison between the patient, healthcare team, and external agencies.
• Support patients and families in navigating financial and social challenges, such as employer communication, insurance claims, and application for social benefits (e.g., COIDA, UIF, SASSA disability grants).
• Provide education on the patient’s condition, treatment, and the roles of the interdisciplinary team (nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc.).
• Deliver crisis intervention and emotional support during periods of acute stress or transition.
• Facilitate continuity of care post-discharge by coordinating with external support services and ensuring all necessary documentation is completed.
• Assist patients in adjusting to the inpatient rehabilitation setting , promoting engagement in their recovery journey.
• Maintain accurate and timely records and reports in line with professional standards and legal requirements.
• Respond to queries from patients, families, and stakeholders promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate closely with the interdisciplinary team to ensure holistic and high-quality patient care.
• Participate in weekly team meetings and family meetings to contribute to case discussions and planning.
• Attend and contribute to Continuous Professional Development (CPD ) activities to ensure up-to-date practice.
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with referral sources and key stakeholders in the rehabilitation and social services sector.

Post Requirements : (include but are not limited to)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from a recognized institution.
• Current registration with the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP).
• Must be in good professional standing with SACSSP and fully compliant with all relevant healthcare legislation and ethical standards.
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification.
• Minimum of 3–5 years’ relevant experience within a hospital or rehabilitation setting.
• Demonstrated experience working as part of a interdisciplinary team in a healthcare or rehabilitation environment.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate social work service delivery in line with unit goals and standards of care.
• Solid knowledge of the development and implementation of individualized social work care plans , including discharge planning, home reintegration, and family support.
• Proficiency in computer literacy , including use of electronic health record systems and administrative tools.
• Strong communication, administrative, and organizational skills to ensure effective care coordination and reporting.

CLOSING DATE

2025 / 12 / 31