Background
U-Turn Service Centre Social Worker
U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to give homeless people the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe in life after homelessness. We believe that every homeless individual should have access to an effective pathway that addresses their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.
To help homeless people overcome homelessness, we operate a phased approach that includes rehabilitation from substance abuse, counselling, life-skills training, and work placement in one of our social enterprises. This allows candidates to test and apply the training they've received. In the process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills, and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can graduate and be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.
The programme is yielding wonderful results. Our candidates typically graduate into open market employment and show an 80% long-term success rate! We are actively working to expand the programme to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.
Service Centres
U-turn's Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets, to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing, therapeutic and development-based interventions, and providing recovery support for those struggling with substance abuse. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.
The position
U-turn is looking for a Social Worker who will be working at our Southern Suburbs Service Centre. The position will require the successful candidate to supervise Auxiliary and Peer workers, managing a caseload of clients through the first two phases of the U-turn Life Change journey. This will include weekly case discussions, group work, assessments, individual sessions, and referrals.
The ideal candidate will be a committed Christian who has previous experience working within a multidisciplinary team, individual case management, facilitating group sessions, and implementing long-term individual development plans. An added advantage will be if you have experience working with people who have lived experience of overcoming homelessness. If you wish to use your skills and experience to make a difference, then consider applying for this full-time position.
Key areas of responsibility
Render social work services within the Service Centre context towards meeting the outcomes of the Centre.
Supervise Auxiliary Social Workers, Peer Workers, and Interns that work with homeless individuals. This includes conducting weekly case discussions, planning for and training on specific interventions such as activity groups/change readiness sessions, motivational sessions, and assisting with the implementation of initial individual development plans.
Case-manage all clients entering recovery, completing relevant documentation and referrals, as well as conducting case discussions with partnering organizations.
Form part of the interdisciplinary team across the client flow journey. This includes working on the same long-term outcomes for the whole client flow journey and conducting handovers to work readiness as well as receiving referrals from Work-readiness.
Oversee group and individual sessions as part of the intervention strategy at the Centre. This might include liaising with external service providers.
Provide case-related crisis interventions such as traumatic incidents as they arise, assessments, and referrals to acute intervention options.
Attend and participate in own supervision consultation sessions and participate in training and professional growth opportunities, attend to CPD requirements as per SACSSP.
Use and contribute to existing planning & record-keeping systems to ensure continuous improvement of your areas of responsibility.
Experience and Skills
Registered with SACSSP as a Social Worker (essential).
A Valid Driver's License (essential).
At least five years' experience and knowledge of the legislation about social work services (desirable).
Previous experience working with people experiencing homelessness (an added advantage).
Previous experience working with addiction (an added advantage).
Fluency in English (speaking Afrikaans will be an added advantage).
Good interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills including listening skills.
Good background and experience in Microsoft Office programs.
Managerial and leadership skills and experience.
Good record-keeping and administrative skills.
Good time management, organization, and planning skills.
Personal attributes
Resourceful individual that is not easily flustered.
Ability to self-motivate, work with minimal supervision, and supervise a multidisciplinary team.
Collaborative team player – concerned with the team's success as well as individual performance.
Emotionally mature individual.
Problem solver who is open to change and able to take initiative.
Willingness to learn and grow personally.
Organizational Fit (where applicable)
If in Recovery - actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support and practicing recovery behavior.
If employed as a Professional – affiliation with the professional board, continued personal development, and access 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 must submit a letter of motivation and CV to ******. 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 fulfill the required knowledge skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: R16000,00 per month
Application Question(s):
Are you registered with the SACSSP?
How many years of experience do you have?
Do you have experience working with people in homelessness and drug addiction?
What is your salary expectation?
Have you uploaded your motivational?
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