Social Worker at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The Social Worker will be responsible for providing comprehensive psychosocial support to patients and their families. This role is essential to ensuring that the emotional, social, and practical needs of patients are addressed to facilitate healing, recovery, and safe discharge planning. The role holder will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to advocate for patient welfare, provide crisis intervention, and connect patients with community resources, all while upholding the highest standards of culturally sensitive care.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Psychosocial Assessment & Intervention

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to identify patient and family needs, risks, and strengths.
• Provide short-term individual and family counseling to help patients cope with illness, hospitalization, and treatment adjustments.
• Develop and implement patient-centered care plans in collaboration with the medical team to address identified psychosocial goals.
• Respond to crisis situations, including cases of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or psychiatric emergencies, ensuring patient safety and appropriate reporting.

Discharge Planning & Care Coordination

• Collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team to facilitate timely and safe discharge plans for complex patients.
• Liaise with external agencies, community health services, and governmental bodies to arrange post-discharge care, medical equipment, or financial assistance.
• Advocate for patients to ensure seamless transitions between care settings (e.g., hospital to home, rehabilitation, or long-term care facilities).
• Educate patients and families on available healthcare resources, patient rights, and advance directives.

Patient Advocacy & Safeguarding

• Act as a patient advocate to ensure their voices, preferences, and cultural beliefs are respected within the care planning process.
• Identify and report concerns regarding vulnerable adults and children in accordance with hospital safeguarding policies and local legal requirements.
• Participate in safeguarding investigations and case conferences as required.
• Ensure all interventions comply with ethical standards and protect patient confidentiality.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the medical team, patients, and families, ensuring clear and compassionate communication.
• Educate clinical staff on the psychosocial aspects of patient care and the role of social work in the healthcare setting.
• Facilitate support groups for patients and families dealing with chronic illnesses or specific medical conditions.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of all social work interventions in the patient’s electronic health record.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed about changes in social welfare policies, community resources, and legal frameworks affecting patient care.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient experience and discharge outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and review of patient education materials related to psychosocial support.
• Attend and actively participate in departmental meetings, multidisciplinary rounds, and professional development activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field is mandatory. A Master’s degree in Social Work is an added advantage.
• Valid licensure or registration to practice as a Social Worker is required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of post-qualification experience in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital, hospice, or rehabilitation center.
• Mandatory: Direct experience in discharge planning, crisis intervention, and safeguarding within a medical environment.
• Experience working in a multicultural or international healthcare setting is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology, patient rights laws, and ethical decision-making frameworks.

Skills & Competencies

• Clinical Assessment Skills: Ability to conduct thorough psychosocial assessments and formulate effective intervention plans.
• Crisis Intervention: Proven ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations, managing complex emotional dynamics and safety concerns.
• Communication & Empathy: Exceptional interpersonal and active listening skills, with the ability to build trust with patients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Advocacy: Strong ability to represent and negotiate on behalf of patients to ensure equitable access to resources and care.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent case management abilities, capable of managing a complex caseload and prioritizing urgent needs effectively.
• Resilience & Self-Care: High level of emotional resilience to cope with challenging cases, with a commitment to maintaining professional boundaries and personal well-being.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, respecting the roles of other professionals.
• Documentation: Proficiency in maintaining clear, concise, and legally sound clinical records, preferably within an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Cultural Competence: Deep understanding and respect for cultural differences in health beliefs, family structures, and decision-making processes.