Senior Medical Social Worker

The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), a Statutory Body under the Ministry of Health &  Wellness responsible for the management and  operation of Public Health Services within the  Parishes of Clarendon, Manchester and St.  Elizabeth, invites applications from suitably  qualified persons for the following position in the  Mandeville Regional Hospital: Senior Medical Social Worker (HPC/MSW 2) – 1 Position vacant 

Job Summary
Under the general direction of the Senior Medical Officer, the Senior Medical Social Worker has responsibility to coordinate, monitor  and evaluate the medical social work activities of the hospital.

The incumbent is required to conduct  comprehensive social investigations in order to  help patients understand their illness or  condition and provide them with information  about the resources available to them to cope  with the emotional, financial and social needs  that arise with a diagnosis.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work; Plus
• A minimum of five (5) years’ working experience in the public health system;
• Certificate in Supervisory Management;
• Post graduate studies in related area  would be a definite asset.

Responsibilities

• Assessing the social, emotional and  economic factors relevant to medical  diagnosis and treatment and communicate  these to other members of the health team;
• Consulting regularly with other members of the health team to assist patients and families cope with any personal and  environmental challenges that might  impede a speedy recovery;
• Assisting the patient by therapeutic  casework or group therapy to resolve  problems that may be causing anxiety,  undue stress or that may delay a response  to medical treatment;
• Assisting in planning the discharge and  after care arrangements for patients in consultation with other member of the  medical team, the patient’s family and  other community sources that are willing to  assist;
• Conducting house calls on patients and  other relevant persons / places to social assessment;
• Conducting follow-up visits on discharged  patients to continue therapeutic casework and family counselling and ensure that  necessary clinic follow-up visits are made;
• Arranging transportation to and from the  health centre for physically challenged patients, where necessary;
• Assisting patients in procuring medical and  surgical aids;
• Hosting meetings and seminars for health  care professionals to improving working relationships and collaborative efforts;
• Informing the law enforcement agencies of  abandonment, child abuse and neglect and ensure follow-up activities associated with  these cases;
• Establishing links with relevant state  agencies concerned with the health and  welfare of children and providing referral to  patients and families;
• Identifying and communicating with the general public, governmental and  nongovernmental agencies regarding  available resources to assist the needs of  the patient;
• Assisting patients and their families access  available community resources;
• Assisting patients to adjust back to normal  life;
• Referring patients to community or social  programmes;
• Maintaining an efficient and accurate  record-keeping system;
• Advising the Senior Medical Officer and  Chief Executive Officer on the social needs of patients and the expansion or  establishment or services/resources to  meet these needs.

Specific Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge of the scope  and methods of social work;
• Working knowledge of the public health  systems relating to the delivery of health care;
• Basic knowledge of medical terminologies;
• Sound knowledge of the relevant agencies  to support patients in need;
• Well developed interviewing and  counselling techniques;
• Managing Internal & External  Relationships;
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills;
• Excellent Customer Focus & Quality Focus Skills;
• Strong Teamwork & Cooperation;
• Strong ability to use of Information,  Communication and Technology;
• Excellent People Management skills;
• Knowledge of Strategic Vision.

Special Conditions

• Required to respond to crisis situations  outside of normal working hours, including weekends and Public Holidays;
• Required to do home visits;
• Maybe exposed to severe or complex  social conditions of patients .

Salary

• Scale: $5,055,684 - $6,009,620 per annum and any allowance(s) attached to the post 

Note

Applications letters along with detailed resume should be sent no later than February 14, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

The Senior Human Resource Officer 
Mandeville Regional Hospital

32 Hargreaves Avenue,
Mandeville P.O., Manchester
Jamaica.

Email: jobsmrh@gmail.com

Base Salary: Undisclosed