Job Description

Anova is an NGO that empowers people and changes lives. Good health and quality of life is what motivates us to provide healthcare solutions and support for those who need it most.

SIOC Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) was established in 2006 by Sishen Iron Ore Company SIOC (PTY) LTD to invest in the development of the communities in which the mine operates. Together with Anova, they are implementing a Mental Health Programme (Psychosocial Support) to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention, treatment, promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

We are looking for a Social Auxiliary Worker in the mental health programme to primarily be responsible for conducting individual screening and providing support interventions for people with mental health challenges. Social Auxiliary Workers will be supervised by a social worker in each province.

Key duties and responsibilities:

Provide Psychosocial Programs and Support in Primary Care Health Facilities.

• Support conducting of individual assessments/screening, provision of support interventions and/or referral to higher levels of care.
• Assist with the referral of patients for further support in the community.
• Conduct individual and group counselling working together with the outreach and clinical support team, with supervision on the social worker.
• Provide input on the social needs of mental health users in the program.
• Ensure all support provided to clients is documented correctly and records of the clients and next of kin are up to date and complete.
• Always client information confidential except when client gives consent for information to be shared for purposes of assisting the client further.
• Conduct skills development or empowerment measures for clients with the supervision of the social worker.
• Assist with linkage to shelters or other community support if necessary.
• Follow up on each client and encourage adherence treatment or support sessions.

Retention in Care

• Provide support and continuous, documented monitoring of clients progress.
• Educate and provide relevant material or referrals to empower clients.
• Assist in developing and formulating support groups for adherence to treatment or therapeutic sessions, with the supervision of the social worker.
• Provide ongoing counselling and support to ensure clients complete support programmes.
• In support of the social worker, mentor clinic staff and community organisations on provision of support to people with mental health challenges.
• Compile reports on clients progress, needs or challenges and recommended action required.
• Perform relevant office administration duties for the programme.

Advocate for the Programme

• Identify potential advocacy issues and report to the social worker.
• Assist with the collection of human rights data and report violations as and when reported or required.
• Advocate for support sessions to both clients and family members.
• Promote the rights of mental health clients and help educate various stakeholders on mental health matters.
• Participate in learning and development opportunities to remain relevant with the profession.
• Stay abreast of latest developments in the field of mental health or any relevant therapeutic methods.
• Partner, learn and engage with social workers and clinicians for debriefing and further empowerment.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Programme

• Provide regular feedback and a monthly report to manager (social worker).
• Obtain regular feedback from clients to establish, obtain and ensure the effectiveness of the programme.
• Provide regular feedback to relevant stakeholders as and when required.
• Contribute and participate in project, operational and research activities as and when required.

Any other relevant tasks as agreed with the line manager.

Minimum qualifications, qualification and skills required;

• Social Auxiliary Worker certificate or relevant qualification.
• Matric or Grade 12.
• Must be registered with The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP/Council).
• 2 years experience working as a Social Auxiliary Worker.
• Experience working with mental health clients.
• 1 year experience working in a public health facility/clinic.
• Knowledge of various mental therapeutic interventions and related legislations.
• Knowledge of working with DoH policies.
• Be reliable, consistent, and respectful to clients.
• Excellent record keeping skills.
• Resilient and mental strong individual.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid drivers license and willing to travel as and when required.
• Innovative, organized, analytical and excellent interpretation data skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and has attention to details.
• Facilitation and presentation skills.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Computer Literate MS Office Packages (MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel & PowerPoint).
• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Fully vaccinated for Covid 19

Closing date: 03 September 2023

In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.

Anova Health Institute is a provider of essential health services and therefore has a mandatory vaccination policy. Should your application be successful, you will be required to submit your proof of vaccination before commencing employment in the role.

Applicants who have not been contacted within 4 weeks of submitting their application should assume that they have not been successful.

Unsolicited CVs from agencies will not be paid agency fees should their candidate be placed at Anova.

For more information on Anova visit our website:

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