Salary: $ 5,863,044 p.a
JOB PURPOSE
Under the leadership and direction of the Director, Social Work in Health, the Head Medical Social Worker is responsible for the implementation of strategies and programmes anchored in the core principles and values of Social Work to enhance health outcomes, particularly focusing on the social determinants of health. The incumbent develops and monitors the implementation of policies and programmes aligned to the Health in All Policy (HiAP) fostering people centered health care service provision and delivery incorporating multisectoral linkages across MOHW, MDAs, RHAs and other Ministries. The Officer will collaborate with healthcare professionals and develop innovative social protection strategies to empower vulnerable individuals and families, advocate for systemic change and bridge the gap between healthcare and social services, driving improved health outcomes.
KEY OUTPUT
- Comprehensive social work services integrated into patient care plans.
- Comprehensive social protection strategies and policies for healthcare developed, implemented and tracked.
- Collaborative networks and partnerships with government organizations, NGOs, and community groups established.
- Referral pathways for clients to access social support developed and tracked.
- Robust community and institutional partnerships for service users’ implemented and maintained.
- Detailed social work in health reports and records prepared.
- Reports on the impact and progress of social protection and social contract initiatives, programmes, and practices prepared.
- Feedback from patients and healthcare teams on service quality and client experience collected and analysed;
- Social Work in Health Capacity Building Plan developed and monitored.
Key responsibility areas INCLUDES:
- Maintains and tracks comprehensive assessments of social, emotional, and economic factors impacting service users’ health.
- Develops and implements innovative strategies to integrate social work services seamlessly into healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes.
- Coordinates effectively with healthcare teams to ensure holistic patient care.
- Provides technical guidance to the social work team, fostering a culture of excellence and high-quality service delivery.
- Manages and monitors budgets allocated for strategic initiatives for social work, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and maximizing impact.
- Actively participates in the development of operational plans and budgets for the Social Work in Health Unit, aligning with strategic goals.
- Provides insights and data-driven recommendations for status reports, contributing to informed decision-making.
- Collaborates closely with internal teams to ensure a seamless and person-centered client service experience across departments.
- Implements and monitors for compliance evidence-based social work policies and protocols, ensuring alignment with national and international standards.
- Conducts research and analysis to inform policy development and advocate for improved social protection within the healthcare system.
- Coordinates the development of the health-related social protection strategy, drawing on research and stakeholder collaboration.
- Liaises with state agencies and NGOs to increase access to social protection services for healthcare clients.
- Provides expert advice and technical guidance to policymakers and programme implementers on social protection and social contracting.
- Advocates for policy changes that expand and enhance social protection in healthcare.
- Facilitates the implementation of a standardise health-related social protection referral pathway mechanism.
- Develops and oversees the implementation of monitoring frameworks for social work programmes and processes.
- Analyses data and identify trends to assess programme effectiveness and impact on clients and the healthcare system.
- Prepares and disseminates reports and recommendations to inform programme improvement and policy decisions.
- Monitors the implementation of health-related social protection and social contracting strategies.
- Provides technical guidance in developing a comprehensive evaluation framework for the social protection strategy.
- Develops training materials and guidelines for healthcare workers on social protection and social contracting.
- Provides training and technical assistance to social workers and healthcare professionals on relevant principles and practices.
- Develops and implements competency frameworks for social work in healthcare settings.
- Maintains and updates knowledge databases and resources on social work in healthcare.
- Develops and delivers presentations on relevant topics to various audiences.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with relevant government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.
- Facilitates collaboration and communication across different sectors to address social determinants of health and promote access to services.
- Builds and maintains partnerships to support and enhance social protection initiatives.
- Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the progress and impact of social protection and social contracting initiatives.
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, providing updates and soliciting feedback on programme initiatives.
- Advocates for integrated approaches to healthcare that address both medical and social needs.
Minimum Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Community Development or equivalent qualifications;
- Working knowledge of GOJ Social Welfare Programs and Projects
- Working knowledge of Social Work in Health would be asset.
- A minimum of three (3) years’ work experience in related position or social services at the supervisory/managerial level
- Three (3) experience with designing, managing, implementing, and executing projects.
- Experience in developing training materials and conducting training would be an asset.
Applications with résumés are to be submitted no later than Tuesday, July 2, 2024 to:
Senior Director
Human Resource Management & Development
Ministry of Health & Wellness
10A Chelsea Avenue
Kingston 10
The Ministry of Health thanks all applicants for their interest; however, please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.