Head Medical Social Worker (HPC/MSW 3)

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 OUTPUTS

• 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.
• Compliance with established social work and healthcare standards maintained.
• 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. 
• Relationships with internal and external stakeholders developed and maintained;
• Continuous service improvement data and insights collected and analysed;
• Monthly/Quarterly/Periodic/Annual analytic performance reports prepared.
• Individual workplan that is aligned with the objective of the Division’s goals prepared and submitted.
• Budget prepared and expenditure monitored.
• Staff evaluated and monitored.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives based on analysis of data implemented and tracked.
• Performance Management System operational.
• Technical advice provided.
• Staff Appraisals conducted.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities

• 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.

Technical

•  In-depth knowledge of evidence-based social work practices and interventions within healthcare settings,
• Advanced understanding and experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating impactful social protection policies and programmes within the healthcare sector.
• In-depth knowledge of the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health outcomes and ability to leverage this knowledge in programme design and implementation.
• Proficiency in utilizing data analytics and monitoring systems to evaluate programme effectiveness, identify trends, and guide evidence-based decisions in social protection initiatives.
• Advanced understanding of relevant legal frameworks and policy landscapes governing social protection and healthcare, ensuring programme compliance and effectiveness.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders, advocate for policy changes, and build collaborative partnerships in the social protection sector.
• Knowledgeable on Project Management principles. 
• Ability to conduct training and development sessions.
• Knowledgeable of behaviour change communication (BCC) principles. 
• Sound knowledge of relevant software.
• Sound knowledge of the Jamaican Healthcare System.
• Good knowledge of Government regulations and procedures.
   

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Community Development or equivalent qualifications;
• 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. 

The Ministry of Health & Wellness thanks all applicants for their interest but only those shortlisted will be contacted.