Social Work Associate

Job Detail

Role Purpose To provide counselling and psychosocial support for patients and families through case management, in-depth assessment of family dynamics, linking up with various social service agencies to facilitate care and discharge planning. Expanded Job Description: Social Work Associate Unit: Care & Counselling Location: Thye Hua Kwan Hospital Key Responsibilities 1. Case Management Support • Assist in conducting psychosocial assessments under supervision. • Provide basic counselling and emotional support. • Monitor patient progress and document case notes Assist medial social workers in coordinating straightforward care plans and follow-ups. • Gathering relevant psychosocial information. • Support discharge planning by coordinating with multidisciplinary team and relevant stakeholders. • Conducting home visits when necessary. 2. Administrative Duties • Manage and ensure proper documentation of case notes and other related documents. • Reception duties and attend to walk-ins and appointments. • Prepare materials for programmes and activities. • Maintain confidentiality and compliance with hospital protocols. 3. Programme Development • Conducting of needs assessment for new programmes. • Implementation of programmes. • Collating feedback and outcomes. • Evaluation of results from feedback. Who You’ll Work With: Medical Social Workers Multidisciplinary team – Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals Community Partners Ideal Candidate Profile: Qualifications: -Degree in Psychology, Counselling, Gerontology or related field. Strong interpersonal, communication and writing skills with emotional maturity. Empathetic, organized, and comfortable working in emotionally sensitive environments. Proficient in MS office. Growth Opportunities Exposure to multidisciplinary care teams. Supervision and mentorship from experienced Medical Social Workers. Pathways to further training or progression into Medical Social Work roles. Comprehensive Skill Set for Social Work Associate: A Social Work Associate plays a vital role in supporting patients and families within healthcare and community settings. To perform effectively, they must possess a well-rounded skill set that spans interpersonal abilities, technical competencies, and personal qualities. The following outlines the key categories of skills essential for success in this role: 1. Soft Skills Soft skills are foundational for building trust and fostering meaningful relationships with patients and their families. These include: Empathy, active listening, and compassion Emotional intelligence and resilience Communication and rapport-building Cultural sensitivity Team collaboration Basic counselling skills Language proficiency These skills are crucial for providing effective support in diverse environments and ensuring that patients feel heard and understood. 2. Hard Skills Hard skills are technical abilities that ensure operational efficiency and accurate documentation. Key competencies include: Documentation and case note writing Administrative and referral coordination Data entry and form handling Digital literacy These skills help maintain accurate records, facilitate smooth transitions, and ensure appropriate linkage to services. 3. Transferable Skills Transferable skills enable Social Work Associates to adapt and thrive in dynamic settings. Important skills in this category are: Time management Conflict resolution Problem solving Customer service mindset These abilities support multitasking, navigating complex cases, and collaborating across departments. 4. Knowledge-Based Skills A strong foundation in relevant knowledge areas empowers Social Work Associates to make informed and ethical decisions. These include: Basic understanding of social work ethics and principles Understanding of psychosocial care Basic mental health and eldercare knowledge Familiarity with healthcare and social service systems Awareness of patient confidentiality and data protection standards Familiarity with discharge planning workflows Such knowledge ensures that care is delivered responsibly and in alignment with professional standards. 5. Personal Attributes Personal qualities shape how Social Work Associates engage with their work and the people they serve. Key attributes include: Compassionate and patient-centred Resilient in emotionally demanding situations Growth-oriented and reflective Commitment to diversity and inclusion These traits align with hospital values and foster long-term engagement and professional development.