Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Accomplishments
Publications
Work Availability
Languages
Timeline
THABISILE HAPPINESS VILAKAZI

THABISILE HAPPINESS VILAKAZI

OCCUPATIONAL SOCIAL WORKER
Johannesburg
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
Steve Jobs

Summary

Dedicated social services professional with a proven track record of fostering positive outcomes and enhancing client well-being. Expertise in providing comprehensive support, advocacy, and resources to diverse populations while upholding the highest ethical standards. Recognized for a collaborative approach and adaptability to evolving needs, consistently focused on delivering impactful results. Proficient in case management, crisis intervention, training and development, and trauma-informed care, ensuring effective service delivery in challenging environments.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications

Work History

OCCUPATIONAL SOCIAL WORKER

INCON HEALTH CLINICS
11.2023 - Current
  • Developed and implemented employee assistance programs (EAPs) to support mental health and well-being.
  • Conducted training sessions on stress management, conflict resolution, worklife balance, and workplace wellness.
  • Collaborated with HR and management to address workplace issues and improve employee engagement.
  • Provided one-on-one coaching and counseling to employees facing personal and professional challenges.
  • Providing crisis and trauma-informed psychosocial interventions.
  • Compiling wellness monthly newsletters.
  • Supervised junior staff members, providing direction on best practices in social work and contributing to their professional growth as practitioners.
  • Participated in case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss the progress of employees' treatment plans.
  • Managing the 24 hour helpline service


SOCIAL WORKER IN TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

SANCA CENTRAL RAND
07.2018 - 11.2023
  • Development and implementation of community awareness and educational programs on substance use disorders.
  • Provided trauma-informed care, crisis interventions, and an aftercare program.
  • Provided direct case management services to individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
  • Facilitated support, therapeutic, educational, and treatment groups for individuals with substance use disorders.
  • Administered statutory work (Diversion Program and Involuntary Admission).
  • Referrals to community stakeholders (Clinics, Mental Health institutions, Skills Development, and Rehabilitation Centers).
  • Conducted research, development, and review of working manuals to align with client needs.
  • Ensured compliance with all regulations governing the delivery of substance abuse services.
  • Participated in the Substance abuse Forum.
  • Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven approaches, identifying areas of improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
  • Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
  • Led workshops on topics relevant to client populations served, empowering individuals with valuable knowledge and tools for selfadvocacy.
  • Enhanced team knowledge and skills, leading professional development sessions on current social work practices.
  • Developed funding proposals for social service programs, securing essential services for underserved populations.
  • Facilitated psychoeducational classes to help clients develop life skills.

SOCIAL WORK INTERNSHIP

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
05.2017 - 05.2018
  • Conducted intake assessments, interventions, and home visits.
  • Rendered awareness, prevention, and educational community campaigns.
  • Facilitated community dialogues and forums.
  • Providing trauma counseling and psychosocial services.
  • Linked clients with appropriate community resources.
  • Placement of clients in appropriate shelters, homes, and centers.
  • Monitoring and registration of centers for ECD, older persons, and disabilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently on assigned projects.


Education

Master of Arts - Occupational Social Work

University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
12-2022
  • Degree Awarded with Anglo-Alpha Medal for Excellence in Occupational Social Work Practise
  • Dean's List, [Second Semester, 2022]

NGO Management Certificate - SAB For Good NGO Management

University of Pretoria, Pretoria
11-2019
  • Certificate awarded with Distinction


Bachelor of Arts - Social Work

University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
04-2017
  • Dean's List, [Second Semester, 2015]

Skills

Project management and financial oversight

Certification

Suicide Alertness for everyone, University of Johannesburg, 2015

References

Available upon request.

Accomplishments

  • 5-star rating for Best Employee Assistance Practitioner, Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital (2025)
  • Gold Medal for Excellence in occupational Social Worker Practise, Wits University (2022)

Publications

Exploration and description of challenges experienced by social workers when providing out-patient treatment services to individuals with substance use disorders in Gauteng Province, South Africa. African Journal of Alcohol & Drug Abuse: Volume 9

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Xhosa
Advanced (C1)
Zulu
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Sotho
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

OCCUPATIONAL SOCIAL WORKER - INCON HEALTH CLINICS
11.2023 - Current
SOCIAL WORKER IN TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS - SANCA CENTRAL RAND
07.2018 - 11.2023
SOCIAL WORK INTERNSHIP - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
05.2017 - 05.2018
University of The Witwatersrand - Master of Arts, Occupational Social Work
University of Pretoria - NGO Management Certificate, SAB For Good NGO Management
University of Johannesburg - Bachelor of Arts, Social Work

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