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
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
11-2019
- Certificate awarded with Distinction
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
04-2017
- Dean's List, [Second Semester, 2015]
Skills
Project management and financial oversight
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Quality-focused attention to detail
Stakeholder relationship management
Organizational growth strategies
Skills enhancement initiatives
Proficient in conflict management
Cultural competence
Risk mitigation strategies
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Effective problem-solving approaches
Trauma-informed therapy
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