Maxwell Mutonga
Social Worker
Cape Town,Western Cape
Summary
Motivated Social Worker, bringing comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems that affect marginalized communities. Passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support these communities, advancing change through strategic partnerships and advocacy. Organized and dependable, adept at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Known for taking on added responsibilities to meet team goals and handling multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Experience extends to volunteering, offering outstanding telephone etiquette, social media, and interpersonal skills. Known for working with diverse groups, including children and the elderly, and recognized for punctuality and dedication to service. Experience assisting non-profit organizations with daily tasks and needs, always striving to be friendly and helpful. Driven by a cause, working diligently to accomplish measurable impact. Academic prowess lies in research, supervision, mentoring, and lecturing, excelling in nurturing young and upcoming social students. In summary, a passionate advocate, a dedicated volunteer, and an accomplished academic, ready to bring skills and experience to new challenges.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor for Social Work Field Students
University of Cape Town
01.2024 - Current
- I maintain confidentiality of sensitive information while adhering to ethical guidelines in all aspects of practice.
- I provide supervision for 2nd year social work student who are doing field practice as they developed their clinical skills, offering constructive feedback on practice cases.
- I conduct ongoing research on evidence-based practices in the field of social work to inform service provision strategies for maximum impact which helps student social workers navigate better.
- I provide educational direction to student social workers, helping them apply social work theory, standardized knowledge, skills, competency, and ethical content in their practice settings.
- I actively participate in planning the internship, reviewing and signing the student’s educational plan, and making revisions as needed.
- I orient students to the agency and their assignments. I facilitate learning from experienced professionals in the field, provide feedback on skill development, and offer opportunities to process what is happening in field experience.
- I value teaching and giving feedback to students, shaping their professional practice in the field setting.
- I facilitate conflict resolution between students and their placement agencies, mediating disputes and fostering a harmonious working environment. This involves understanding the issues at hand, promoting open communication, and working towards mutually beneficial solutions.
- I evaluate the weekly reports prepared by students on the clients they have interacted with. I provide constructive feedback to help them improve their report writing skills, an area in which I excel.
- I am responsible for grading student assignments, ensuring they meet the required academic standards and providing feedback for improvement.
- Leveraging my strong research skills, I evaluate the effectiveness of the student social worker field practice program using quantitative data analysis methods. The insights derived from my evaluations inform future improvements and policy changes, ensuring the program continues to meet the evolving needs of students and agencies.
- One of my key responsibilities and most crucial one is to provide debriefing sessions for student social workers after their client interactions. Recognizing that some clients share traumatic stories, I offer a safe space for students to process their experiences, providing emotional support and helping them manage the impact of their work on their own well-being.
Examination Assistant
University Of Cape Town
08.2023 - Current
- I serve as a grader for the University of Cape Town, marking examinations and assignments across the Humanities department. With over 500 scripts evaluated, I have received positive reviews for my meticulous attention to detail and fairness in grading.
- Assisted in the development of exam schedules for optimal time management and resource allocation.
- Upheld high standards of academic integrity by vigilantly detecting instances of cheating or dishonesty during exams.
- Safeguarded the integrity of examinations by maintaining strict confidentiality of test materials, scores, and personal information.
- Identified potential issues or discrepancies in examination materials, working closely with faculty members to resolve them efficiently.
- Regularly updated professional knowledge and skills by attending relevant workshops, seminars, or training programs related to the field of examination management.
- Enhanced examination efficiency by streamlining administrative tasks and processes.
- Improved overall examination experience by providing timely feedback on performance to both students and instructors.
- Collaborated with faculty members to develop examination content that accurately assessed student knowledge and skills.
Volunteer Substance Abuse Social Worker
New Journey Treatment Centre (NPC)
02.2022 - Current
- I am currently volunteering at a rehabilitation center twice a week, where I play a crucial role in developing relapse prevention plans for patients. This involves strategizing and implementing effective measures to prevent the recurrence of addictive behaviors, thereby contributing to their long-term recovery and well-being.
- I conduct comprehensive assessments to understand clients’ substance use history, mental health, family dynamics, and social support systems. I use this information to develop individualized treatment plans.
- I provide counseling and therapy to individuals with substance use disorders. I use evidence-based approaches to help clients identify triggers, develop coping skills, and set achievable goals for recovery. Additionally, I lead group therapy sessions to create a supportive community for clients when i am available
- Evaluate program effectiveness using data-driven approaches, identifying areas of improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
- Improve client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- During emergencies or relapse situations, I provide immediate crisis intervention and support to clients and their families, helping them regain stability and access appropriate care.
- Assist clients in navigating the legal system, attending court hearings as needed and providing support throughout the process.
- Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges or behavioral concerns.
- Maintain accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
Tutor (SWK1004S)
University of Cape Town
05.2023 - 12.2023
- Facilitating professional development in social development students through modelling and support cooperative learning
- Facilitating the importance of professionalism in interactions with patients/clients, colleagues, and the public in social development
- Supervising professional growth in students
- Submission of feedback reports to convenors and to also flag students in crisis, referral to appropriate support services
- Helping students navigate these difficult but important conversations around consent, sex, and sexuality through supportive dialogue
- Grading assignment and facilitating oral examinations
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, using data to inform future instruction and target areas for improvement.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans that incorporated multiple modes of instruction, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for all learners.
- Provided constructive feedback on assignments, helping students improve their writing and problem-solving skills.
- Utilized various assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adjust instruction accordingly for optimal results.
- Managed scheduling and logistics for group tutoring sessions, accommodating the diverse needs of participating students and their families.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through engaging activities and consistent reinforcement of complex concepts.
- Collaborated with fellow tutors to develop effective strategies for addressing diverse student needs and abilities.
- Increased student comprehension by utilizing personalized teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Responded to email and telephone requests to provide students with specific information.
- Used flashcards and other techniques to test and improve memory through practiced information retrieval.
- Taught students remotely using online video chat platform and other delivery channels.
- Used personalized learning plans to guide students to deeper understanding of course material and learning styles.
- Leveraged technology to accelerate learning by proving students with easy-to-access information.
- Enabled underachieving students to reach target attainment levels by providing individualized coaching and activities.
- Led tutoring workshops for groups of students with related tutoring needs.
Student Social Worker
COSAT High School
03.2022 - 12.2022
- I facilitated and created a 12-session long emotion regulation group therapy with 6 children
- I introduced things like the stress ball and anger thermometer to assist the children in understanding their levels of anger
- I co-facilitated CBT informed group therapy sessions with 10 high school children over a 3-month period.
- Use excel and word for all reporting
- Work in a collaborative and progressive team
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to address clients' mental health, and other complex needs.
- Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Provided emotional support to clients through active listening and empathetic communication, fostering strong therapeutic relationships.
- Expanded professional knowledge through ongoing continuing education opportunities, workshops, and networking events.
- Developed culturally sensitive interventions tailored to the unique needs of diverse populations served in the agency setting.
- Enhanced overall agency effectiveness through participation in regular staff meetings, sharing best practices, and contributing to policy development.
- Maintained detailed records in compliance with agency standards, confidentiality laws, and ethical guidelines for social work practice.
- Monitored client progress with regular evaluations and adjusted treatment plans as needed to meet changing needs.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach when working with clients to build resilience and empower them towards self sufficiency
- Reduced barriers to service access by conducting outreach efforts within the community and actively engaging underserved populations.
Social Worker (Professional Development volunteer)
Justice Desk
03.2021 - 12.2022
- Facilitating professional development in students through modelling and support cooperative learnin
- Conducting counseling sessions for the Ntsika boys going through loss
- Social Media marketing for more volunteers
- Helping young boys navigate these difficult but important conversations around consent, sex, and sexuality through supportive dialogue
- Facilitating complex conversation about sex and sexuality
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges or behavioral concerns.
- Contributed to policy development efforts within the organization or broader community context, advocating for systemic change that would benefit clients'' needs more effectively over time.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven approaches, identifying areas of improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
- Promoted a culture of self-care and professional development among colleagues, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged ongoing growth and learning.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Enhanced community outreach efforts for better service accessibility and increased program enrollment.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
- Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping skills and fostering peer connections among participants.
- Provided crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute mental health or substance abuse issues.
- Led workshops on topics relevant to client populations served, empowering individuals with valuable knowledge and tools for self advocacy
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to build supportive, communicative client networks.
- Helped reduce recidivism rates among at-risk youth by providing targeted interventions focused on skill-building, pro-social activities, and positive role modeling.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
ACE Agent
Peer educator at Agents of Change Education
01.2020 - 12.2021
- I did initial assessments of students who had been referred the organization
- Facilitated critical conversations with students that contribute towards building inclusion at the University of Cape Town
- Conducted workshops about GBV at every UCT residence to mainly first year students
- Provided safe spaces for students who wanted to speak about GBV experiences
- Maintained accurate records of student communications, transactions, policies, and other relevant documentation for seamless operations within the agency
- Assisted in development of school-wide inclusion initiatives, promoting awareness and understanding of diversity within the community.
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating diverse learning activities and inclusive teaching strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities related to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in education.
- Served as an advocate for underrepresented populations within the school community by championing policies that supported equal access to resources.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and genuine interest in their wellbeing.
- Evaluated student performance using formative assessments, adjusting instructional techniques as needed to ensure optimal growth.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work - Humanities
University of Cape Town
Cape Town 1 2019 - 1 2023
Master’s in Criminal Justice And Forensic SWK - Social Work
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa12.2024
Skills
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Personal statement
My passion for social work is anchored in my upbringing within a community where collective care was not just valued but practiced fervently. Although we had few professional social workers, our community exemplified the essence of the African proverb “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” - underscoring that our humanity is intrinsically linked to how we treat others. This ethos informs my approach as a social worker; it is reflected in my commitment to love, humanity, care compassion, social justice, and respect.
Name and Age
Maxwell Masimba Mutonga,
25 Years old
References
- Stella Musungu, Stella.musungu@uct.ac.za, +27 21 650 1005
- Jessica Dewhurst, admin@justicedesk.org
- Fatima Williams, Fatima.williams@uct.ac.za, 0216503485
- Thulane Gxubane, Thulane.gxubane@uct.ac.za, 0216504220
- Marawaan Arabie and Zurina Davids. +27 73506 7355
Fun fact
I enjoy playing and watching football.
Timeline
Supervisor for Social Work Field Students
University of Cape Town
01.2024 - Current
Examination Assistant
University Of Cape Town
08.2023 - Current
Tutor (SWK1004S)
University of Cape Town
05.2023 - 12.2023
Student Social Worker
COSAT High School
03.2022 - 12.2022
Volunteer Substance Abuse Social Worker
New Journey Treatment Centre (NPC)
02.2022 - Current
Social Worker (Professional Development volunteer)
Justice Desk
03.2021 - 12.2022
ACE Agent
Peer educator at Agents of Change Education
01.2020 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Social Work - Humanities
University of Cape Town
1 2019 - 1 2023
Master’s in Criminal Justice And Forensic SWK - Social Work
University of Cape Town
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