Sandisiwe Favourate Duma
Social Worker
Ixopo
Summary
Dynamic Social Worker with extensive experience at the Department of Social Development, skilled in client advocacy and crisis intervention. Successfully mentored new Social Workers, enhancing team performance and securing grant funding to expand services. Proven ability to conduct psychosocial assessments and develop tailored intervention plans, fostering resilience and positive outcomes for clients.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Social Worker
Department of Social Development
04.2013 - Current
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Advocated for clients'' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
- Collaborated with schools to address students'' social-emotional needs, working closely with teachers and administrators to create supportive learning environments.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges or behavioral concerns.
Site Facilitator
Sinawe Community Development (NPO) Funded by DSD
03.2011 - 04.2013
- Developed contingency plans for potential risks or delays in order to maintain progress towards targets despite unforeseen circumstances or setbacks.
- Strengthened relationships among team members through regular meetings, fostering a positive work environment conducive to collaboration and problem solving.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of team members based on pre-determined metrics, promoting growth opportunities within the organization.
- Managed subcontractors effectively, ensuring timely delivery of services while maintaining quality standards across all aspects of the project''s lifecycle.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments successfully while completing projects on time and within budget, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
Acting Social Work Supervisor
Department of Social Development
04.2023 - 04.2024
- Mentored new social workers entering the field to promote professional growth and solidify foundational skills necessary for success.
- Initiated multidisciplinary team collaboration, resulting in comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
- Successfully secured grant funding to expand programming offerings for clients, increasing agency''s ability to serve a broader population.
- Championed diversity and inclusion within the team, fostering an environment that celebrated differences and promoted cultural competence.
- Enhanced staff performance through regular supervision, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach to empower clients and foster resilience in overcoming challenges.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making to identify areas for improvement and drive programmatic changes.
- Developed strong community partnerships to enhance available resources and support for clients.
- Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and individualized care plans.
- Supported families experiencing crisis situations by facilitating wrap-around services tailored specifically to each unique situation.
- Train and mentor Social Worker and Child and Youth Care workers and other stakeholders to promote HIV Awareness, prevention, and care.
- Build and maintain partnerships with other organization, governments, and stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and support.
- Foster partnerships with local communities, organizations, and stakeholders to promote HIV awareness, prevention, and care.
- Ensure the provision of comprehensive HIV services, including testing, counseling, treatment, and support.
HIV Counselor
Wyebank Clinic (Ethekwini Municipality)
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Streamlined clinic operations by maintaining accurate records, managing appointment schedules, and coordinating follow-up care for patients.
- Implemented comprehensive risk reduction strategies for clients that included education on safer sex practices, partner communications skills, substance abuse prevention measures.
- Built strong relationships with local healthcare providers to ensure seamless referrals for further treatment or support services.
- Reduced stigma associated with HIV testing by offering confidential services and fostering a supportive environment.
- Delivered pre-and post-test counseling sessions that effectively conveyed test results while emphasizing the importance of continued preventative behaviors.
- Increased testing rates within the community through consistent promotion of available resources and benefits of early detection.
- Advocated for policy changes aimed at increasing access to affordable healthcare services including routine HIV/STD screenings.
Site Facilitator
Ubuntu Crisis Centre
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Maintained accurate records of site activities, enabling efficient reporting and facilitating informed decision-making processes.
- Streamlined project timelines by coordinating efficient scheduling and resource allocation for multiple tasks.
- Facilitated open communication channels among all stakeholders, resulting in increased trust and collaboration throughout the duration of projects.
- Strengthened relationships among team members through regular meetings, fostering a positive work environment conducive to collaboration and problem solving.
- Boosted stakeholder satisfaction through effective communication of project updates, challenges, and achievements throughout the engagement process.
Youth Ambassador
Office of the Premier (Ward Based)
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Learned and applied proper business etiquette.
- Pursued opportunities to learn new skills in leadership development and community engagement areas.
- Collaborated with local organizations for resource sharing and partnership opportunities.
- Created tailored action plans for each participant based on individual strengths, interests, needs assessment results; adapting ongoing assistance accordingly.
- Evaluated program success by monitoring participant progress, satisfaction, and feedback surveys.
- Set development goals and planned growth paths to attain ideal outcomes.
- Empowered youth ambassadors to take ownership of their personal growth and development, encouraging self-reflection and goal-setting exercises throughout the program.
- Nurtured a supportive network of peers within the Youth Ambassador cohort by fostering strong interpersonal connections between members during eventsactivities.
Clerk of the Councilor
EThekwini Municipality
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Maintained filing system and organized customer documents for easy retrieval of information.
- Enhanced office organization with regular maintenance of files, records, and supplies inventory.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks, ensuring timely completion of each assignment.
- Supported administrative staff with timely completion of daily tasks, ensuring smooth office operations.
- Managed incoming calls professionally, directing callers to appropriate personnel or taking detailed messages when necessary.
- Ensured confidentiality of sensitive documents through proper storage methods and restricted access control implementation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Honors in Social Behavioral Studies (HIV/AIDS)
Unisa
Durban 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Unisa
Durban 05.2001 -
Grade 12 (Umalusi)
Umlazi Comtech
Umlazi 01-2004
Skills
Client needs assessment
Certification
HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling
References
Name and Surname:
Thulani Gangile (Former Ward 19 Councillor)
Name and Surname:
Phumla Mdedelwa (Ubuntu Crisis Centre Wyebank)
Name and Surname:
Malcom Hlongwane (Sinawe Community Development Sangcwaba)
Name and Surname:
Department of Social Development
References available upon request
Timeline
Acting Social Work Supervisor
Department of Social Development
04.2023 - 04.2024
Social Worker
Department of Social Development
04.2013 - Current
Site Facilitator
Sinawe Community Development (NPO) Funded by DSD
03.2011 - 04.2013
HIV Counselor
Wyebank Clinic (Ethekwini Municipality)
01.2009 - 01.2011
Site Facilitator
Ubuntu Crisis Centre
01.2007 - 01.2008
Youth Ambassador
Office of the Premier (Ward Based)
01.2006 - 01.2007
Clerk of the Councilor
EThekwini Municipality
01.2005 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Honors in Social Behavioral Studies (HIV/AIDS)
Unisa
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Unisa
05.2001 -
Grade 12 (Umalusi)
Umlazi Comtech
Similar Profiles
Mandisa ZuluMandisa Zulu
Social Worker at Department Of Social DevelopmentSocial Worker at Department Of Social Development
Davidean SaalDavidean Saal
Social Worker at Department of Social DevelopmentSocial Worker at Department of Social Development
Bawinile Pridesworth ZunguBawinile Pridesworth Zungu
Gender Focal Point at National Department of Social DevelopmentGender Focal Point at National Department of Social Development