Head, Accreditation

Head, Accreditation

**Roles & Responsibilities**

The Head, Accreditation is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and administration of the Accreditation System for Social Workers. This role ensures that accreditation standards are effectively maintained and aligned with the goals of promoting professional standards in social work practice, supporting continuing education, upholding professional ethics, and enhancing the professional image of social workers and social service practitioners.

The role works closely with the Social Work Accreditation and Advisory Board (SWAAB), the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), and other key stakeholders to ensure the accreditation framework is administered, in accordance with its intended objectives.

**Critical Work Functions**
- Develop and Maintain Accreditation Standards
- Implement and enhance the accreditation framework for social workers to ensure it meets professional standards.
- Facilitate the resolution of appeals, disciplinary cases, and complex accreditation matters, in collaboration with SWAAB.
- Review and improve criteria and processes for accrediting social workers, including those with foreign qualifications, past offences, mental health issues, and financial indebtedness.

2. Ensure Professional Standards and Ethics
- Support mechanisms to uphold the professional practice of social workers, including adherence to the Code of Professional Ethics.
- Develop and implement initiatives to promote continuing education and training for accredited professionals.
- Provide thought leadership on professional standards in collaboration with SWAAB and other stakeholders.
- Monitor compliance with accreditation and renewal requirements, including CPE participation, to ensure continuous professional development.

3. Facilitate Accreditation System Improvements
- Identify and recommend updates to the accreditation framework to address changes in the social work landscape.
- Ensure the integration of technology and digital tools to streamline accreditation workflows and improve efficiency.
- Conduct regular reviews of accreditation processes to ensure they remain fair, transparent, and effective.
- Provide data and insights to SWAAB and other stakeholders to inform decisions on social work practice and accreditation.

4. Engage with Stakeholders
- Work closely with SWAAB to provide professional leadership and input on policies, professionalization initiatives, training, and development for social workers.
- Assist in consultations with government and stakeholders on issues affecting the profession, including the development of standards, frameworks, and initiatives for professionalization.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with accredited professionals, educational institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to advance the goals of the accreditation system.

**Required Skills and Qualifications**:

- Graduate degree/ Master’s degree in Social Work.
- Specialization in areas like clinical practice, community organizing, or program evaluation could be beneficial.
- Thorough understanding of accreditation standards, processes, and requirements is essential for leading accreditation efforts.
- Years of experience in social work practice, preferably in a leadership role, are crucial for understanding the field and its challenges.
- Experience in supervising other social workers, providing training, and mentoring staff is highly valued.
- Proven leadership and management skills, including the ability to develop and implement strategies, manage budgets, and lead teams, are essential.
- Excellent communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to analyse complex situations, identify problems, and develop effective solutions is essential for managing accreditation processes and addressing challenges.