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Social Service Worker Profile: Munyaradzi Rusinahama

Munyaradzi Rusinahama

Case Management Specialist-Pathways Project, Catholic Relief Services

Zimbabwe Social Worker

Overview of role

My primary focus is to backstop and support implementing agencies involved in the Pathways project in Zimbabwe, which supports orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).  I interpret guidance and ensure it is rolled out as standard operating procedures.

Daily Tasks

My daily tasks include:

  • Trouble shooting case management problems with local implementing partners, instituting effective and efficient pilot processes with health teams responsible for viral suppression in HIV-positive children;
  • Ensuring consistent workforce management and sharing guidance for seamless management in OVC projects;
  • Consulting with stakeholders and coordinating with Government of Zimbabwe officials with a specific mandate on children, such as the Department of Social Development

Training/Education

I am Zimbabwean registered and trained social worker. I have also supported the development of the National Case Management System from its inception to its current phase.

Most rewarding aspects of job

I derive pleasure in seeing large and consistent interventions being rolled for children and their families. I also enjoy getting to end my day knowing that all the pieces are in motion and children are receiving life saving interventions.

Most challenging aspects of job

Like any OVC project, managing caseloads is a stark reality we face. This is the single most incapacitating issue and investments should be made to bring in more workers and ensure that those with institutional capacity are not lost.

Importance of social service workers linked to health facilities

There is a common linkage between treatment outcomes and the social issues clients face. From experience, one can realize that treatment failure in HIV-positive children is often underpinned by glaring social problems and conditions. Therefore, the intersection between social service workers and health teams needs to be amplified.