Investigation & Social Services

GIPF employs Social Workers to carry out social activities related to pension benefits

Responsibilities of Social Services Consultants

GIPF employed qualified Social Workers in order to carry out certain social activities related to pension benefits of its members. The beneficiaries of GIPF and their relatives, friends, neighbors and leaders often get consulted by the Fund’s Social Worker, known as Social Services Consultants for various reasons. Although some members do understand the role of these Social Services Consultants, most clients have unfortunately no clue about basic information regarding GIPF Social Services.

What is Social Work?

Social work is a profession with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives. It promotes social changes, problem solving in human relationships, as well as the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance their well being. The practice of Social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social, economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interactions of all these factors.

What is an investigation?

The main purpose is to investigate all death claims as required by Law before disseminating benefits to rightful beneficiaries. To ensure that all rightful beneficiaries are identified and included in the distribution of such benefits.

After the investigation is complete its then recommended to the Board of Trustees on what action to be take at their discretion, when distributing such benefits.

What are the duties of the Social Services Consultants at GIPF?

The following duties are conducted by Social Services Consultants:

  • Providing support and guidance regarding social circumstances.
  • Providing pre and post counseling services to pensioners.
  • Investigating reported cases about the mismanagement of minor children’s funds.
  • Investigating circumstances or the guardianship status of minor children.
  • Investigating marital statuses of deceased members or the level of dependency of members’ prospective beneficiaries, especially where family conflict arises.
  • Tracing beneficiaries.
  • Assessing the social circumstances surrounding the death of a member where cases are being investigated. They also liaise with the law enforcement agencies on matters under investigation.
  • Developing a network of Social work cooperation at community level so as to draw support from the networking system when required.
Which GIPF regional offices have Social Services Consultants?

Windhoek Head Office
Tel: (061) 205100
Fax: (061) 205 12
info@gipf.com.na

Rundu Regional Office
Tel: (066) 256820
Fax: (066) 256480
rundu@gipf.com.na

Oshakati Regional Office
Tel: (065) 220542
Fax: (065) 221256
oshakati@gipf.com.na

Ondangwa Regional Office
Tel: (065) 241381/2
Fax: (065) 241383
ondangwa@gipf.com.na

Katima Mulilo Regional Office
Tel: (066) 254589
Fax: (066) 254534
katima@gipf.com.na

Gobabis Regional Office
Tel: (062) 564136
Fax: (062) 564057
gobabis@gipf.com.na

Social Services Procedures

After a case requiring investigations is referred to a Social Services Consultant by an Administrator, the Social Services Consultant embarks on the following procedure:

  • Studies the entire file information regarding the cases that are referred for investigation;
  • Conducts interviews with concerned people through home visits, office meetings and telephone interviews;
  • Liaises with other stakeholders to obtain additional information that may confirm or refute the claimant’s information;
  • Writes a report on the findings and provides recommendations that may be used for the distribution of benefits within the discretion of Trustees.
    Submits the report to the source of referral.
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