Chief Social Worker, Child Protection – Cape Town

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance may be provided

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Lead Social Worker to manage child protection services in the Western Cape. You will lead a team of social workers, develop strategic approaches, manage complex cases, and collaborate with stakeholders to safeguard vulnerable children.

The role demands strong leadership, deep knowledge of child development and protection protocols, and a commitment to child rights.

Qualifications

• MSW or equivalent with SACSSP registration.
• 5-7 years in social work with child protection.
• Leadership and supervision experience.
• Knowledge of SA child protection laws and best practices.
• Driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of child-protection social workers.
• Oversee policy development and implementation.
• Manage complex child-protection caseloads with guidance.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop intervention plans.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers.
• Represent the organization in inter-agency meetings and case conferences.
• Develop and deliver staff training on child protection issues.
• Monitor service delivery and ensure legal/ethical compliance.
• Contribute to strategic planning for Cape Town services.
• Advocate for children's rights at various levels.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Case management

Crisis intervention

Report writing

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Master's in Social Work (MSW)

Job description

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Lead Social Worker to manage child protection services in the Western Cape. You will lead a team of social workers, develop strategic approaches, manage complex cases, and collaborate with stakeholders to safeguard vulnerable children.

The role demands strong leadership, deep knowledge of child development and protection protocols, and a commitment to child rights.