Child and Youth Care Manager

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Annual leave

Wellness program

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Child and Youth Care Manager to oversee residential facilities, ensuring a safe, supportive environment and therapeutic programming.

You will lead a team of caregivers, develop individualized care plans, and ensure adherence to South Africa's child protection laws while promoting emotional, social and educational growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years in child and youth care, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience managing residential care facilities and ensuring safety.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and South Africa child protection laws.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of child and youth care centers.
• Lead and mentor care workers.
• Develop individualized care plans for each child or youth.
• Ensure safety and wellbeing of residents at all times.
• Assess living environment for development and hazards.
• Manage facility budget and expenditures.
• Coordinate with social workers, schools, health professionals, and legal bodies.
• Organize recreational, educational and therapeutic activities.
• Maintain confidential resident records.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and child protection regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Trauma-informed care

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected non-profit organization committed to safeguarding and nurturing the development of children and youth, is seeking a dedicated Child and Youth Care Manager for its operations in Cape Town, Western Cape . This critical leadership position involves overseeing daily operations of residential care facilities, ensuring a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment for all residents. The Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing best-practice care strategies, managing a team of dedicated caregivers, and ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements and organizational policies. This role requires a profound commitment to child welfare, strong leadership capabilities, and a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable young people in the vibrant Cape Town community. The successful candidate will play a key role in fostering a positive and therapeutic environment that promotes emotional, social, and educational growth. We are looking for an individual who can inspire their team and lead with compassion and integrity. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and shape the future of the children under our care in Cape Town . The organization prides itself on its holistic approach to child care and seeks a manager who embodies this ethos.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage the daily operations of child and youth care centers, ensuring a high standard of care.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of child and youth care workers, fostering a positive and professional work environment.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans for each child or youth, addressing their unique physical, emotional, and educational needs.
• Ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all residents at all times, adhering to strict protocols.
• Conduct regular assessments of the living environment to ensure it is conducive to healthy development and free from hazards.
• Manage the facility's budget effectively, overseeing expenditures and ensuring financial accountability.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including social workers, educational institutions, health professionals, and legal bodies, to coordinate support services.
• Organize and facilitate recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities for the children and youth.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of resident progress, incidents, and program activities.
• Implement and enforce organizational policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations governing child protection in South Africa .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Development, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in child and youth care, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Proven experience in managing residential care facilities or similar settings.
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories, trauma-informed care, and child protection legislation in South Africa .
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to handle multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in report writing and record-keeping.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, responding appropriately to emergencies.
• Commitment to fostering a nurturing and empowering environment for children and youth.
• Must be willing to undergo background checks and possess a clear criminal record.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and a provident fund.
• Our client provides opportunities for continuous professional development through workshops, training, and further education.
• Employees are part of a supportive and dedicated team, working towards a vital social mission.
• Generous annual leave and other paid time off benefits are provided to ensure work-life balance.
• The organization invests in its staff, offering wellness programs and support services.
• There are clear pathways for career progression for high-performing individuals within the organization.
• Working in the beautiful city of Cape Town offers a desirable lifestyle.
• Contributing directly to the welfare of children and youth provides immense personal satisfaction.