Child and Youth Care Worker - Eastern Cape

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 89,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident fund

Training & development

Supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a compassionate Child and Youth Care Worker for East London, Eastern Cape. You will create a safe, nurturing environment and support holistic development for children and youth in care.

The position requires empathy, teamwork, and resilience, with responsibilities including direct care, daily routines, trauma-informed care, and collaboration with social workers.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Child and Youth Care Work, Social Work, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Minimum 1–2 years of direct work with children/youth in a care setting.
• Strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and positive youth development principles.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work in a team and manage challenging behaviours.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• First Aid/CPR certification is an advantage.
• Clear criminal record check.
• Genuine commitment to welfare and development of children and youth in East London.

Responsibilities

• Providing direct care and supervision for children and youth.
• Establishing and maintaining positive, supportive relationships with young people.
• Assisting with daily routines, including hygiene, meals, and homework.
• Facilitating age-appropriate recreational and educational activities.
• Implementing behaviour management strategies and promoting positive social skills.
• Ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating living environment.
• Monitoring the physical, emotional, and developmental progress of each child.
• Collaborating with other care workers, social workers, and external agencies.
• Documenting observations, interventions, and progress in case notes.
• Responding to emergencies and providing appropriate support.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Conflict resolution

Teamwork

Patience

Resilience

Education

Child and Youth Care or Social Work qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of care and support services, is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Child and Youth Care Worker to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape . This crucial role involves providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and young people who require care and protection. The ideal candidate will have a genuine passion for working with youth, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to promoting their holistic development. You will be instrumental in meeting the daily needs of the children, facilitating their social, emotional, and educational growth, and ensuring their overall well-being. This is a deeply rewarding opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of young individuals in East London and the broader Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Providing direct care and supervision for children and youth.
• Establishing and maintaining positive, supportive relationships with young people.
• Assisting with daily routines, including hygiene, meals, and homework.
• Facilitating age-appropriate recreational and educational activities.
• Implementing behaviour management strategies and promoting positive social skills.
• Ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating living environment.
• Monitoring the physical, emotional, and developmental progress of each child.
• Collaborating with other care workers, social workers, and external agencies.
• Documenting observations, interventions, and progress in case notes.
• Responding to emergencies and providing appropriate support.

Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Child and Youth Care Work, Social Work, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Previous experience (minimum 1-2 years) working directly with children and youth in a care setting.
• A strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and positive youth development principles.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and manage challenging behaviours.
• Patience, resilience, and a nurturing approach.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is an advantage.
• Clear criminal record check.
• A genuine commitment to the welfare and development of children and youth in East London .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, benchmarked against experience and qualifications, along with benefits that include contributions to a provident fund and opportunities for ongoing training and professional development. You will join a supportive and dedicated team environment where the well-being of children is paramount. This role offers the profound satisfaction of contributing to the healthy development and positive future of young individuals in East London, Eastern Cape . Become a vital part of our client's mission to provide exceptional care and support for children and youth.