Child Protection Advocate

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid role

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a dedicated Child Protection Advocate in Bloemfontein to work with children, families and community stakeholders. You will identify risks, develop intervention strategies and connect vulnerable children with needed resources in the Free State context.

You will partner with schools, social services and health providers to ensure safety and rights protection, while staying current with policy changes and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Law required; Master's degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of direct experience in child protection, child welfare, or advocacy.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and relevant legal frameworks.
• Experience in case management, risk assessment, and intervention planning.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Able to work with diverse populations including children, families, and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of child welfare and safety concerns, developing individualized intervention plans.
• Provide direct support and case management services to children and families in need.
• Advocate for children's rights and best interests within legal, social, and educational systems.
• Collaborate with government child protection services, schools, healthcare providers, and other community organizations.
• Develop and deliver training and awareness programs on child protection issues for community members and professionals.
• Maintain confidential and accurate case records, documenting all interventions and outcomes.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.
• Stay informed about current legislation, policies, and best practices in child protection.
• Contribute to organizational policies and procedures related to child safety.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Case management

Risk assessment

Intervention planning

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Law

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Case management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in Bloemfontein, is seeking a passionate and experienced Child Protection Advocate. This critical role involves working directly with children, families, and community stakeholders to ensure child safety, provide support, and advocate for protective measures. You will play a key part in identifying risks, developing intervention strategies, and connecting vulnerable children with necessary resources. The position requires a strong understanding of child development, legal frameworks related to child welfare, and effective advocacy techniques within the Free State context. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the protection and empowerment of children in Bloemfontein, working collaboratively with various agencies and community groups to create a safer environment for all young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of child welfare and safety concerns, developing individualized intervention plans.


• Provide direct support and case management services to children and families in need.


• Advocate for children's rights and best interests within legal, social, and educational systems.


• Collaborate with government child protection services, schools, healthcare providers, and other community organizations.


• Develop and deliver training and awareness programs on child protection issues for community members and professionals.


• Maintain confidential and accurate case records, documenting all interventions and outcomes.


• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.


• Stay informed about current legislation, policies, and best practices in child protection.


• Contribute to the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures related to child safety.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Law, or a related field is required; a Master's degree is preferred.


• Minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience in child protection, child welfare, or advocacy.


• In-depth knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and relevant legal frameworks.


• Demonstrated experience in case management, risk assessment, and intervention planning.


• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.


• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including children, families, and professionals.


• Proficiency in relevant software for case management and reporting.


• A strong commitment to child rights and social justice principles.


• Familiarity with the social landscape and resources within Bloemfontein and the Free State.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. This Hybrid role provides a balance between field-based work engaging directly with the Bloemfontein community and office-based responsibilities. You will be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children.

Opportunities for professional development and further training in child protection are available.

The chance to contribute to systemic change and enhance child safety measures within the Free State is a significant aspect of this role.

This position offers deep job satisfaction through direct impact and advocacy for the most vulnerable.