Child Protection Officer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay seeks a dedicated Child Protection Officer to safeguard children's well-being within the community and collaborate with law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and families to create a protective environment.

The role involves investigating abuse, developing protection plans, providing crisis intervention, and delivering training to stakeholders, contributing to safer outcomes for children in KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, or related field.
• Registered with the SACSSP or equivalent professional body.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in child protection or related field.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and SA child protection legislation.
• Strong investigative, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with professionalism and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, and endangerment.
• Assess the safety and well-being of children and develop protection plans.
• Provide crisis intervention and support to children and families.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, legal services, and child welfare agencies.
• Prepare detailed reports and case documentation for legal proceedings.
• Advocate for children's rights and needs within the community and systems.
• Deliver training and awareness sessions on child protection issues to community stakeholders.

Skills

Investigative skills

Analytical skills

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a diligent and dedicated Child Protection Officer to join their vital services in Richards Bay . This role is critical in safeguarding the well-being of children within the community, investigating concerns of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and ensuring appropriate interventions are implemented. You will work collaboratively with law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and families to create a protective environment for children. This position offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of vulnerable youth in KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, and endangerment, conducting interviews with children, families, and relevant parties.
• Assess the safety and well-being of children and develop appropriate protection plans.
• Provide crisis intervention and support to children and families in difficult situations.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, legal services, and child welfare agencies to ensure comprehensive child protection.
• Prepare detailed reports and case documentation for legal proceedings and inter-agency referrals.
• Provide advocacy for children's rights and needs within the community and relevant systems.
• Deliver training and awareness sessions on child protection issues to community stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, or a related field.
• Registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) or equivalent professional body.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in child protection, social work, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and child protection legislation in South Africa .
• Strong investigative, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive cases with professionalism and empathy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a critical and impactful field of child welfare.
• Professional development opportunities focused on child protection practices.
• Supportive work environment with a dedicated team.
• Contribution to making a safer community for children in Richards Bay .