Child Protection Officer

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Overtime opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Child Protection Officer to join our team in Soweto. You will investigate concerns, develop protection plans, and provide crisis intervention to vulnerable children and families, ensuring adherence to South African child protection policies and laws.

You will collaborate with schools, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services to safeguard children and support communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminology or related field.
• Registration with SACSSP or relevant professional body.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in child protection or related field.
• Thorough knowledge of child protection legislation, policies, and best practices in South Africa.
• Strong investigative, assessment, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, ensuring timely and thorough assessments.
• Develop and implement child protection plans in collaboration with families, caregivers, and relevant professionals.
• Provide crisis intervention and support services to children and families in difficult situations.
• Liaise with law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and other agencies to coordinate child protection efforts.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential case records and prepare reports for statutory purposes.
• Provide advice and support to colleagues and external agencies on child protection matters.

Skills

Investigative skills

Report writing

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work/ Psychology/ Criminology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and vigilant Child Protection Officer to join their critical team in Soweto. This role is paramount in safeguarding the well-being of children by investigating concerns, providing support to vulnerable children and families, and ensuring adherence to child protection policies and legal frameworks. You will work closely with various agencies and community partners to create a safer environment for children. This challenging yet immensely rewarding position offers the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of children in the Gauteng community.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, ensuring timely and thorough assessments.
• Develop and implement child protection plans in collaboration with families, caregivers, and relevant professionals.
• Provide crisis intervention and support services to children and families in difficult situations.
• Liaise with law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and other agencies to coordinate child protection efforts.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential case records and prepare reports for statutory purposes.
• Provide advice and support to colleagues and external agencies on child protection matters.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, or a related field.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) or relevant professional body.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in child protection, social work, or a related field.
• Thorough knowledge of child protection legislation, policies, and best practices in South Africa.
• Strong investigative, assessment, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to work under pressure.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for overtime compensation.
• Opportunities for specialized training in child protection and forensic interviewing.
• A supportive team environment focused on professional development and collaboration.
• Contribute directly to the safety and well-being of children in Soweto.
• Make a significant impact on child welfare within the community.