Child Protection Officer - Bloemfontein

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a dedicated Child Protection Officer to advance safeguarding for children in Bloemfontein. The role combines office-based duties with fieldwork, including policy development, staff training, incident response, and coordination with authorities.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in child protection, strong knowledge of SA laws, and excellent communication. Hybrid work arrangement expected in Bloemfontein and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Law, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years direct experience in child protection/child rights or related social work.
• In-depth knowledge of SA child protection frameworks, legislation, reporting mechanisms.
• Experience with case management and responding to abuse/neglect.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor child protection policies and procedures per national and international standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation strategies to protect children.
• Provide training and capacity building on child protection to staff, volunteers, and partners in Free State.
• Respond to child protection incidents, ensuring follow-up and reporting.
• Maintain confidential records of cases and interventions.
• Liaise with government departments, law enforcement, and agencies for effective responses.
• Raise community awareness on children's rights and protection issues.
• Advocate for rights and needs of children within programs.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Emotional resilience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Case management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable child-focused non-governmental organization, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Child Protection Officer to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This critical role focuses on safeguarding children's rights and ensuring their safety and well-being within the communities served by our client. You will be responsible for developing and implementing child protection policies and procedures, providing training to staff and community members, responding to child protection concerns, and collaborating with relevant authorities and stakeholders. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of child development, child rights legislation, and best practices in child protection. This hybrid position allows for both in-office responsibilities and remote work flexibility, supporting a balanced approach to critical fieldwork and administrative duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor child protection policies and procedures in line with national and international standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to protect children.
• Provide training and capacity building on child protection to staff, volunteers, and community partners in Free State .
• Respond promptly and effectively to child protection incidents, ensuring appropriate follow-up and reporting.
• Maintain confidential records of child protection cases and interventions.
• Liaise with relevant government departments (e.g., Social Development), law enforcement, and other agencies to ensure effective child protection responses.
• Raise awareness within the community about children's rights and child protection issues.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of children within program activities and community structures.
• Stay updated on child protection legislation, policies, and best practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Law, or a related field. A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working directly in child protection, child rights, or a related social work field.
• In-depth knowledge of child protection frameworks, legislation, and reporting mechanisms in South Africa.
• Demonstrated experience in case management and responding to child abuse and neglect.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of the social context in Bloemfontein and the Free State province.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and case management software.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage emotionally challenging situations.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund contributions.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility in Bloemfontein .
• Opportunities for specialized training in child protection and related fields.
• A supportive team environment dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives.
• Generous leave policy.