Child Protection Social Worker - Field Services

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a motivated Child Protection Social Worker to join the Field Services team in East London, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on safeguarding children through investigations, risk assessments, and protective plans with families and agencies.

Extensive fieldwork across East London and surrounding areas is required, including travel and engagement with children, families, and relevant agencies. Registration with SACSSP and a social work degree are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in child protection services or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in child welfare investigations, risk assessment, and case management.
• Strong report writing, court presentation abilities, and knowledge of relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to referrals concerning child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
• Conduct thorough investigations and risk assessments to determine intervention levels.
• Develop and implement comprehensive child protection plans with families and stakeholders.
• Provide crisis intervention and support to children and families in difficult circumstances.
• Liaise with law enforcement, courts, schools, and healthcare providers for coordinated protection efforts.
• Prepare detailed reports and case notes for court proceedings and internal records.
• Facilitate access to services such as counseling and temporary shelter for children.
• Provide court testimony and advocate for the best interests of the child.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with legislation and best practices.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical standards.

Skills

Child protection knowledge

Risk assessment

Case management

Crisis management

Report writing

Court testimony

Interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

SACSSP registration

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Child Protection Social Worker to join their critical Field Services team in East London, Eastern Cape. This role is paramount in safeguarding children and ensuring their well-being within the community. The social worker will be responsible for investigating child welfare concerns, assessing risks, and implementing protection plans to ensure the safety of children. This demanding yet rewarding position requires dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to child rights. The role involves extensive fieldwork within East London and the surrounding Eastern Cape areas, requiring regular travel and direct engagement with children, families, and relevant agencies. The primary focus is on proactive intervention and protective care.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to referrals concerning child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
• Conduct thorough investigations and risk assessments to determine the level of intervention required.
• Develop and implement comprehensive child protection plans in collaboration with families and relevant stakeholders.
• Provide crisis intervention and support to children and families in difficult circumstances.
• Liaise effectively with law enforcement, courts, schools, and healthcare providers to ensure coordinated child protection efforts.
• Prepare detailed reports and case notes for court proceedings and internal records.
• Facilitate access to necessary services, including counseling, therapy, and temporary shelter for children.
• Provide court testimony and advocate for the best interests of the child.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of child protection legislation and best practices.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical standards in all interactions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in child protection services or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in child welfare investigations, risk assessment, and case management.
• Strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and relevant legislation.
• Excellent crisis management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong report writing and court presentation abilities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse populations.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within East London and the Eastern Cape.
• Resilience, emotional maturity, and a strong commitment to child advocacy.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for specialized training in child protection and forensic interviewing are provided.
• The role offers significant job satisfaction through direct impact on child safety and well-being.
• Our client supports its staff with regular supervision and a collaborative team environment.
• Access to essential resources for fieldwork is ensured.
• Join a vital service dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of East London community and the Eastern Cape.