Child Welfare Advocate

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Professional development

Medical aid and pension

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Child Welfare Advocate to serve Richards Bay and surrounding communities. You will engage directly with children, families and authorities to uphold children's rights and safety, guided by SA child protection laws.

The role is on-site and requires collaboration with local partners. The ideal candidate holds a relevant Bachelor's degree, SACSSP registration, and at least 4 years of direct experience in child welfare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree required in social work, psychology, sociology or a related field.
• Registration with SACSSP is mandatory.
• At least 4 years direct work with children and families in welfare or child protection.
• Strong knowledge of SA child protection laws and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with precise case documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assess children's welfare needs and develop intervention plans.
• Counsel and support children and families facing challenges.
• Coordinate with schools, health services, social services and legal authorities.
• Investigate abuse or neglect cases and take appropriate action.
• Prepare case reports for court proceedings and management.
• Represent children's best interests in court and meetings.
• Develop programs to promote child safety in Richards Bay.
• Lead workshops for parents and community on child protection.
• Advocate for policy improvements in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards.

Skills

Assessment skills

Intervention skills

Case management

Advocacy

Communication

Empathy

Resilience

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work / Psychology / Sociology

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dedicated child welfare organization committed to protecting and empowering vulnerable children, is seeking a compassionate and driven Child Welfare Advocate to serve the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal community. This critical role involves direct engagement with children, families, and relevant authorities to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of children are upheld. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of child protection legislation, social work principles, and a genuine passion for advocating for the rights of children. This is an on-site position, requiring active participation within the Richards Bay area and surrounding communities. You will be a voice for the voiceless, working collaboratively to create a safer and more supportive environment for children in need. This role offers a profound sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young individuals.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of children's welfare needs and develop intervention plans.
• Provide counseling and support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.
• Liaise with schools, healthcare providers, social services, and legal authorities to coordinate support for children.
• Investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment and take appropriate action.
• Prepare detailed reports and case documentation for legal proceedings and case management.
• Represent the best interests of children in court hearings and family meetings.
• Develop and implement programs aimed at promoting child safety and well-being in Richards Bay.
• Facilitate workshops and information sessions for parents and community members on child protection issues.
• Advocate for policy changes and improvements in child welfare services within KwaZulu-Natal.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in all aspects of work.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field is essential.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) is mandatory.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working directly with children and families in a child protection or social welfare setting.
• In-depth knowledge of child protection laws, policies, and procedures in South Africa.
• Excellent assessment, intervention, and case management skills.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document cases accurately and present findings effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Richards Bay region.
• Empathy, resilience, and a strong commitment to child rights.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to make a significant positive impact on children's lives.
• Professional development and ongoing training opportunities.
• Contribution towards medical aid and pension fund.
• Supportive team environment focused on child welfare.
• Work within the beautiful coastal region of Richards Bay.