Child Welfare Advocate

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Professional development

Medical aid contribution

Pension fund

Supportive team environment

Coastal Richards Bay region

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay seeks a compassionate Child Welfare Advocate to work on-site with children, families, and authorities to safeguard rights and wellbeing. You will apply social work principles, assess needs, and document cases for proceedings.

The role requires a relevant degree, SACSSP registration, at least four years of frontline experience, strong advocacy and communication skills, and willingness to travel within the Richards Bay region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and SACSSP registration are essential.
• Minimum 4 years of direct work with children and families in child protection or welfare.
• Strong knowledge of South Africa’s child protection laws and policies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with precise case documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of children's welfare needs and develop intervention plans.
• Provide counseling and support to children and families in challenging circumstances.
• Coordinate with schools, healthcare providers, social services, and legal authorities.
• Investigate reports of abuse or neglect and take appropriate action.
• Prepare reports and manage case documentation for legal proceedings.
• Represent the best interests of children in court hearings and meetings.
• Develop programs to promote child safety and wellbeing in Richards Bay.
• Lead workshops for parents and community members on protection issues.
• Advocate for improvements in local child welfare services.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.

Skills

Empathy

Advocacy

Communication

Conflict resolution

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field

SACSSP registration

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.