Community Support Specialist

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Medical aid contributions

Retirement fund participation

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a compassionate Community Support Specialist in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will work with diverse community members to assess needs, coordinate services, and link clients to housing, healthcare, and education resources.

The role emphasizes advocacy, confidentiality, and collaborative planning. You will develop personalized support plans, lead outreach initiatives, and liaise with external agencies to promote social inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar community support or social care role.
• Proven experience in needs assessment, case management, and service coordination.
• Proficiency in relevant software for record-keeping and communication.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within the Pietermaritzburg area.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and advocacy for community members facing various challenges.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify individual and family requirements for services.
• Facilitate access to local resources, including housing, employment, healthcare, and education.
• Develop and implement personalized support plans in collaboration with clients.
• Organize and lead community outreach programs and workshops.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records and documentation.
• Liaise with external agencies, government bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to client inquiries and provide information and referrals.
• Offer emotional support and counseling services as appropriate.
• Promote community engagement and social inclusion initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Interpersonal skills

Education

Social Work / Psychology / Community Development qualification

Tools

Record-keeping software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Community Support Specialist to join their growing team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is pivotal in enhancing the lives of individuals within the community by providing essential support services. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic environment, fostering positive relationships and ensuring access to crucial resources. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about social impact and community development. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to empathetic engagement with diverse populations. The team is collaborative and supportive, offering a great environment to develop your career in social care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and advocacy for community members facing various challenges.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify individual and family requirements for services.
• Facilitate access to local resources, including housing, employment, healthcare, and education.
• Develop and implement personalized support plans in collaboration with clients.
• Organize and lead community outreach programs and workshops.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records and documentation.
• Liaise with external agencies, government bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to client inquiries and provide information and referrals.
• Offer emotional support and counseling services as appropriate.
• Promote community engagement and social inclusion initiatives.

Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar community support or social care role.
• Proven experience in needs assessment, case management, and service coordination.
• Strong understanding of social welfare systems and available community resources.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including vulnerable individuals and families.
• Proficiency in relevant software for record-keeping and communication.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Pietermaritzburg area.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical practice and client confidentiality.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Benefits include medical aid contributions, retirement fund participation, and generous annual leave. Employees also benefit from ongoing training and supervision to enhance their skills and career progression within the organization. The company values work-life balance and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Join a team that makes a real difference in Pietermaritzburg .