Community Support Specialist - Youth Development

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Community Support Specialist in Johannesburg to empower vulnerable individuals and families through comprehensive social care programs. You will connect clients with housing, healthcare, employment services, and educational resources while providing empathetic counseling and advocacy within the Gauteng community.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology, and 3–5 years of direct community social work experience, preferably

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field is required.
• 3–5 years of direct community social work, case management, or a similar role, preferably within Gauteng.
• Knowledge of social services, welfare systems, and relevant South Africa legislation.
• Strong counseling techniques and crisis intervention skills.
• Excellent communication and active listening abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments for individuals and families seeking support.
• Develop and implement personalized support plans with clients to set achievable goals.
• Provide direct counseling and emotional support to clients.
• Connect clients with housing, employment services, healthcare providers, and educational programs.
• Advocate for clients with government agencies and service providers.
• Facilitate group support sessions and community outreach programs.
• Maintain confidential client records per policies and ethics.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team of social workers and counselors.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and training.
• Contribute to program evaluation and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Counseling

Active listening

Interpersonal skills

Case management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work / Psychology / Sociology

Tools

MS Office Suite

Case management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent organization dedicated to fostering community well-being in Johannesburg, is seeking a passionate and experienced Community Support Specialist to join their dynamic team. This role is central to our mission of empowering vulnerable individuals and families through comprehensive social care programs. You will be instrumental in connecting clients with essential resources, providing emotional support, and advocating for their needs within the Johannesburg community. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the social landscape of Gauteng and a proven ability to build rapport and trust with diverse populations. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of many and contribute to positive social change. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for all our employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments for individuals and families seeking support.
• Develop and implement personalized support plans, collaborating with clients to set achievable goals.
• Provide direct counseling and emotional support to clients facing various challenges, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and economic hardship.
• Connect clients with appropriate community resources, such as housing assistance, employment services, healthcare providers, and educational programs.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with government agencies, service providers, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate group support sessions and community outreach programs to raise awareness and promote engagement.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in accordance with organizational policies and ethical guidelines.
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of social workers, counselors, and administrative staff.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay abreast of best practices in community and social care.
• Contribute to program evaluation and improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience in community social work, case management, or a similar role, preferably within Gauteng.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social services, welfare systems, and relevant legislation in South Africa.
• Strong understanding of counseling techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Proficiency in maintaining sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including MS Office Suite and case management systems.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Johannesburg area.
• Passion for social justice and a commitment to client-centered service delivery.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• In addition to a rewarding salary, employees benefit from comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• We provide generous annual leave and paid sick leave, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including workshops and further education, are actively encouraged and supported.
• This role also offers the unique advantage of a hybrid work model, providing flexibility for our dedicated team members operating in Johannesburg.