Coordinator for Public Benefit Office (PBO) and Wellness (Social Work Focus)

Oasis Crescent; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in South Africa is seeking a coordinator to assist with public benefit projects and employee wellness initiatives. The role involves evaluating funding proposals, managing wellness programs, and ensuring compliance with organizational values. Ideal candidates will have a background in social work and experience in program coordination, with strong communication and problem-solving skills. This position is crucial for enhancing employee well-being and aligning projects with strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience in social work.
• Experience in employee wellness or corporate social responsibility roles.

Responsibilities

• Assess and manage external projects aligned with strategic objectives.
• Develop and manage wellness programs for employees.

Skills

Communication

Problem-Solving

Emotional Intelligence

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Postgraduate qualification in Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Assist the Director of PBO and Wellness:

• Assessing, managing, and ensuring the alignment of external projects with the organisation’s strategic objectives. Will also assist with reviewing incoming funding proposals, conducting thorough due diligence on beneficiary organisations, preparing detailed assessments, and presenting findings for review. This role is central to ensuring that all programmes, are running effectively and efficiently. The coordinator will also collaborate with internal teams to refine and improve assessment templates, frameworks, and processes.
• Supporting and enhancing the overall health and well-being of employees. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of wellness programs and initiatives within the company designed to improve the well-being of employees. Ensure that wellness initiatives are aligned with the company’s values, culture, and overall organisational goals.

The role requires a high level of attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to make sound recommendations based on organisational values and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Public Benefit Office (PBO)

• Review and assess incoming funding proposals and applications in line with the organisation's strategic PBO objectives, eligibility criteria, and compliance requirements.
• Evaluate proposed projects for their alignment with the company’s core values and focus areas, including but not limited to education, health, and sustainability.
• Conduct comprehensive background checks on beneficiary organisations to assess their registration status, financial health, governance structures, and prior impact.
• Ensure all organisations meet the minimum legal and regulatory standards before proceeding with funding.
• Prepare detailed assessment reports that summarise the findings, strengths, risks, and recommendations for each funding request.
• Present these reports in a structured format that is clear, concise, and suitable for executive review and decision-making committees.
• Work closely with the PBO and compliance teams to continuously update and refine assessment templates, evaluation frameworks, and reporting structures.
• Incorporate best practices and feedback from executive and governance committees to enhance evaluation processes.
• Communicate assessment outcomes to requesting organisations clearly, sensitively, and transparently.
• Where appropriate, provide constructive feedback to unsuccessful applicants to foster positive relationships and improve future proposals.
• Maintain an organised and secure record of all requests, assessments, correspondence, approvals, and related documents.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and audit requirements in all documentation and communication.
• Maintain an organised and secure record of all requests, assessments, correspondence, approvals, and related documents.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and audit requirements in all documentation and communication.

Employee Wellness

• Assist with the design, planning, and execution of wellness programs and initiatives to promote wellness among employees.
• Assist with the development of targeted programs that address specific wellness needs (e.g., stress management, fitness challenges, mindfulness).
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of wellness programs and make necessary improvements.
• Promote wellness initiatives through company communications, presentations, and activities.
• Assist with the planning of wellness-related events, workshops, and seminars.
• Assist with the provision of resources and information to employees on mental health, nutrition, exercise, and other wellness topics.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure that wellness programs align with broader employee engagement and retention strategies.
• Assist with integrating wellness programs into the company’s benefits package.
• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding process by showcasing wellness initiatives to new hires.
• Assist with the management of the budget for wellness programs and ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Source and manage external wellness vendors, such as gyms, wellness coaches, or therapists.
• Act as a point of contact for employees regarding wellness-related concerns or questions.
• Track participation, engagement, and overall satisfaction with wellness programs.
• Prepare regular reports for HR leadership detailing the impact of wellness initiatives on employee health, morale, and productivity.
• Continuously monitor trends in workplace wellness and recommend new initiatives based on findings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) is required.
• Registration with a recognized social work regulatory body (e.g., South African Council for Social Service Professions or equivalent) is preferred or required.
• A postgraduate qualification in Social Work, Public Health, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or a related field is an advantage.
• Additional certifications in wellness coaching, mental health first aid, or related fields are advantageous.
• Familiarity with public benefit organisations (PBOs) and employee wellness principles is beneficial.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience in social work, ideally with exposure to community development, public benefit organisations, or wellness-related initiatives.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, conducting psychosocial assessments, and implementing appropriate support or referral pathways.
• Strong understanding of social justice principles, ethics, and cultural competence in diverse work environments.
• Prior experience in employee wellness, program coordination, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) roles is advantageous.
• Experience in evaluating funding proposals, performing due diligence on nonprofit organisations, and preparing assessment reports.
• Familiarity with legal and regulatory frameworks governing nonprofit organisations and social services.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to handle sensitive issues with empathy, discretion, and professionalism.
• Strong case management, organisational, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and relevant project management tools.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to design and support initiatives that improve employee health, morale, and overall organisational culture from a social work-informed perspective.

Competencies

• Emotional Intelligence: Ability to understand and manage emotions, both personally and in interactions with employees.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build relationships and trust across all levels of the organization.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to creatively design solutions that meet employee wellness needs. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to assess project potential and identify risks.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Integrity: High ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of the role.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team and engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Ability to navigate through changing priorities and evolving project needs in a dynamic environment.
• Proactive: Able to take initiative and manage programmes without heavy supervision.
• Integrity: High ethical standards and integrity in all interactions, especially when dealing with financial resources and community welfare.
• Discretion and confidentiality: Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.