Family Support Specialist (Remote)

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Professional development

Retirement plan

Flexible schedule

Remote collaboration tools

Supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Family Support Specialist to join a fully remote team. You will provide counselling and resources to families, develop support plans, and connect clients with community services across the Western Cape.

The role requires strong virtual communication, empathy, and the ability to work independently in a remote setting. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in social work or related field, with 3–5 years of experience in family services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Family Studies, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 3–5 years in family support, counselling, child welfare, or related field.
• Experience with diverse families.
• Excellent virtual communication, active listening, and empathic counselling.
• Proficient with video conferencing and remote work tech.
• Strong organizational and time management; able to manage caseload independently.
• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethics in remote settings.
• Knowledge of Western Cape social services and resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and counselling to families facing challenges.
• Conduct virtual assessments to identify needs and strengths.
• Develop individualized family support plans with clients.
• Connect families with community resources and services.
• Offer practical advice and emotional support to parents/caregivers.
• Organise and facilitate virtual group sessions or workshops.
• Maintain confidential client records and progress notes.
• Collaborate with other professionals and agencies involved in care.
• Stay updated on best practices and resources in family support.
• Advocate for families' needs and promote well‑being.

Skills

Virtual communication

Active listening

Empathic counselling

Caseload management

Time management

Organizational skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work/ Psychology/ Family Studies

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Video conferencing

Remote work software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated and skilled Family Support Specialist to join their fully remote team. This role is designed for passionate individuals committed to strengthening families and improving outcomes for children. You will provide crucial support, guidance, and resources to families facing various challenges, empowering them to build resilience and thrive. Operating in a remote-first capacity, this position requires exceptional self-discipline, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster meaningful connections virtually. You will work closely with families, community resources, and internal support networks to deliver comprehensive and personalized assistance. If you have a background in family services, counseling, or social work and are adept at delivering support remotely, this opportunity based remotely but serving areas including **Paarl, Western Cape, ZA** is an excellent fit for your expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and counselling to families experiencing challenges such as parenting stress, communication issues, or financial difficulties.
• Conduct virtual assessments to identify family needs and strengths.
• Develop individualized family support plans in collaboration with clients.
• Connect families with appropriate community resources and services, facilitating access and engagement.
• Offer practical advice and emotional support to parents and caregivers.
• Organise and facilitate virtual group sessions or workshops for families on relevant topics.
• Maintain confidential and accurate client records and progress notes.
• Collaborate effectively with other professionals and agencies involved in a family's care.
• Stay updated on best practices and resources related to family support and child welfare.
• Advocate for families' needs and promote their well‑being.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Family Studies, or a related field is required; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in family support, counselling, child welfare, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent virtual communication, active listening, and empathic counselling skills.
• Proficiency in using video conferencing platforms and other remote work technologies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a caseload independently.
• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, and common family challenges.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards in a remote setting.
• Understanding of social services and community resources available in the **Western Cape** region is beneficial.
• Must possess a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Flexible remote work schedule providing excellent work‑life balance.
• Access to modern virtual collaboration tools.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.