Family Support Worker - Child Welfare

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding career

Supportive org

Competitive salary

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Family Support Worker for Mossel Bay, Western Cape, to provide comprehensive support to families facing challenges and promote child safety. You will conduct assessments, develop support plans, and connect families with community resources through on-site visits and community engagement.

The role requires strong counselling, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a focus on empowering families to create stable, nurturing environments for children.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in social services, child welfare, or family support.
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop intervention plans.
• Proficiency in English and Afrikaans is highly desirable; valid driver's license for home visits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of family needs, including child safety, parenting skills, and access to resources.
• Develop and implement individualized family support plans in collaboration with families.
• Provide counselling and emotional support to families experiencing stress or crisis.
• Facilitate access to community resources such as housing, healthcare, employment services, and educational programs.
• Monitor family progress and adjust support plans as needed, ensuring child safety remains paramount.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, documenting all interactions and interventions.
• Advocate for families' needs within various service systems.
• Organise and facilitate parenting workshops and group sessions.
• Collaborate effectively with other professionals, including social workers, educators, and healthcare providers.
• Respond to child protection concerns according to established protocols.

Skills

Counselling

Interpersonal skills

Assessment skills

Case management

Communication

Resource linkage

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established child welfare organisation, is seeking a dedicated Family Support Worker to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA. This vital role focuses on providing comprehensive support services to families facing challenges, with the primary goal of ensuring child safety and promoting positive family functioning. You will work directly with families, conducting assessments, developing support plans, and connecting them with community resources. This position requires a compassionate individual with a strong understanding of family dynamics, child protection principles, and effective counselling techniques. You will play a crucial role in empowering families to overcome obstacles and create stable, nurturing environments for their children. This is an essential on-site role, requiring regular home visits and community engagement within the Mossel Bay area. The work involves navigating complex situations with sensitivity and professionalism, aiming to strengthen family bonds and prevent child maltreatment. Your efforts will directly contribute to the well‑being of vulnerable children and families in the region, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and resources for a brighter future.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of family needs, including child safety, parenting skills, and access to resources.
• Develop and implement individualized family support plans in collaboration with families.
• Provide counselling and emotional support to families experiencing stress or crisis.
• Facilitate access to community resources such as housing assistance, healthcare, employment services, and educational programs.
• Monitor family progress and adjust support plans as needed, ensuring child safety remains paramount.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, documenting all interactions and interventions.
• Advocate for families' needs within various service systems.
• Organise and facilitate parenting workshops and group sessions.
• Collaborate effectively with other professionals, including social workers, educators, and healthcare providers.
• Respond to child protection concerns according to established protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in social services, child welfare, or family support.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development, family systems, and child protection legislation.
• Proficiency in conducting assessments and developing intervention plans.
• Strong counselling, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and navigate sensitive situations with empathy.
• Experience in case management and resource linkage.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for home visits.
• Must be able to work within the Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA area.
• Proficiency in English and Afrikaans is highly desirable.
• Willingness to undergo background checks.

Benefits

• Rewarding career making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.
• Opportunity to work within a supportive and mission‑driven organisation.
• Competitive salary and potential for career advancement.
• Gain extensive experience in family support and child welfare services.
• Contribute to the well‑being of the Mossel Bay community.