Lead Child Welfare Officer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary leadership package

Medical aid plan

Performance bonuses

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Retirement savings plan

Work-life balance support

Relocation assistance (considered)

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Lead Child Welfare Officer to oversee a team delivering child protection services. You will guide complex cases, mentor staff, and liaise with legal and educational bodies to safeguard children's rights in the Western Cape.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a related field, at least 7 years in child welfare with 3 in leadership, SACSSP registration, and a valid driver’s license. Travel within the region is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• 7+ years in child welfare with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of South African child protection legislation and policies.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a team effectively.
• Excellent assessment, intervention and crisis management skills.
• Strong report writing and presentation abilities.
• Experience working with diverse populations and complex family dynamics.
• Familiarity with the social services landscape in Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Registered with SACSSP or relevant professional body.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of child welfare officers, providing supervision, support, and professional development.
• Oversee intake, assessment, and investigation of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases.
• Develop and implement case management plans for children and families with timely interventions.
• Ensure compliance with child welfare laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Conduct regular case reviews and provide guidance on high-risk situations.
• Collaborate with foster care agencies, therapeutic services, and legal professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Stakeholder liaison

Policy knowledge

Communication

Crisis management

Report writing

Education

Master's degree in Social Work

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable organization committed to the safety and well-being of children, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Lead Child Welfare Officer for their Cape Town, Western Cape office. This pivotal role involves overseeing child protection services, leading a team of welfare officers, and ensuring the effective implementation of policies and procedures. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of child welfare legislation, a strong understanding of child development, and exceptional leadership capabilities. You will be responsible for guiding complex cases, providing mentorship to your team, and liaising with various stakeholders, including legal bodies and educational institutions, to safeguard children's rights within the Cape Town metropolitan area. This is an opportunity to shape and direct critical services that protect the most vulnerable members of our society. We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced professional who can bring strong advocacy and practical solutions to child welfare challenges in Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of child welfare officers, providing supervision, support, and professional development.
• Oversee the intake, assessment, and investigation of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases.
• Develop and implement case management plans for children and families, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant child welfare laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Conduct regular case reviews and provide guidance on complex or high-risk situations.
• Collaborate with foster care agencies, therapeutic services, and legal professionals to ensure comprehensive child support.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community partners, schools, and healthcare providers in Cape Town.
• Represent the organization in court proceedings and inter-agency meetings.
• Prepare detailed reports on case progress, team performance, and service outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of child welfare policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in child welfare or a related field, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of South African child protection legislation and policies.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team effectively.
• Excellent assessment, intervention, and crisis management skills.
• Strong report writing and presentation abilities.
• Experience working with diverse populations and navigating complex family dynamics.
• Familiarity with the social services landscape in Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) or relevant professional body.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package reflecting leadership responsibilities.
• Comprehensive medical aid plan.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Generous annual leave.Extensive professional development and training opportunities.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Supportive team environment with a focus on work‑life balance.
• Opportunity to influence child welfare practices in Cape Town.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.