Lead Social Worker - Child Protection

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance may be provided

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Lead Social Worker to manage child protection services in the Western Cape. You will lead a team of social workers, develop strategic approaches, manage complex cases, and collaborate with stakeholders to safeguard vulnerable children.

The role demands strong leadership, deep knowledge of child development and protection protocols, and a commitment to child rights.

Qualifications

• MSW or equivalent with SACSSP registration.
• 5-7 years in social work with child protection.
• Leadership and supervision experience.
• Knowledge of SA child protection laws and best practices.
• Driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of child-protection social workers.
• Oversee policy development and implementation.
• Manage complex child-protection caseloads with guidance.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop intervention plans.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers.
• Represent the organization in inter-agency meetings and case conferences.
• Develop and deliver staff training on child protection issues.
• Monitor service delivery and ensure legal/ethical compliance.
• Contribute to strategic planning for Cape Town services.
• Advocate for children's rights at various levels.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Case management

Crisis intervention

Report writing

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Master's in Social Work (MSW)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Social Worker to manage and oversee child protection services in **Cape Town, Western Cape**. This pivotal role involves leading a team of dedicated social workers, ensuring the highest standards of care and intervention for vulnerable children. You will be instrumental in developing strategic approaches to child protection, managing complex cases, and collaborating with various stakeholders to safeguard children's welfare. This is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding position for someone committed to making a substantial positive difference in the lives of children in **Cape Town**. The role requires exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of child development and protection protocols, and a proactive approach to community engagement within the **Western Cape**. We aim to foster a resilient community where every child feels safe and supported.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of social workers focused on child protection.
• Oversee the development and implementation of child protection policies and procedures.
• Manage a caseload of complex child protection cases, providing expert guidance and support.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and develop comprehensive intervention plans for children at risk.
• Collaborate closely with law enforcement, legal services, schools, and healthcare providers.
• Represent the organization in inter-agency meetings and case conferences.
• Develop and deliver training programs for staff and community partners on child protection issues.
• Monitor service delivery outcomes and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and development of child protection services within **Cape Town**.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of children at individual, community, and policy levels.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or equivalent, with registration as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in social work, with a specialization in child protection.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, team management, and supervision.
• In-depth knowledge of child protection legislation, policies, and best practices in **South Africa**.
• Strong assessment, case management, and crisis intervention skills.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Experience in program development and evaluation is an advantage.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be willing to travel extensively within the **Western Cape**.
• A profound commitment to child rights and social justice.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave provisions.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development in child protection.
• A supportive supervisory structure and a collaborative team environment.
• Work within a reputable organization making a tangible difference in **Cape Town**.
• Regular opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.