Lead Social Worker - Family Services

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career growth and leadership programs

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Generous leave provisions

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Impactful community work

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Social Worker to head its Family Services division in Cape Town. You will oversee a dedicated team, drive strategic service delivery, and ensure evidence-based, client-centered care for families and children.

The role requires an MSW, SACSSP registration, and at least 7 years of post-qualification experience including 3 years in leadership, with expertise in family therapy, crisis management, and child protection. Cape Town-based with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work and registration with SACSSP.
• Minimum 7 years post-qualification social work experience; 3+ in leadership.
• Experience in family therapy, child protection, and crisis management.
• In-depth knowledge of SA child welfare laws and social services framework.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a professional team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of social workers delivering family support services.
• Develop strategic plans for the Family Services department aligned with organisational goals.
• Conduct assessments of family dynamics, needs, and risks.
• Provide expert therapeutic interventions, counselling, and family support.
• Oversee case management ensuring professional standards and legal compliance.
• Coordinate child protection interventions with relevant statutory bodies.
• Build relationships with community partners and government agencies.
• Represent the organisation in professional forums and community initiatives.
• Ensure accurate documentation and data-driven service delivery improvements.

Skills

Team leadership

Family therapy

Crisis intervention

Policy knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

MSW (Master's in Social Work)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected organisation dedicated to strengthening families and communities, is seeking an experienced and compassionate Lead Social Worker to oversee its Family Services division in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape . This crucial leadership role involves managing a dedicated team of social workers, developing innovative service delivery models, and ensuring the highest standards of care for families in need. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in child welfare, family counselling, and crisis intervention, coupled with strong leadership capabilities and a deep commitment to social justice. This position offers the opportunity to significantly shape the future of family support services in the region and to work within a forward-thinking organisation that values its employees and the impact they make. You will be instrumental in fostering a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and their families, addressing complex social issues with expertise and empathy. The role demands a strategic thinker who can balance direct service provision with administrative oversight and team development, ensuring that all interventions are evidence-based and client-centred. We are committed to creating a positive and impactful experience for both our clients and our staff in the beautiful Cape Town setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of social workers providing family support services.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the Family Services department, aligning with organisational goals.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of family dynamics, needs, and risks.
• Provide expert therapeutic interventions, counselling, and support to families.
• Oversee case management, ensuring adherence to professional standards and legal requirements.
• Facilitate child protection interventions and collaborate with relevant statutory bodies.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community partners and government agencies.
• Represent the organisation in professional forums and community outreach initiatives in Cape Town .
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all client interactions and progress.
• Drive continuous improvement in service delivery through data analysis and feedback mechanisms.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in social work, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience in family therapy, child protection, and crisis management.
• In-depth knowledge of the legislative framework governing child welfare and social services in South Africa .
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a professional team.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in digital case management systems.
• Resides within or has a strong understanding of the social context of Cape Town and the Western Cape .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Generous leave provisions.
• Access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A collaborative and mission‑driven work environment.
• The chance to make a substantial positive impact on families in Cape Town .