Online Support Worker - Vulnerable Adults

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Dedicated training on digital support

Provision of IT equipment and software

Meaningful role helping individuals in

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Online Support Worker to provide compassionate, remote emotional and practical support for vulnerable adults from Durban. You will guide clients to social services, maintain confidential records, and escalate crises per protocol.

The role emphasizes empathy, strong communication, and digital collaboration, with training on tools and resources. Flexible scheduling and fully remote setup support professionals across the region.

Qualifications

• Diploma or certificate in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or related field.
• Experience with vulnerable populations in a support role preferred.
• Excellent listening and empathetic communication skills.
• Proficient with digital communication tools and virtual client support platforms.
• Ability to manage time effectively and maintain professional boundaries remotely.
• Understanding of challenges faced by vulnerable adults and available support systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct emotional and practical support to vulnerable adults via phone, video calls, and secure messaging platforms.
• Assess client needs and develop personalized support plans in collaboration with them.
• Guide clients through accessing social services, healthcare, and community resources.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records and track progress towards goals.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations, escalating concerns following established protocols.
• Facilitate virtual peer support groups and provide information on self-help strategies.

Skills

Empathetic communication

Active listening

Digital tools

Time management

Professional boundaries

Education

Diploma/Certificate in Social Work

Diploma/Certificate in Psychology

Diploma/Certificate in Counselling

Tools

Video conferencing platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Online Support Worker to join their Community & Social Care team, operating remotely from Durban . This crucial role involves providing virtual emotional support, practical advice, and resource navigation for vulnerable adults. You will be a key point of contact, offering a listening ear and guidance through various communication channels. This position requires exceptional empathy, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster trust and connection in a digital environment, contributing significantly to the well-being of clients across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct emotional and practical support to vulnerable adults via phone, video calls, and secure messaging platforms.
• Assess client needs and develop personalized support plans in collaboration with them.
• Guide clients through accessing relevant social services, healthcare, and community resources.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records and track progress towards goals.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations, escalating concerns as necessary following established protocols.
• Facilitate virtual peer support groups and provide information on self-help strategies.

Requirements

• Diploma or certificate in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field.
• Previous experience working with vulnerable populations, ideally in a support role.
• Excellent active listening and empathetic communication skills.
• Proficiency with digital communication tools and virtual client support platforms.
• Ability to manage time effectively and maintain professional boundaries remotely.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable adults and available support systems.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible scheduling options.
• Dedicated training on digital support tools and best practices.
• Provision of necessary IT equipment and software licenses.
• A meaningful role contributing directly to the support of individuals in need.