Senior Social Worker - Child Protection

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a compassionate Senior Social Worker to lead child protection services in the Cape Town area. This field-based role involves direct client interaction, expert case management, complex investigations, and court representation to safeguard vulnerable children.

The successful candidate will have an MSW, SACSSP Independent Practice registration, and at least seven years of relevant experience, with strong advocacy and trauma-informed practice across Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Professional registration with SACSSP as an Independent Practice Social Worker.
• Minimum of 7 years post-qualifying experience in child protection/child welfare, with Cape Town exposure.
• Expertise in child forensic interviewing, risk assessment, and trauma-focused interventions.
• Experience supervising/Mentoring other professionals.
• Strong knowledge of South African legislation, including the Children's Act.
• Excellent report writing and court testimony experience.
• Valid driver's license and own vehicle for travel within Cape Town and surrounding areas.
• Fluency in English; isiXhosa advantageous.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage emotionally demanding cases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of child abuse, neglect, and risk within Cape Town.
• Develop and implement child protection plans ensuring safety and wellbeing.
• Provide direct counseling and therapeutic interventions to children and families.
• Collaborate with SAPS, courts, and other protection agencies.
• Prepare detailed court reports and present evidence.
• Supervise and mentor junior social workers and staff.
• Facilitate family group conferencing and mediation sessions.
• Maintain confidential case records per policy and law.
• Advocate for children's rights within community and legal systems.
• Participate in inter-agency forums and training.

Skills

Advocacy

Trauma-informed care

Court testimony

Mentorship

Report writing

Education

MSW degree

SACSSP Independent Practice registration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected child welfare organization, is seeking a compassionate and experienced Senior Social Worker to lead child protection services in the Cape Town area. This critical role involves providing expert case management, undertaking complex investigations, and offering therapeutic support to children and families in need. You will be instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children, working collaboratively with statutory bodies and community resources. This is a field-based position requiring significant direct client interaction and court representation. We are committed to building a safe and nurturing environment for children, and this role is at the forefront of that mission. The ideal candidate will possess strong advocacy skills and a deep understanding of child development and trauma-informed care within the Western Cape context.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of child abuse, neglect, and risk within the Cape Town jurisdiction.
• Develop and implement effective child protection plans, ensuring child safety and well-being.
• Provide direct counseling and therapeutic interventions to children and their families.
• Collaborate closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), courts, and other child protection agencies.
• Prepare detailed reports for court proceedings and present evidence as required.
• Offer expert guidance and supervision to junior social workers and support staff.
• Facilitate family group conferencing and mediation sessions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records in accordance with organizational and legal standards.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of children within the community and legal systems of Western Cape.
• Participate in inter-agency child protection forums and training initiatives.

Requirements

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited institution.
• Professional registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as an Independent Practice Social Worker.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-qualifying experience in child protection, child welfare, or a related field, with a significant portion in Cape Town.
• Demonstrated expertise in child forensic interviewing, risk assessment, and therapeutic interventions for children exposed to trauma.
• Proven experience in providing supervision and mentorship to other professionals.
• Strong understanding of relevant South African legislation, including the Children's Act.
• Excellent report writing skills and experience in giving expert testimony in court.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for frequent travel within Cape Town and surrounding areas.
• Fluency in English and isiXhosa is highly advantageous.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage emotionally demanding situations with professionalism and resilience.

Benefits

Our client is offering a competitive salary package, including excellent medical aid benefits, a substantial retirement fund, and generous annual leave. Opportunities for advanced training in forensic social work and trauma counseling are provided. This role is based in Cape Town, Western Cape, and offers the chance to be part of a dedicated team making a profound impact on child safety. We offer a supportive work environment and a commitment to work-life balance for our staff.