Senior Social Worker (Child Protection)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Career development

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to lead child protection services from a fully remote capacity. The role oversees complex cases, mentors a team of social workers, and advocates for vulnerable children across Randburg and beyond.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in Social Work, SACSSP registration, and 7+ years in child protection, with strong digital case management and remote collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work is required.
• Registered with SACSSP in good standing.
• 7+ years post-qualification experience in social work with child protection focus.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee a caseload of complex child protection cases.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of social workers.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop protection plans for at-risk children.
• Collaborate with legal entities, schools, healthcare providers and other stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver training on child protection issues and protocols.
• Maintain confidential client records in compliance with regulations.
• Represent the organisation in case conferences and court proceedings.
• Promote use of digital tools and remote collaboration within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Case management

Remote team supervision

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Social Work

Tools

Digital case management systems

Virtual collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected child welfare organization, is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to lead their child protection services from a fully remote capacity. This pivotal role involves overseeing complex cases, providing expert guidance to a team of social workers, and ensuring the highest standards of care and advocacy for vulnerable children across Randburg and beyond. You will play a crucial part in developing and implementing effective strategies for child protection, intervention, and support, all managed through our client's advanced remote work infrastructure. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of child protection legislation, and a commitment to leveraging technology for impactful social work practice.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and oversee a caseload of complex child protection cases, providing expert intervention and support. Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of social workers, ensuring adherence to best practices and organizational policies. Conduct thorough risk assessments and develop comprehensive protection plans for children at risk. Collaborate extensively with legal entities, schools, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to advocate for child welfare. Develop and deliver training sessions to staff and community partners on child protection issues and protocols. Maintain accurate and confidential client records, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. Represent the organization in case conferences, court proceedings, and other forums as required. Contribute to the development and implementation of program strategies and service improvements. Stay abreast of current legislation, policies, and best practices in child protection. Utilize and promote the effective use of digital tools and platforms for case management and team collaboration in this remote-first environment.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work or a related field. Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) in good standing. Minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in social work, with a significant focus on child protection. Proven experience in case management, supervision, and team leadership. In-depth knowledge of South African child protection laws, policies, and procedures. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, adapted for virtual interaction. Proficiency in using digital case management systems and virtual collaboration tools. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage a remote team effectively. A strong commitment to child advocacy and ethical social work practice.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority and demands of the role, with potential for performance-based bonuses. Our client invests in its employees' professional growth, providing ample opportunities for advanced training, workshops, and conferences. You will have the flexibility and autonomy of a remote work setup while making a profound impact on child protection initiatives. Join a forward-thinking organization that is a leader in remote social care delivery, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children effectively from anywhere in Randburg and across the region.