Social Services Advocate

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Professional growth opportunities

Remote-friendly role

Flexible hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Social Services Advocate based in Benoni, Gauteng. You will connect vulnerable individuals with essential social services, provide guidance, and advocate for their rights and needs, requiring empathy, strong communication, and knowledge of regional programs.

The role involves collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and community partners to ensure holistic client support and up-to-date policy awareness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–4 years of experience in social work, advocacy, or case management, preferably in the non-profit sector in SA.
• In-depth knowledge of social services, government programs, and Gauteng resources.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and advocacy for individuals and families seeking access to social services.
• Assess client needs and develop personalized action plans.
• Guide clients through application processes for government benefits and programs.
• Liaise with government agencies and service providers to access resources.
• Educate clients about their rights and available support systems.
• Maintain confidential client records and track progress toward goals.
• Represent clients' interests in meetings with service providers.
• Develop and deliver workshops on accessing social services for the community.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Advocacy

Empathy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Tools

Case management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a non-profit organization committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, is seeking a dedicated Social Services Advocate based in Benoni, Gauteng. This role is pivotal in connecting individuals with essential social services, providing guidance, and advocating for their rights and needs. The ideal candidate will possess strong empathy, excellent communication skills, and a thorough understanding of available social support systems. This is an opportunity to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of those facing challenging circumstances in the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and advocacy for individuals and families seeking access to social services, including housing, employment, healthcare, and legal aid.
• Assess client needs and develop personalized action plans to address their challenges.
• Guide clients through application processes for government benefits and social programs.
• Liaise with government agencies, community organizations, and service providers to facilitate client access to resources.
• Educate clients about their rights and available support systems.
• Maintain confidential client records and track progress towards established goals.
• Represent clients' interests in meetings and discussions with service providers.
• Develop and deliver workshops on accessing social services for community members in Benoni.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a holistic approach to client support.
• Stay informed about changes in social service policies and regulations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in social work, advocacy, or case management, preferably within the non-profit sector in South Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of social services, government programs, and community resources in Gauteng.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to empathize with clients and maintain professional boundaries.
• Proficiency in case management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, manage a caseload, and prioritize effectively.
• Commitment to social justice and human rights.
• Willingness to travel within the Benoni and surrounding areas as needed for client support.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and opportunities for professional growth. This remote-friendly position allows for significant flexibility. Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering vulnerable populations in Benoni and across Gauteng. This role provides the rewarding experience of directly contributing to positive social change.