Social Work Supervisor - Child Protection Services

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions

Medical aid

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng is seeking an experienced Social Work Supervisor to lead and mentor a team of social workers within a government-mandated child protection agency. This senior role focuses on safeguarding children, overseeing case management, and supporting staff development.

You will apply extensive knowledge of South Africa's child protection laws and practices, supervise complex cases, and drive service improvements while maintaining strong community liaison with schools,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution is required.
• Registration with the SACSSP as a Social Worker is mandatory.
• Minimum 7 years post-qualification experience, at least 3 in supervisory/management roles within child protection.
• Extensive knowledge of SA child protection laws, policies and intervention models.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, guide, and mentor a team of social workers in child protection.
• Oversee intake, assessment and management of referrals with timely interventions.
• Provide clinical supervision and case consultation to team members.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies and procedures related to child protection.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of case files and practice.
• Facilitate team meetings, case conferences and training sessions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with courts, schools, police and other services.
• Manage team performance and support professional development.
• Respond to and manage critical incidents and complex escalations.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Master's degree in Social Work

SACSSP registration as Social Worker

Tools

Case management software

Reporting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critical government-mandated agency focused on child protection, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Social Work Supervisor to lead and mentor a team of social workers in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of child welfare services, overseeing case management, and providing essential support to the social work team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong leadership background, extensive knowledge of child protection legislation and best practices, and a profound commitment to safeguarding children. You will play a key role in complex case interventions, staff development, and community liaison within the Randburg region. This challenging yet rewarding position offers the opportunity to significantly influence child protection outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, guide, and mentor a team of social workers engaged in child protection cases.
• Oversee the intake, assessment, and management of child protection referrals, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
• Provide clinical supervision and case consultation to team members.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to child protection.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of case files and practice.
• Facilitate team meetings, case conferences, and training sessions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including courts, schools, police, and other community services.
• Manage team performance, identify training needs, and support professional development.
• Respond to and manage critical incidents and complex case escalations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of service improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in social work, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role within child protection services.
• Extensive knowledge of child protection laws, policies, and intervention models in South Africa.
• Proven experience in managing complex child protection cases and providing clinical supervision.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Proficiency in relevant case management software and reporting tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage challenging situations effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical practice and child rights.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and the responsibilities of the role, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This position provides significant opportunities for professional leadership and development within the child protection sector. You will be part of a vital service dedicated to safeguarding the most vulnerable, making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in the Randburg, Gauteng area. Pension and medical aid contributions are included.