Social Worker - Child and Youth Care

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary packaging

Professional development opportunities

Meaningful work contributing to childW

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a dedicated Social Worker to support children and youth in need. You will assess, plan, and connect families with services, while promoting safety and wellbeing.

The role emphasizes crisis intervention, advocacy, and collaboration with schools, healthcare, and legal services. A strong knowledge of local child protection laws and SACSSP registration is required, with a commitment to ethical practice.

Qualifications

• BSW degree from an accredited institution.
• Registered with SACSSP.
• At least 3 years in child and youth care or related field.
• Experience in case management, counseling, and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of SA child protection laws and welfare systems.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to handle pressure and manage complex caseloads.
• Proficiency in data management and client records.
• Willingness to travel within Paarl and Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and youth needs, including risk and safety evaluations.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with clients and families.
• Provide direct counseling and therapeutic support to children, youth and their families.
• Facilitate access to services such as education, healthcare, housing and legal aid.
• Engage in crisis intervention and provide support during emergencies.
• Liaise with schools, healthcare providers, legal professionals and other agencies.
• Maintain confidential case records and documentation.
• Advocate for the rights and best interests of children and youth.
• Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Contribute to program development and service improvement initiatives.

Skills

Case management

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Communication

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a compassionate and skilled Social Worker to join their Child and Youth Care team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is dedicated to providing essential support, intervention, and advocacy for children and young people facing challenging circumstances. You will work directly with individuals and families to assess needs, develop care plans, and connect them with vital social services, educational opportunities, and therapeutic support. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of child development, relevant legislation, and community resources within the Paarl area. This is a hands-on role requiring significant direct client interaction and case management. We are committed to safeguarding the well-being of children and youth and empowering them to reach their full potential. This position offers a deeply rewarding career path in community and social care, allowing you to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable young individuals in the Western Cape. The successful candidate will be proactive, empathetic, and possess excellent crisis management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments of children's and youth's needs, including risk and safety evaluations.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with clients and families.
• Provide direct counseling and therapeutic support to children, youth, and their families.
• Facilitate access to appropriate services such as education, healthcare, housing, and legal aid.
• Engage in crisis intervention and provide support during emergencies.
• Liaise with schools, healthcare providers, legal professionals, and other community agencies.
• Maintain comprehensive and confidential case records and documentation.
• Advocate for the rights and best interests of children and youth.
• Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Contribute to program development and service improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in child and youth care services or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in case management, counseling, and crisis intervention.
• In-depth knowledge of child protection laws and social welfare systems in South Africa.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex caseloads.
• Proficiency in data management systems and client record-keeping.
• Strong ethical practice and commitment to confidentiality.
• Willingness to travel within the Paarl and surrounding Western Cape regions as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and specialized training.
• Meaningful work contributing to the welfare of children and youth.
• Supportive team environment and professional supervision.
• Exposure to diverse client needs and case complexities.
• Make a tangible difference in the lives of young people in Paarl.