Social Worker - Child Protection

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional growth

Supportive team

Supervision and peer support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Social Worker for its Child Protection unit in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role involves direct intervention, assessment, and support for vulnerable children, with collaboration across schools, healthcare, and legal agencies to safeguard the child’s well-being.

The ideal candidate will have a solid grasp of SA child protection law, strong psychosocial assessment and counseling skills, and a commitment to advocacy and ethical practice in challenging cases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or equivalent.
• SACSSP registration with the SA Council.
• Proven experience in child protection and welfare.
• Knowledge of South Africa child protection laws.
• Strong assessment, counseling, and case management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of children and families.
• Develop and implement child safety plans.
• Provide counseling to children and families.
• Collaborate with schools, police, courts, and social services.
• Prepare case and court reports.
• Refer to therapy, medical care, housing as needed.
• Engage in crisis intervention and emergencies.
• Participate in inter-agency meetings for integrated services.
• Advocate for children's rights within systems.

Skills

Psychosocial assessment

Counseling

Case management

Report writing

Inter-agency collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Tools

MS Office

Case management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable non-profit organization committed to safeguarding vulnerable children, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker for its Child Protection unit in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This critical role involves direct intervention, assessment, and support for children at risk of or experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of child welfare legislation, psychosocial assessment, and intervention strategies. You will work collaboratively with families, schools, healthcare providers, and legal authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the community. This is an opportunity to provide essential services and contribute significantly to child protection efforts in the Gauteng region. We are looking for individuals who are resilient, ethical, and deeply committed to advocating for children's rights.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of children and their families to identify needs and risks.
• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans to ensure child safety and well-being.
• Provide direct counseling and support services to children and families affected by abuse, neglect, or trauma.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders including schools, police, courts, and other social service agencies to coordinate care and services.
• Prepare detailed case reports, court reports, and other documentation in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate services such as therapy, specialized medical care, and emergency housing.
• Engage in crisis intervention and provide support during emergencies.
• Participate in case conferences and inter-agency meetings to ensure integrated service delivery.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of children within the legal and social service systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Proven experience as a Social Worker, with a specific focus on child protection and welfare.
• In-depth knowledge of child protection legislation, policies, and procedures in South Africa.
• Strong assessment, counseling, and therapeutic skills.
• Excellent report writing and case management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex cases.
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with case management software.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse populations in Vereeniging .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuous training in child protection.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• The chance to make a profound impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
• Work within a respected organization dedicated to child welfare in Gauteng .
• Access to supervision and peer support.