Vulnerable Persons Advocate

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Vulnerable Persons Advocate in Sandton, Gauteng to provide direct advocacy, guidance, and support to individuals facing disadvantage, abuse, or neglect. You will protect rights and connect clients to essential services.

Ideal candidates hold a degree in Law, Social Work, or Human Rights with at least four years in advocacy or legal aid, with strong communication, trauma-informed practice, confidentiality, and case-management proficiency.

Qualifications

• A degree in Law, Social Work, Human Rights, or a related field is essential.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in advocacy, social work, or legal aid, preferably focused on vulnerable populations.
• In-depth knowledge of South African legislation pertaining to human rights, child protection, and social welfare.
• Demonstrated experience in client advocacy and representation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant case management systems.
• Must be able to work within the Sandton, Gauteng area, and potentially travel as required.
• A passionate commitment to social justice and human rights.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct advocacy and support services to vulnerable individuals and groups.
• Assist clients in understanding their rights and accessing legal, social, and health services.
• Conduct needs assessments and develop personalized support and advocacy plans.
• Represent clients' interests in meetings, hearings, and other relevant forums.
• Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and other service providers to ensure comprehensive support.
• Maintain detailed case notes, records, and reports in a confidential and organized manner.
• Develop and deliver training or information sessions on rights and support services.
• Monitor client progress and well-being, adjusting advocacy strategies as needed.
• Identify systemic issues affecting vulnerable persons and contribute to policy recommendations.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations and provide immediate support.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Negotiation

Trauma-informed care

Education

Law/Social Work/Human Rights degree

Tools

MS Office

Case management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an organization committed to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable individuals, is seeking a dedicated Vulnerable Persons Advocate to join their team in Sandton , Gauteng. This critical role involves providing direct support, advocacy, and guidance to individuals who may be experiencing disadvantage, abuse, or neglect. The Advocate will work to ensure their rights are protected and that they have access to necessary services and resources within the Sandton area and beyond. We are looking for a resilient, ethical, and highly motivated individual with a strong understanding of legal and social support systems. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional communication and negotiation skills, coupled with a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to social justice. This position offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of those most in need.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct advocacy and support services to vulnerable individuals and groups.
• Assist clients in understanding their rights and accessing legal, social, and health services.
• Conduct needs assessments and develop personalized support and advocacy plans.
• Represent clients' interests in meetings, hearings, and other relevant forums.
• Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and other service providers to ensure comprehensive support.
• Maintain detailed case notes, records, and reports in a confidential and organized manner.
• Develop and deliver training or information sessions on rights and support services.
• Monitor client progress and well-being, adjusting advocacy strategies as needed.
• Identify systemic issues affecting vulnerable persons and contribute to policy recommendations.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations and provide immediate support.

Requirements

• A degree in Law, Social Work, Human Rights, or a related field is essential.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in advocacy, social work, or legal aid, preferably focused on vulnerable populations.
• In-depth knowledge of South African legislation pertaining to human rights, child protection, and social welfare.
• Demonstrated experience in client advocacy and representation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant case management systems.
• Must be able to work within the Sandton , Gauteng area, and potentially travel as required.
• A passionate commitment to social justice and human rights.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• The opportunity to work in a prominent area like Sandton .
• Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Make a tangible impact on individual lives and broader societal issues.
• A supportive and collaborative professional environment.