Youth Support Worker - Durban

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a dedicated Youth Support Worker to provide direct guidance and mentorship to young people facing social, educational, and personal challenges. You will develop structured programs and intervene in crises to keep youth safe and supported.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, group facilitation, and individualized plans with families, while maintaining confidential records and collaborating with local services to help youths access education and health

Qualifications

• Experience with youth in social care, education, or counseling.
• Qualification in Youth Work or related field is advantageous.
• Ability to build rapport with diverse youths and communicate effectively.
• Understanding adolescent development and common youth challenges.
• Skills in conflict resolution and crisis intervention.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with young people and provide consistent support.
• Facilitate group activities and life-skills programs for youth development.
• Provide individual guidance for personal, social, or academic challenges.
• Help youth access education, healthcare and social services.
• Develop individualized support plans with youth and families.
• Monitor progress and adjust support strategies as needed.
• Act as a positive role model and advocate for youth needs.
• Respond to crises with immediate intervention and referrals.
• Maintain confidential records of interactions and progress.

Skills

Youth Work

Counseling

Crisis Intervention

Group Facilitation

Rapport Building

Education

Youth Work Qualification

Social Work or Psychology (advantage)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dedicated non-profit organization focused on youth development and support in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a passionate and resilient Youth Support Worker. This vital role involves providing direct assistance, guidance, and mentorship to young people facing various challenges, including social, educational, and personal difficulties. The successful candidate will be instrumental in creating a safe and nurturing environment, empowering youth to achieve their full potential. You will work closely with individuals and groups, implementing structured programs and providing crisis intervention when necessary. This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to positive change within the Durban community and build a meaningful career in social services.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with young people to build trusting relationships and provide consistent support.
• Facilitate group activities, workshops, and programs focused on life skills, emotional well-being, and personal development.
• Provide individual counseling and guidance to youth facing personal, social, or academic challenges.
• Assist youth in accessing essential services, including education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.
• Develop and implement individualized support plans in collaboration with youth and their families.
• Monitor the progress of youth and make appropriate adjustments to support strategies.
• Act as a positive role model and advocate for the needs of young people.
• Respond to and manage crisis situations, providing immediate intervention and referral.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions and client progress in Durban.

Requirements

• Previous experience working with youth, preferably in a social care, educational, or counseling setting.
• A qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and common challenges faced by youth.
• Skills in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and basic counseling techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to youth empowerment.
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including some evenings and weekends, as needed in Durban.

Benefits

• Contract position with a competitive remuneration of R per annum.
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience in youth development.
• Meaningful work with a direct impact on young lives in Durban.
• Supportive team and professional development opportunities.
• Contribution to a respected community organization.