About Company
The Stellenbosch Child Welfare Society has been a beacon of hope and support for vulnerable children and families in the Stellenbosch community for decades. As a dedicated non-profit organisation, our mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect, promote their well-being, and empower families to create nurturing environments. We achieve this through a range of comprehensive social welfare services, including statutory interventions, early childhood development programmes, family preservation initiatives, adoption services, and crucial community outreach efforts. Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving upbringing, and we are committed to making a lasting positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Joining our team means becoming part of a compassionate and committed group of professionals dedicated to social justice and the upliftment of the Stellenbosch community.
Job Description
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Full-Time Social Worker with a strong focus on Community Outreach to join our dynamic team in Stellenbosch. This pivotal role involves actively engaging with diverse communities, identifying critical social needs, and implementing targeted interventions to support vulnerable children and families. The successful candidate will be instrumental in bridging the gap between our services and those who need them most, often working directly within various informal settlements, rural areas, and disadvantaged neighbourhoods surrounding Stellenbosch. You will be responsible for providing direct social work services, including counselling, case management, crisis intervention, and facilitating access to essential resources. This role demands a proactive individual who can build rapport, advocate effectively for clients, and collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders to foster sustainable change. Your daily work will involve a blend of direct client contact, community development, programme facilitation, and detailed administrative tasks to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and best practice standards. This is an incredible opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families, contributing significantly to community well-being and development in the beautiful Western Cape region.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualised intervention plans for children and families.
- Provide direct counselling, support, and crisis intervention services to clients in need.
- Engage in proactive community outreach to identify vulnerable populations and assess social needs.
- Facilitate and lead community-based workshops, support groups, and educational programmes on topics such as parenting skills, child protection, and family resilience.
- Manage a caseload, ensuring accurate record-keeping, progress reports, and adherence to statutory guidelines.
- Collaborate with internal teams, external agencies, schools, and local government to coordinate services and resources.
- Advocate for clients' rights and access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and housing.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and supervision to enhance social work practice.
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of community development projects and programmes.
- Prepare detailed reports and statistics for funding bodies and organisational reporting.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution.
- Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) with an active practicing certificate.
- Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in social work, preferably in community development or child welfare.
- Demonstrated experience in direct client service, case management, and crisis intervention.
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport across diverse groups.
- Proficiency in English; knowledge of Afrikaans and/or Xhosa is highly advantageous.
- Strong understanding of relevant child protection legislation and social welfare policies in South Africa.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging and dynamic environments.
- Valid South African driver's license and own reliable transport are essential for community outreach.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for record-keeping and reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Post-graduate qualification in Social Work, Community Development, or a related field.
- Experience working with non-profit organisations in a similar capacity.
- Familiarity with the socio-economic landscape and specific challenges faced by communities in Stellenbosch and the surrounding areas.
- Proven ability to facilitate group sessions and community meetings effectively.
- Experience in programme design, implementation, and evaluation.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
- Contribution to a provident fund.
- Opportunity for continuous professional development and training.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
- The profound satisfaction of making a significant, positive impact on vulnerable children and families.
- Access to clinical supervision and peer support.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave provisions.
How to Apply
If you are a compassionate and dedicated social worker ready to make a tangible difference in the Stellenbosch community, we invite you to apply. Please click on the application link below to submit your comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are passionate about community outreach, and copies of your qualifications and SACSSP registration.