Social Worker: Youth

At PEN Youth, we ignite hope by providing support and safe spaces for inner-city youth. Our youth services are divided into three groups:
Primary School, High School, and Young Adults. We offer age-appropriate education support, mentorship and life skills, creative arts, and work-readiness and entrepreneurship development to empower young people to become responsible and innovative citizens. Our programmes are primarily situated in Arcadia and Sunnyside.

The Social Worker will provide comprehensive psychosocial support and intervention services to youth beneficiaries. The role focuses on individual casework, statutory compliance, and collaborative support within PEN Youth Projects and school environments. This role encompasses all responsibilities and performance standards as outlined in the formal Job Description. This is a Fixed-term contract until December 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED, DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
• Valid registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Valid Police Clearance Certificate.
• Thorough knowledge of the Children’s Act no 38 of 2005, specifically statutory requirements.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum 2 years practical experience working with children and youth.
• Collaborative Independence:
  Proven ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team (teachers, mentors, and project managers) while demonstrating the initiative to manage a caseload independently with minimal supervision.

MAIN JOB ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO)

• Individual Casework
  • Conduct one-on-one sessions for High School and Primary School campuses and designated high schools.
  • Prioritize high-risk cases and provide ongoing emotional support.
• Statutory Compliance
  • Facilitate referrals to the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Child Welfare, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Ensure all activities remain compliant with Section 150 of the Children’s Act.
• Programmatic Support
  • Plan and facilitate monthly group sessions for primary and high school levels.
  • Plan and execute three annual awareness campaigns/events in schools and the community.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Maintain active collaboration with teachers, project managers, mentors and parents to monitor beneficiary progress.
  • Attend workshops to stay updated on legal and policy frameworks.
• Administration
  • Maintain accurate data, beneficiary files and database records, as well as case files regarding interventions and outcomes.
  • Provide monthly reports on work done and impact.