Social Work Supervisor (Child Protection Services)

We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Social Work Supervisor to join a dedicated child protection organization based in Kenilworth, Cape Town.

Reports to: Director

Contract Type: One-year fixed term contract with the view to a permanent appointment subject to a performance review

Job Purpose:

To lead and manage social work teams in the delivery of high-quality, ethical, and effective child protection services. The Social Work Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with legislative frameworks, overseeing case management, mentoring a multidisciplinary team, meeting the strategic goals of the organization and driving systemic improvements to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable children.

Leadership & Strategic Management:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to child protection teams.
• Lead the development and implementation of policies, protocols, operational plans and service models that promote best practices in child protection.
• Represent the organization at relevant strategic forums.
• Ensure the alignment of service delivery with the CCA 38/2025 as amended and all relevant policy frameworks.

Programme and Casework Oversight:

• Identify and manage organizational and client risk.
• Oversee all child protection interventions, including risk assessments, statutory investigations, safety planning, court reports, and foster care supervision services.
• Monitor service delivery quality, ensuring compliance with the Children’s Act (No. 38 of 2005) and relevant professional regulations.
• Review complex cases, support critical decision-making, and sign off on statutory reports and court submissions.
• Ensure that case files and documentation meet legal, ethical and organizational standards.
• Conduct regular case audits and lead internal case review forums.

Supervision & Staff Development:

• Provide clinical and administrative supervision to social workers, auxiliary workers, and interns.
• Facilitate regular supervision, team meetings, performance appraisals, and continuous professional development.
• Lead performance management through coaching appraisal and corrective action when needed.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:

• Develop and implement data-driven systems for tracking service outcomes and operational performance.
• Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for funders and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the M&E team to evaluate impact, identify gaps, and improve service effectiveness.
• Lead monitoring, evaluation processes across all teams.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:

• Build and maintain partnerships with community stakeholders, government departments, and referral networks.
• Advocate for child rights, improved child protection systems, and systemic change at local and national levels.
• Represent the organization at various platforms.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work (BSW/MSW)
• Registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience in child protection or statutory social work.
• At least 10 years’ experience in a supervisor or management role supervising staff and managing child protection programs.

Skills & Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of the Children’s Act, court processes, and child protection frameworks.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Analytical and solution orientated thinking.
• Sound judgement and crisis management abilities.
• Commitment to ethical, rights-based, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Experience in working in the NPO sector.
• Ability to work across diverse communities and cultures.