CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKER

This vacancy is for a Child and Youth Care Worker, with two posts available: one at the Polokwane Welfare Complex and one at the Thohoyandou Child & Youth Care Centre in the Vhembe District. The role is a Grade 1 position within the provincial social services framework, focused on the care, development and supervision of children and youth admitted to secure care facilities. The successful candidates will work as part of a team responsible for ensuring that the rights and needs of young people in the department’s care are met, in line with the relevant child protection and justice legislation. This is a demanding but rewarding role that requires a strong sense of responsibility, empathy and the ability to maintain professional boundaries while supporting vulnerable individuals.

To be considered, applicants must have an appropriate recognised NQF Level 4 qualification, equivalent to Grade 12, as well as a basic qualification in child care. Current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as an auxiliary child and youth care worker is essential. The department seeks candidates with a sound understanding of the legislative framework governing secure care centres, including the Children’s Act, the Child Care Act and the Child Justice Act. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work under pressure, honesty, confidentiality and a customer-care orientation are also required. These qualities are vital because the work involves daily interaction with children and youth who may have experienced trauma, as well as liaison with families, medical professionals and other service providers.

The core duties include receiving children and youth into the facility after admission, providing orientation to the centre, and delivering day-to-day care that protects their physical, emotional and developmental needs. The worker will ensure that children and youth receive medical services, facilitate independent living and recreational programmes, and organise family visits and contacts. Other responsibilities include escorting children to external services, assisting with the implementation of developmental and therapy programmes, and performing administrative duties related to record-keeping and reporting. The role therefore combines direct care work with coordination, advocacy and administrative tasks, all aimed at promoting the well-being and rehabilitation of young people in the facility.

These posts are subject to the department’s recruitment and selection processes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their identity document, Grade 12 certificate and relevant qualifications, and will undergo security clearance and verification of qualifications. All shortlisted candidates will also complete pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. The recommended candidate will be subject to a personnel suitability check. The department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and the employment decision will be informed by its Employment Equity Plan. Women and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with foreign qualifications must have them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates, and the department reserves the right not to make an appointment. Candidates who are not contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. The department does not cover costs for attending interviews.