The Western Cape Street Children’s Forum (WCSCF) is a network of organisations working in partnership with Prevention and Early Intervention, Statutory and Faith Based, Community based, civic and government Organisations to create a collaborative, empowered, integrated, and coordinated approach to vulnerable children and children living, working and begging on the street. It is an independent NPO (069-906-NPO), managed and controlled by its member organisations, and over the years has been the pivot point for strategic development and success in helping street-affected children. The WCSCF is funded by Dept of Social Development and Community Chest as well as individual donors.
WCSCF seeks to appoint a Coordinator / Supervisor Social Worker to be based in Western Cape.
Remuneration: According to subsidy base of Western Cape Department of Social Development.
The purpose of this position should be a highly self-motivated, independent, peoples-person who is passionate about the care and protection of children, be an efficient administrator and able to manage people. Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Social Worker and be able to supervise other Social Workers. Knowledge of the Children’s Act and an ability to fundraise will be of utmost importance. The successful candidate must have an engaging manner and enjoy motivating and organising people and events, be punctual, responsible, mature and reliable. The job requires regular travel around the Western Cape by vehicle. Residents of Eden Karoo will also be considered and are encouraged to apply.
Employment: Contract – 12 months (renewable)
Start Date: June 2020
Requirements:
Degree in Social Work – only qualified Social Workers should apply.
Valid Registration with the SACSSP
Screened against the Child Protection Register
Requirements of the position:
Ability to work independently and responsibly
Strong administration skills
Proficient in MS Office, Email, Social Media. Mailchimp useful.
Excellent public speaking skills (English medium)
Strong relationship-building skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
An excellent work ethic and professional conduct
Valid driver’s license, own working vehicle and laptop
Responsibilities:
Accountability
The WCSCF Coordinator/Supervisor will report to the WCSCF Director, who will be responsible for supervision of employees and also be their Supervisor.
Fundraising
Develop the WCSCF’s funding base
Write and submit fundraising proposals to potential funders.
Experience in fundraising will be beneficial.
Administration
Draw up Agendas and Minutes of all meetings
Manage budget, income and expenditure related to the role
Quarterly reporting on current trends relevant to the street children sector
Manage and maintain the network database (with the WCSCF Assistant)
Maintain an up-to-date filing system.
Attend to general correspondence and enquiries
Networking and Membership Liaison and Development
Build and maintain relationships with existing members of the organisation
Arrange and facilitate existing Local WCSCF Child Protection Role-player Sub-Forum meetings around the province
Assist in the establishment of regional alliances when necessary
Visit schools in hotspot areas and present on the reporting of abused and neglected children to principals and educators
Maintain and expand the WCSCF footprint with services to vulnerable children throughout the province, through the encouragement of continued collaboration within the sector and inter-sectorally.
Supervision of Social Workers at Drop in Centres
Provide Supervision and training to Social Workers funded by the DSD in 6 Drop in Centres. (4 of the DIC’s are located in the Eden Karoo). This will be done in partnership with the WCSCF Director who will also supervise 6 DIC Social Workers, so that a uniform approach across DIC’s can be maintained.
Mentoring of the Drop In Centres
Provide support and mentorship based on the Norms and Standards Practice Guidelines for Drop-In-Centres in the Children’s Act to 6 funded Drop In Centres. (4 of the DIC’s are located in the Eden Karoo). This will include creating Capacity Building opportunities that deepen and expand service provision to vulnerable children throughout the province. Signing a Mentorship Agreement with the DIC’s.
Provide support and mentorship based on the Norms and Standards to unregistered Drop-In-Centres in the WC.
Encourage DICs to register their organisation
Encourage DSD to register new Drop-In-Centres in order to qualify for funding
Advocacy, networking and liaison with civil society and government organisations
Have an understanding of the challenges of getting and keeping children off the street, as well as the issues facing service delivery in the sector
Promote the Street and Vulnerable Children Sector, advocating for rights and highlighting the systems gaps and blockages
Advocate for the rights of vulnerable and street-affected children, by painting a clear picture of the reality of vulnerable children in the WC, the challenges of getting and keeping children off the street as well as the issues facing service delivery.
Identify policies and implementation plans that are relevant to the vulnerable/street-affected children sector. Draft responses to government proposals related to vulnerable/street.
Hold organisations and government accountable for their roles and mandates.
Engage with sectors that impact the safety of children i.e. Tourism, business, etc
Represent the Forum on provincial level forums (such as the PCFF) or on regional forums when necessary.
Expand the WCSCF provincial footprint to encourage growing collaboration with in the sector and inter-sectorally.
Continue developing a positive approach towards street-affected children and deal with negative and emotive or damaging media.
TO APPLY – Applications must be sent via e-mail to [email protected]
Please include:
A motivational cover letter explaining why you specifically would be a good candidate for this position. (Do not just regurgitate your CV – let me see your passion!)
CV of relevant personal and work experience with contactable references (not more than 3 pages long excluding motivational letter)
Please note that if you have not heard back within two weeks of application,
kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
For more about the Western Cape Street Children’s Forum, refer to www.wcscf.co.za.