As part of the Good Life Services team, the Child Protective Service (CSO) leads in implementation of child protection policies and processes to safeguard the safety and well-being of children and young persons in Rainbow Centre services and programmes. The postholder will work in close partnership with families and other colleagues, as well as stakeholders such as volunteers, vendors and other community partners.

Critical Work Functions

Deliver Child Protection Services

• Act as the first point of contact for all RC staff to get in touch with regards to child safe matters, including sharing about observations of potential risks to child safety.
• Conduct investigations received about child safety and risk of maltreatment, which involves conducting interviews with the child and involved parties to assess the level of harm or future risk of harm
• Provide support to the client and/or the family during the course of investigation

Develop and Implement Prevention Initiatives

• Implement the Rainbow Centre Child Protection Policy and procedures
• Closely monitor and proactively review the policy and procedures to ensure relevance and its fit for purpose
• Track organisational data and trends in relation to child safety and translates into recommendations to address potential gaps
• Remain up to date and compliant with all relevant legislation, organisational procedures, policies and professional codes of conduct in order to uphold standards of best practice

Engagement and Outreach

• Encourage good practice by promoting and championing the child protection policy and procedures
• Conduct regular outreach to units and programmes to educate staff, volunteers, caregivers, and vendors about child safety, including educating the respective roles and responsibilities pertaining to it
• Develop trainings that strengthen families and promote child safe culture and practices in RC

Job Holder Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work or Psychology
• Experience in working with vulnerable children and families or with investigative experience in social service settings is an added advantage.

Service is at the heart of RC’s purpose and we seek to serve our clients with respect, dedication and compassion, understanding that we are entrusted by society to serve with excellence and the highest ethical standards. Join us if you share our passion and values.