Job Description

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Social Auxiliary Worker to join the Muizenberg team from 01 September 2025. This is a full-time position and will initially be offered as a one-year contract.

The position

The position will require the successful candidate to work under the supervision of a Social Worker managing a caseload of clients through the first 2 phases of the U-turn Life Change journey and assisting with referral of clients who are ready to progress to the 3 rd phase, Work Readiness Program. This will include weekly case-discussions, Group work, Assessments, Individual sessions, and referrals

The ideal candidate will be a committed Christian who has previous experience working within a multidisciplinary team, individual case management, facilitating group sessions, and implementing long-term individual development plans. An added advantage will be if you have experience working with people who have lived experience of overcoming homelessness.

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to give homeless people the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe in life after homelessness. We believe that every homeless individual should have access to an effective pathway that addresses their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society. To help homeless people overcome homelessness, we operate a phased approach that includes rehabilitation from substance abuse, counselling, life-skills training, and work placement in one of our social enterprises. This allows candidates to test and apply the training they've received. In the process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills, and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can graduate and be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy. The programme is yielding wonderful results. Our candidates typically graduate into open market employment and show an 80% long-term success rate! We are actively working to expand the programme to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres

U-turns Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets, to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing, therapeutic and development-based interventions, and providing recovery support for those struggling with substance abuse. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.

Key areas of responsibility

Provide support to individuals experiencing homelessness. and addiction. Working within a multidisciplinary team to facilitate clients' rehabilitation and reintegration into society through the implementation of social interventions at a ground level. The social auxiliary worker is required to assist with the intake process, developing and implementing personal development plans for all clients. To refer Change Readiness Clients to relevant services ( health, shelter, rehab, etc) highlighted by the personal development plan created for each client, and provide ongoing support and guidance to all clients. Provide counselling support to clients to monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure that the needs of the clients are met when it comes to achieving their goals and objectives within their recovery journey. Collaborating with other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to the care of all clients at the service centre. Weekly case feedback discussion with the social worker concerning the progress of the client, challenges, and social intervention to be put in place.

Experience and Skills

? Registered with SACSSP as a Social Auxiliary Worker (essential)

? A Valid Driver's Licence (essential)

? At least five years' experience and knowledge of the legislation about social work services (desirable)

? Previous experience of working with people experiencing homelessness (an added advantage)

? Previous experience working with addiction (and an added advantage)

? Fluency in English (speaking Afrikaans will be an added advantage)

? Good interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including listening skills

? Good background and experience in Microsoft Office programs

? Managerial and leadership skills and experience

? Good record-keeping and administrative skills

? Good time management, organization, and planning skills

Personal attributes

? Ability to self-motivate, work with minimal supervision, and supervise a multidisciplinary team

? Collaborative team player - concerned with the team's success as well as individual performance

? Emotionally mature individual

? Problem solver who is open to change and able to take initiative

? Willingness to learn and grow personally

Organisational Fit (where applicable)

? If in Recovery - actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support and

practicing recovery behaviour

? If employed as a Professional - affiliation with a professional board, continued personal

development, and access to supervision

? Gospel orientation - connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible and

grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action

Next Steps

Candidates interested in this position should apply online at https://homeless.org.za/selfstudy. The letter of

motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at

U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge and skills set outlined above. Please note that applications

without a letter of motivation will not be considered. IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS,

PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person