Job purpose : To provide holistic, day-to-day care, protection, and development for children placed in care (e.g. abused, neglected, orphaned, or vulnerable children), within a safe, structured, and nurturing home environment. The House Mother acts as a primary caregiver, ensuring the physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs of each child are met.
Key Responsibilities
1. Daily Care and Supervision
- Provide 24-hour care and supervision (depending on shifts/live-in arrangements).
- Ensure children’s basic needs are met: meals, hygiene, clothing, and safety.
- Maintain structured routines (morning, school, homework, bedtime).
2. Emotional and Psychosocial Support
- Offer emotional support and stability to children with trauma backgrounds.
- Build trusting relationships and act as a positive maternal role model.
- Manage behaviour using positive discipline and trauma-informed care.
3. Household Management
- Run the household, including:
- Meal planning and preparation
- Cleaning and laundry
- Budgeting and grocery shopping
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organised home environment.
4. Education Support
- Ensure children attend school regularly.
- Assist with homework, school projects, and studying.
- Communicate with teachers and attend school meetings where required.
5. Health Care Responsibilities
- Monitor children’s health and hygiene.
- Administer medication as prescribed and keep records.
- Take children to clinics, hospitals, or therapy sessions when needed.
6. Administration and Reporting
- Keep accurate records, including:
- Daily logs
- Incident reports
- Medication records
- Work closely with social workers, psychologists, and management teams.
7. Life Skills Development
- Teach children essential life skills such as:
- Personal hygiene
- Responsibility and chores
- Social and communication skills
- Encourage independence and self-esteem development.
8. Safeguarding and Legal Compliance
- Ensure compliance with:
- Children’s Act (South Africa)
- Department of Social Development (DSD) norms and standards
- Protect children from abuse, neglect, or harm.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
9. Transport and External Coordination
- Transport or arrange transport for:
- School
- Medical appointments
- Extramural activities
- Liaise with external stakeholders (schools, clinics, SAPS if necessary).
Key Skills and Competencies
- Compassion, patience, and emotional resilience
- Strong childcare and nurturing ability
- Good communication and conflict-resolution skills
- Ability to manage a household efficiently
- Teamwork and professionalism
- Understanding of trauma and child development
DESIRABLE BACKGROUND (Skills & Knowledge)
· Driver’s license (be ready to be tested for driving skill)
· Basic computer skills
· Be able to communicate in English and Vernacular languages
· Good report writing skill (in English)
· Conflict management
Understanding of trauma and child development
· Be flexible, able to work independently and in a team
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Relevant qualification (advantageous):
- Child and Youth Care Work
- Social Auxiliary Work
- Early Childhood Development
- Valid Police Clearance & Child Protection Register clearance
- Experience working with vulnerable children
· Basic understanding of the Childrens Act
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: R3 000,00 per month
Experience:
- Child and Youth Care: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
