Housemother of Temporary Place of Safety

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