Housemother

📢 Applications close on 30 August 2025 — Apply early!

Hermanus Child & Family Services (HCFS)

Position: Housemother (Foster Home)
Location: Hermanus, Western Cape
Contract Type: Permanent

Role Purpose

The Housemother provides consistent, compassionate, and structured daily care in a family-style home environment. You will run the household, support children’s routines, coordinate with social workers and schools, and model healthy boundaries and life skills.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide day-to-day care, supervision, and emotional support to children in the home.
  • Manage household routines: meals, laundry, hygiene, chores, homework, bedtime, and morning schedules.
  • Maintain a safe, predictable environment aligned to the Children’s Act and DSD norms & standards.
  • Support schooling: homework follow-up, school communication, parent-teacher meetings, and transport coordination.
  • Admin & reporting: daily logs, incident reporting, medication records, roster sign-offs, petty cash and shopping lists.
  • Coordinate with HCFS social workers, therapists, volunteers, and external partners (clinics, schools, SAPS where required).
  • Model positive behaviour, conflict de-escalation, and trauma-informed care practices.
  • Keep the home clean, orderly, and welcoming; maintain inventories and report maintenance issues promptly.

Minimum Requirements

  • Grade 12 (Matric). Relevant certificates (First Aid, ECD, social auxiliary work) are advantageous.
  • Clearance checks: SAPS Police Clearance and Child Protection Register (Part B). (HCFS will guide the process.)
  • South African citizen or valid work authorisation.
  • Willingness and ability to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and sleep-overs when on duty (BCEA-compliant roster).
  • Fluent in at least two of: Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa; strong communication and record-keeping skills.
  • Valid driver’s licence an advantage.

Core Competencies

  • Warm, consistent caregiving with firm, fair boundaries.
  • Trauma-informed and child-centred approach; cultural humility and respect.
  • Household management: planning, budgeting, shopping, meal preparation, cleanliness.
  • Teamwork and professionalism; maintains confidentiality and proper records.
  • Calm under pressure; de-escalation and problem-solving skills.

Working Hours & Roster

This is a live-in role by default, but remains in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

Remuneration

Remuneration is aligned with HCFS scales and experience. Details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

  1. Prepare a CV (PDF) and a brief motivation (max 1 page) explaining why you are suited to the role.
  2. Attach copies (or indicate readiness to obtain): ID, qualifications/certificates, and any existing clearances.
  3. Email your application to info@hcfs.org.za with the subject line: Housemother – Your Name.

Closing date: 30 August 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date.

Telephonic enquiries: Contact the Director, Kenwin Lombaard, on 028 313 0730

Safeguarding & POPIA: HCFS is committed to the protection and wellbeing of children. All roles are subject to background checks. By applying, you consent to HCFS processing your personal information for recruitment purposes, in line with POPIA.

Equity: HCFS is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates.

FAQ

Do I need all clearances before I apply?
No. Apply first. If shortlisted, HCFS will guide you to complete required checks before appointment.

Is accommodation provided?
Yes, accommodation is provided. Housemothers sleep over only on duty days as per the roster.

Will I receive training?
Yes. Induction and on-the-job training in trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and household procedures are provided.