Child and Youth Care Manager Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Plans, organizes,directs,controls and coordinates child and youth care services in a service delivery are and/or organization
What does a Child and Youth Care Manager do?
A Child and Youth Care Manager leads the delivery of services that support children and young people. The role involves turning service goals into organised programmes, coordinating staff and activities, monitoring how services operate, and taking responsibility for the effective running of a service area or organisation.
How to become a Child and Youth Care Manager in South Africa
- Learn about child and youth care services and the responsibilities involved in managing service delivery.
- Consider a relevant South African qualification, such as the Further Education and Training Certificate: Child and Youth Care Work, Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education, National Higher Certificate: Child and Youth Development, National Higher Certificate: Residential Child Care, or Occupational Certificate: Child and Youth Care Worker.
- Confirm the current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA, the relevant quality council or an accredited provider.
- Build experience in child and youth care settings and develop responsibility for coordinating services and activities.
- Progress into management responsibilities as your workplace experience, leadership ability and understanding of service delivery develop; relevant education can support this progression, but management roles commonly also involve workplace progression and responsibility.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The listed qualifications provide relevant preparation for child and youth care work and service leadership, but they should not automatically be treated as universal requirements for every management post. Entry expectations can vary by employer and service context. Check current expectations with prospective employers and confirm qualification details with the appropriate official bodies or accredited providers.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Life Sciences
- Business Studies
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
Skills that may help
- Planning
- Organising
- Directing
- Controlling service activities
- Coordinating child and youth care services
- Managing service delivery areas or organisations
- Leadership and responsibility