Job Description

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Recruiter/Placement Officer to join our Human Resources team in Kenilworth, Cape Town from

01 May 2025.

This position

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Recruiter to join our team at U-turn Homeless Ministries. This opportunity will be a dual function role. The successful candidate will play a critical role in our internal recruitment processes by attracting, sourcing, and retaining top talent to support our mission of serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The candidate will also facilitate and assist with the placing of clients in external employment opportunities during the last phase of the work readiness programme. The Recruiter will be responsible for managing the full recruitment lifecycle.

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to equip homeless people with the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway to address their physical, spiritual and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.

To help people overcome homelessness we operate a phased approach that includes addiction rehabilitation, counselling, life-skills training and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. Through this 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 be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.

Our graduates enter the open market employment and show an above 85% long term success rate! We are actively working to expand to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres

U-turn's Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets in order to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing (and in some cases access to a shower and a bed for the night), therapeutic and development based interventions, and recovery support for those struggling with addiction. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.

Work-readiness programme

The work-readiness programme provides work-based rehabilitation and skills development training to prepare clients for integration into employment and the community. One day per week, each client attends a training day where they access group therapy delivered by an interdisciplinary team, individual counselling and input using a specially designed curriculum. This cycle of learning and application continues for as long as needed (average 18 months). Case-managers coordinate the intervention programme for the clients and work in close-collaboration with the worksite managers.

Transitional Accommodation

We run transitional accommodation enabling clients on Work-readiness to move into group homes when leaving homeless shelters. These homes are managed by a house-manager who, along with therapeutic staff and works-site managers assist clients along the full Life Change journey.

Social Enterprises

Actual work-experience largely takes place within our social enterprises. U-turn's social enterprises comprise an extensive retail network connected to our Charity Stores as well as other companies owned by, or in partnership with, U-turn.

Key areas of responsibility

HR Recruiter Responsibilities

Collaborate with department heads to identify current and future staffing needs and develop recruitment strategies to meet those needs. Create and post job descriptions on various platforms, including job boards, social media, and community resources to attract diverse candidates. Source potential candidates through networking, job fairs, community events, and online platforms to build a robust talent pipeline. Conduct screening interviews and assessments to evaluate candidates' qualifications, experience, and alignment with U-turn's values and mission. Facilitate the interview process by coordinating schedules, providing feedback to hiring managers, and ensuring a positive candidate experience. Maintain accurate and organized records of candidate information and recruitment metrics to track progress and improve future hiring efforts. Stay informed about industry trends, best practices in recruitment, and regulations impacting staffing within the non-profit sector. Engage with community organizations and local partners to promote job opportunities and U-turn's mission, fostering relationships that support our recruitment efforts.
Placement Officer Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationship with Friendly employers by promoting U-turn mission. Collaborate with Friendly Employers to understand their hiring needs and how U-turn Graduates can fill their recruitment needs. Engage with Integration phase caseworkers to understand the skills sets of clients. Source suitable work opportunities for U-turn Integration phased champions via social media and other online platforms. Facilitate the communication of internal internship and external work opportunities with Integration caseworkers and champions. Support the integration phased champ and caseworker with the application process. Facilitate the external internship recruitment process with Friendly Employers.

Experience and Skills

Degree, Diploma or HR qualification 2 - 5 experience in a HR environment Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with employees and managers. Strong communication skills; oral and written Attention to detail Strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks, projects and deadlines. Driver's license

Personal attributes

Passion for U-turn's mission and values. Strong leadership with a collaborative mind-set. Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

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 professional board, continued personal development and accessing 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/careers/. 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 skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered. Please consider your application unsuccessful, if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person