About SPARK Schools

SPARK Schools is a social impact disruptor and is leading change in the education space through its network of affordable private schools. The SPARK Schools network provides transformational education innovation through Africa’s first blended learning model, which elevates student achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their students effectively.

The blended learning model, which combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allows teachers to anticipate student needs and equips schools to provide personalised education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering this transformative education model to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.

SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values-driven entrepreneurial organisation, operating 21 primary schools, and 5 high schools and serving over 16,000 families in 2025. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Job Title: High School Child Protection Officer

Purpose of Role:

The High School Child Protection Officer (HS CPO) is responsible for managing all aspects of child protection and safeguarding programs across SPARK High Schools. This includes developing, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving child protection initiatives to ensure the safety and well-being of scholars.

The HS CPO will also provide support and guidance to social workers placed in schools, ensuring alignment with SPARK’s safeguarding policies and national legislation. Additionally, the HS CPO will play a key role in enhancing the Character Quotient (CQ) framework, enhancing the behaviour management process, and strengthening restorative practices in high schools.

The high School Child Protection Officer (HS CPO) plays a critical role in developing and implementing policies, frameworks, and training initiatives to ensure scholar safety, behaviour management, and character development across SPARK High Schools.

Reports To: Head of Product: High Schools

Responsibilities generally include:

• Policy Development and Framework
• Programme Development & Planning
• Social Worker Support & Case Management
• Behaviour Management & Restorative Practices
• Character Quotient (CQ) Framework Development & Implementation
• Programme Development & Continuous Improvement
• Innovation, Knowledge Management & Capacity Building

Please note this role is on an initial 24-month contract (2 years)

Qualifications and Criteria:

• B.Ed and NQF Level 8 (post-graduate diploma or honours) qualification in Social Work, Social Science and/or related field.
• Languages: speak, read, write and understand English. Speak and understand a minimum of four (4) South African languages.
• Certification through the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
• SAQA accreditation for non-South African equivalent qualifications.

Experience

• 3 - 5 years working with child protection-related issues (preferably within a school setting).
• 5+ years of experience working with vulnerable children.
• Demonstrated training materials development experience.
• Experience in advocacy for children’s rights and protection will be advantageous.

Competencies

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of South African child protection-related legislation, principles and practices and their implementation.
• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Ability to deal with sensitive situations with integrity.
• Strong report writing skills and the ability to maintain confidential records of reported cases and actions taken.
• Confidence and good judgement in managing situations related to the poor conduct/behaviour of others towards children.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and complexity.
• Driven to achieve impactful results.
• Affinity with children and young people.
• Strong desire to be part of a collaborative, team-spirited and fast-growing Social Impact Disruptor.
• Ability, desire and passion to deliver high-quality transformational education at affordable fees.

Qualities:

• Grit:​ Persistence through challenges.
• Excellence:​ A track record of high expectations personally and professionally.
• Mission and Vision Alignment​: Understanding of and passion for the SPARK Schools mission to provide excellent education at an affordable cost.
• Self­ Reflection: Finding the capacity to bring your best self to challenges and opportunities.

Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness

SPARK offers:

• fair market linked remuneration
• performance-based annual bonuses and increases
• above average/good annual leave
• life, disability and funeral cover
• employee wellness support
• educational support & study leave
• individualised professional development, support and mentorship
• employee discount on school fees
• opportunities for career growth

Compensation: Commensurate with experience/Market related CTC

Location: Rosebank, Gauteng

Position Type: Contract

SPARK schools is an equal opportunities employer and preference will be given to candidates from designated groups with due consideration of the company’s Employment Equity goals and targets.

SPARK schools encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

SPARK Schools may expire the posting of this advertisement at their own discretion.

Kindly note that should you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful.