The Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) Social Development Department has a vacancy for an experienced, compassionate Project Counsellor to join our Peer Fieldworker Project.
This innovative initiative trains and supports peer field workers – people with lived experience of homelessness who interact with, mentor, and guide individuals who are still on the street. The Project Counsellor will play a pivotal role in strengthening the personal growth, professional skills, and wellbeing of the team of peer field workers.
Contract: 1 November 2025 – 30 June 2026 (renewal at CCID’s discretion)
Location: Cape Town CBD
Application Deadline: 13 October 2025
JOB DESCRIPTION
In this hands-on role, you will:
- Provide counselling support
- Deliver one-on-one and group counselling sessions tailored to individual peer field workers.
- Use harm-reduction, evidence and strength-based approaches to build resilience and support their personal growth.
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments
- Develop comprehensive assessments and care plans to address emotional, social, and practical needs.
- Track progress and adapt interventions to ensure holistic support.
- Develop skills and capacity
- Facilitate life-skills and professional-skills workshops to build confidence and workplace readiness.
- Mentor peers to strengthen their own counselling and outreach capabilities, such as peer-led groups.
- Collaborate across the CCID Network
- Work closely with CCID outreach teams, partner NGOs, and shelters to coordinate services and share best practices.
REQUIREMENTS
Matric certificate (Grade 12) is essential.
- Recognised counselling qualification.
- Proven understanding of harm-reduction principles and trauma-informed practice.
- Experience working with peer staff or people with lived experience of homelessness, substance use, or similar community-based programmes.
- Strong facilitation, communication, and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work independently while being a collaborative team player in a dynamic environment.
ABOUT THE CCID
At the CCID, you’ll be part of a progressive, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to creating an inclusive and compassionate city centre. We offer:
- The chance to directly influence lives through evidence-based social development practices.
- A supportive workplace that values innovation, professional growth, and non-judgmental engagement.
- Opportunities to expand your expertise in harm reduction, counselling, and peer-support models.
HOW TO APPLY
Closing date: applications close on Sunday, 13 October 2025.
Please submit your CV and a concise cover letter to tara@capetownccid.org clearly outlining your relevant qualifications, experience, and motivation for applying.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The CCID is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.