Social Worker: Social Work Services

About the role

The Department of Social Development (Western Cape) is hiring a Social Worker: Social Work Services, based in Department of Social Development, Western Cape Government.. This is a permanent post, paying R338,208 – R397,668 a year. How to apply: Only applications submitted online will be accepted. To apply submit your application online only: via http://www.westerncape.gov.za/jobs or https://westerncapegov.erecruit.co Reference number to quote: DSD 88/2026 Closing date: 19 October 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend interviews on a date and time determined by the department and will be required to submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the timeframe communicated by the WCG and prior to the interview date. Failure to provide the required duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within the prescribed timeframe, without reasonable justification, may result in the shortlisted candidate not being considered further in the current recruitment and selection process. All shortlisted candidates shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department. By applying for this position, you are consenting to the Western Cape Government contacting your previous employers/managers for an employment reference. Reference checks will include enquiries relating to your disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. Should you experience difficulties with your online application, technical support is available from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16.00. Contact the helpline at 086 137 0214. For all other queries relating to the position, kindly contact the enquiries person as indicated in the advert. Please ensure that you submit your application before the closing date as no late applications will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Render a social work service with regard to the care, support, protection and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities through the relevant programmes (Case work, group work and Community work).
• Attend to any other matters that could result in, or stem from, social instability in any form, Supervise and Support Social Auxiliary Workers, Continuous Professional Development.
• Keep up to date with new developments in the social work and social welfare fields, Perform all the administrative functions required of the job.

Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work (Bachelor of Social Work) that allows professional registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as Social Worker, Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a Social Worker, Grade 1: No experience, Grade 2: at least 10 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions, Grade 3: at least 20 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions, Grade 4: at least 30 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
• Competencies:
• Knowledge of the following: Supervision Framework for Social Workers
• Human behaviour and social systems and skills to intervene at the points where people interact with their environments in order to promote social well-being
• Social work theory and interventions
• Information and Knowledge Management
• Protocol and professional ethics
• Relevant legislations
• Policies and prescripts (norms and standards)
• Social dynamics
• Work values and principles
• Developing and empowering others
• Skills in the following:
• Challenge structural sources of poverty
• Inequality
• Oppression
• Discrimination and exclusion
• Written and verbal communication
• Report-writing
• Selfmanagement
• Motivation
• Good planning and organizing
• Problem solving and analytical
• Computer literacy
• Presentation and facilitation
• Client orientation and customer focus
• Ability and competence to assist
• Develop
• Advocate for, and empower individuals
• Families
• Groups
• Organisations and communities to enhance their social functioning and their problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to promote
• Restore
• Maintain
• Advocate for and enhance the functioning of individuals