The Department of Social Development is hiring three Child & Youth Care Workers (Grade 1) at its Places of Safety. The posts pay R191,694 – R215,073 per annum (OSD) and need a National Senior Certificate. You will care for and support children and youth in a care centre, run developmental activities and uphold children’s rights. Each post has its own reference number and employment equity target, listed below.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Child & Youth Care Worker Grade 1 |
| Department | Department of Social Development |
| Number of Posts | 3 |
| Remuneration | R191,694 – R215,073 per annum (OSD) |
| Minimum Qualification | National Senior Certificate |
| Driver’s Licence | If you do not have one, you must submit proof within six (6) months of the date of assumption of duty |
| Closing Date | [Insert closing date] |
Posts, Reference Numbers and Employment Equity Targets
| Area | Centre | Reference Number | EE Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfred Nzo | Maluti Place of Safety | DSD 33/11/2026 | African Male |
| Alfred Nzo | Maluti Place of Safety | DSD 34/11/2026 | African Male |
| NMM | Erica Place of Safety | DSD 35/11/2026 | White Male |
Quote the reference number of the post you are applying for.
About the Role
The Child & Youth Care Worker Grade 1 looks after the daily care, development and wellbeing of children and youth in a Place of Safety. You will build trusting relationships with them, run planned programmes and activities that meet their developmental needs, keep accurate records and promote their rights.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Care and development: Understand and provide for the care and development of children and youth
- Understanding basic needs: Understand the physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and social needs of children and youth
- Administration: Perform administrative activities relating to logbooks, incident reports and other records
- Role modelling: Identify, allocate and take part in practical activities to transfer skills to children and youth
- Programme implementation: Assist with implementing planned programmes and activities based on the identified developmental needs of children and youth
- Children’s rights: Promote and uphold the rights of children and youth
- Rules and procedures: Know and apply the rules and procedures of the care centre
Requirements
- National Senior Certificate
- Appropriate or recognisable Child and Youth Care experience gained after obtaining the required qualification will be considered for appointment
- Successful candidates who do not have a driver’s licence must submit proof of one within six (6) months from the date of assumption of duty
Competencies
- Communication: Ability to convey clear, simple and easy-to-understand messages and information to children and youth
- Empathy: Ability to respect and build positive relationships with children and youth
- Trustworthiness: Ability to build relationships of trust with children and youth
- Honesty: Being principled and truthful to oneself and others
- Teamwork and collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with others and as part of a team
- Understanding principles: Ability to understand and apply child and youth care principles
- Computer literacy
Who the Department Is Looking For
The department wants a caring, honest and patient person who can build trust with children and youth and act as a positive role model. The role suits matriculants who work well in a team, communicate simply and clearly, and are committed to protecting and upholding children’s rights.
Career Growth Path
Child and youth care work in the public sector has a clear career ladder. With experience, you can progress along this path:
Child & Youth Care Worker Grade 1 → Grade 2 → Grade 3 → Child & Youth Care Supervisor → Child & Youth Care Manager → Deputy Director
Experience with residential care, developmental programmes and child protection is valuable across government, NGO and children’s home roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many posts are available? There are 3 posts: two at the Maluti Place of Safety in Alfred Nzo and one at the Erica Place of Safety in NMM.
What is the salary? The salary is R191,694 – R215,073 per annum (OSD).
What qualification do I need? You need a National Senior Certificate.
Do I need experience? Appropriate or recognisable Child and Youth Care experience gained after obtaining the required qualification will be considered for appointment.
Do I need a driver’s licence? Not at the time of applying. Successful candidates without a driver’s licence must submit proof within six (6) months from the date of assumption of duty.
Is computer literacy required? Yes. Computer literacy is listed among the competencies.
What are the employment equity targets? Each post lists an employment equity target in the table above. Check the target for the post you are applying for.
Which reference number do I use? Use the reference number for the specific post you are applying for: DSD 33/11/2026 or DSD 34/11/2026 for Maluti Place of Safety, or DSD 35/11/2026 for Erica Place of Safety.
Who do I contact with enquiries? Contact the person for your area, listed below. For e-recruitment technical support, email Recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za.
Enquiries
| Area | Contact Person | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Alfred Nzo | Mr S Shweni | (064) 606 9465 |
| NMM | Ms L Lukwe | (041) 406 5811 |
e-Recruitment Technical Support: Recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za
How to Apply
- Choose the post you are applying for and note its reference number.
- Complete a Z83 form in full.
- Attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae.
- Submit your application through the Department of Social Development’s e-recruitment system before the closing date.
Application link: Apply on the e-Recruitment system
⚠️ No-payment notice: Government jobs are never sold. Never pay any fee or bribe to apply for or secure a government post. Apply only through the official e-recruitment system and send enquiries only to the contacts listed above. Jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za never charges a fee for job listings or applications.
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