The Department of Social Development is hiring 21 Social Workers (Grade 1) across its local service offices, service delivery centres and Thuthuzela Care Centres. The posts pay R338,208 – R397,668 per annum (OSD). You need a Bachelor of Social Work degree and current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker. Each post has its own reference number and employment equity target, listed below.

Job Overview

Detail	Information
Job Title	Social Worker Grade 1
Department	Department of Social Development
Number of Posts	21
Remuneration	R338,208 – R397,668 per annum (OSD)
Minimum Qualification	Standard 10/Grade 12 plus a Bachelor of Social Work degree
Registration	Latest proof of registration with the SACSSP as a Social Worker
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

Amathole

Office	Reference Number	EE Target
Mnquma LSO	DSD 04/11/2026	African/Coloured Male
Amahlati LSO	DSD 05/11/2026	African/Coloured Male
Great Kie LSO	DSD 06/11/2026	African/Coloured Male

Alfred Nzo

Office	Reference Number	EE Target
Mount Ayliff SDC	DSD 07/11/2026	African Male
Ntabankulu LSO	DSD 08/11/2026	African Male and persons with disabilities

OR Tambo

Office	Reference Number	EE Target
KSD LSO	DSD 09/11/2026	African Male
Ingquza Hill LSO	DSD 10/11/2026	African Male and persons with disabilities
Mhlontlo LSO	DSD 11/11/2026	African Male

Joe Gqabi

Office	Reference Number	EE Target
Burgersdorp SDC	DSD 12/11/2026	African Male
Lady Grey SDC	DSD 13/11/2026	African Male

NMM

Office	Reference Number	EE Target
Ebhayi SDC	DSD 14/11/2026	African Male and persons with disabilities
Zwide SDC	DSD 15/11/2026	Coloured Female
Walmer SDC	DSD 16/11/2026	White Male

Sarah Baartman

Office	Reference Number	EE Target
Sunday’s River Valley	DSD 17/11/2026	Coloured Female
Graaff-Reinet SDC	DSD 18/11/2026	Coloured Female and persons with disabilities

BCM

Office	Reference Number	EE Target
East London	DSD 19/11/2026	African Male
KWT Thuthuzela Centre	DSD 20/11/2026	African Male
Mdantsane Thuthuzela Centre	DSD 21/11/2026	African Male

Chris Hani

Office	Reference Number	EE Target
Emalahleni LSO	DSD 22/11/2026	African Male and persons with disabilities
Inxuba Yethemba LSO	DSD 23/11/2026	African Male
Sakhisizwe LSO	DSD 24/11/2026	African Male

Quote the reference number of the post you are applying for.

About the Role

The Social Worker Grade 1 provides social work services that care for, support, protect and develop vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities. You will also support Social Auxiliary Workers and volunteers, keep up to date with developments in social work and social welfare, and perform the required administrative functions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Render social work services relating to the care, support, protection and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities through the relevant programmes
• Support Social Auxiliary Workers and volunteers
• Keep up to date with new developments in the social work and social welfare fields
• Perform all required administrative functions

Requirements

• Standard 10/Grade 12 plus a Bachelor of Social Work degree
• Latest proof of registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker
• 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
• Appropriate or recognisable social work experience after registration with the SACSSP as a Social Worker will be considered for appointment

Competencies

• Skills to challenge structural sources of poverty, inequality, oppression, discrimination and exclusion
• Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social systems, and the skills to intervene at the points where people interact with their environments to promote social well-being
• Ability and competence to assist, develop, advocate for and empower individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities to enhance their social functioning and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to promote, restore, maintain, advocate for and enhance the functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities by enabling them to accomplish tasks, prevent and alleviate distress, and use resources effectively
• Understanding and ability to provide social work services to protect people who are vulnerable, at risk and unable to protect themselves
• Ability to mentor and coach Social Auxiliary Workers

Who the Department Is Looking For

The department wants a registered, compassionate and resilient social worker who is committed to protecting vulnerable people and strengthening families and communities. The role suits graduates who communicate well, work well with Social Auxiliary Workers and volunteers, and want to build a career in public sector social work.

Career Growth Path

Social work in the public sector has a clear career ladder. With experience, you can progress along this path:

Social Worker Grade 1 → Social Worker Grade 2 → Social Worker Grade 3 → Social Work Supervisor → Social Work Manager → Deputy Director

Experience in child protection, family support and community development is valuable across government, NGO and health sector social work roles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many posts are available? There are 21 posts across the Amathole, Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi, NMM, Sarah Baartman, BCM and Chris Hani areas. See the tables above for each office, reference number and employment equity target.

What is the salary? The salary is R338,208 – R397,668 per annum (OSD).

What qualification do I need? You need Standard 10/Grade 12 plus a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Do I need to be registered with the SACSSP? Yes. You must submit the latest proof of registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a Social Worker.

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.

Do I need experience? Appropriate or recognisable social work experience after registration with the SACSSP will be considered for appointment.

What are the employment equity targets? Each post lists an employment equity target in the tables above. Check the target for the post you are applying for.

Which reference number do I use? Use the reference number for the specific office you are applying for, for example DSD 04/11/2026 for Mnquma LSO.

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
Amathole	Ms Z Habe	(043) 711 6626
BCM	Ms P Gqabantshi	(043) 705 5675/73
Chris Hani	Ms N Mzinjana	(045) 808 3709
Joe Gqabi	Ms P Tsuputse	(051) 633 9715
NMM	Ms L Lukwe	(041) 406 5811
Sarah Baartman	Mr M Rwexana	(046) 602 1408/1407
OR Tambo	Ms Z Dlanjwa	064 607 1200

e-Recruitment Technical Support: Recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za

How to Apply

1. Choose the office you are applying for and note its reference number.
2. Complete a Z83 form in full.
3. Attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae and your latest proof of SACSSP registration.
4. 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

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