Social Work Policy Developer – Cape Town – Department Of Social Development

Join the Department of Social Development as a Social Work Policy Developer in Cape Town, making a positive impact in government jobs in South Africa

Published 10 November 2026
Closing Date 20 November 2026 — 5 days left
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Social Development is seeking a Social Work Policy Developer for Children and Families, based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape. This vital role focuses on developing, implementing, and maintaining social work policies that directly impact the lives of children and families in the community. By joining this dedicated team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in public service, ensuring that social work practices uphold the highest standards and effectively address the needs of vulnerable populations.

In this position, you will not only contribute to policy development but also monitor the funding provided to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) within the department. Staying updated with the latest research and developments in the social work field is essential, as it will inform your work and enhance the overall effectiveness of social services in the province. Your contributions will help shape a supportive environment for families, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social well-being in South Africa.

About the Department

The Department of Social Development plays a crucial role in promoting social justice and improving the quality of life for all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. Its mission includes the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and programs that provide support to families, children, and individuals in need. Working for this department means being part of a larger effort to build a compassionate society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop and implement social work policies, norms, and standards to enhance service delivery.
  • Monitor and evaluate the funding provided to NGOs, ensuring alignment with departmental goals.
  • Conduct research and stay current with developments in the social work field.
  • Perform administrative functions to support the effective operation of the unit.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure policies reflect best practices and meet community needs.

What You’ll Need

  • A formal tertiary qualification in Social Work (e.g., Bachelor of Social Work) enabling professional registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
  • Compulsory registration as a Social Worker with SACSSP.
  • A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in social work post-registration.
  • In-depth knowledge of legislation, policies, and frameworks affecting social work practices.
  • Strong skills in project and operational management, policy development, and intergovernmental relations.
  • Proficiency in computer literacy, numeracy, and effective communication.

How to Apply

All applications must be hand delivered at: 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria. To submit an application online, click the link under the post you wish to apply for.

Requirements

Formal Tertiary Qualification in Social Work (e.

g.

Bachelor of Social Work) that allows professional registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions; Compulsory registration with SACSSP as a Social Worker; A minimum of 8 years appropriate experience in social work after registration as Social Worker with the SACSSP.

Competencies: Working knowledge and understanding of the following: Legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies and best practices that have a bearing on the line functions; Information systems that aid in the management of knowledge and information pertaining to the line function; Project management; Operational management practices; Policy development, and operational management, monitoring and review processes; Modern systems of governance and administration; Public service procedures, processes and systems; Regional and local political, economic and social affairs impacting on the provincial government of the Western Cape; Constitutional, legal and institutional arrangements governing the South African public sector; Public finance, human resources and discourse management processes; Public Finance Management Act, National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, other financial policies, prescripts, directives and collective agreements; Functioning of the province and the activities of sister departments and related functional areas; Policies of the government of the day; Labour Relations legislation and regulations; Performance management in general; Supervision framework for social workers; Protocol and professional ethics.

Skills in the following: Numeracy; Computer Literacy; Language skills; Project Management; Accounting skills; Mentoring and training; Facilitation; Presentation.

Planning and organising skills; Networking; Professional counselling; Monitoring and evaluation; Inter and intra sectoral collaboration and partnership; Contract management; Intergovernmental relations.

Job Duties

Develop, implement and maintain social work policies, norms, and standards; Implement and monitor Non-Governmental Organisation funding within the department; Keep up to date with new developments and research in the social work field; Perform the administrative functions required in the unit.

Salary

Grade 1: R471 330 - R535 050 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) Grade 2: R556 500 - R754 785 per annum, (OSD as prescribed)

How to Apply

All applications must be hand delivered at: 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria. To submit an application online, click the link under the post you wish to apply for. Attach only a copy of CV and completed Z83. Email size must be limited to 2MB. Failure to follow instructions will result in your application being disqualified. For General enquiries, contact Human Resources on Tel No: 012 748 6297 /012 748 6277. PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION: GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (LERATONG HOSPITAL): Kindly note that the following X1 post that was advertised with the incorrect package in Public Service Vacancy Circular 39 dated 30 October 2026, the correct package is Grade 1 – R1 395 528 per annum (all-inclusive package) Grade 2: R1 592 274 per annum (all-inclusive package) Grade 3: R1 844 151 per annum (all- inclusive package) (1) Medical Specialist: Internal Medicine with Ref No: REFS/057196 3 INDEX NATIONAL DEPARTMENTS NATIONAL DEPARTMENTS ANNEXURE PAGES DEFENCE A 04 - 05 ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY B 06 - 08 EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR C 09 - 13 FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT D 14 - 20 GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SYSTEM E 21 - 25 HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING F 26 - 59 JUDICIAL INPECTORATE FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES G 60 - 61 LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT H 62 - 80 MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES I 81 - 91 SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT J 92 - 93 SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE K 94 - 111 TOURISM L 112 - 119 TRANSPORT M 120 - 121 TREASURY N 122 - 126 WATER AND SANITATION O 127 - 140 WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES P 141 - 143 THE PRESIDENCY Q 144 - 147 PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIONS PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION ANNEXURE PAGES GAUTENG R 148 - 149 KWAZULU NATAL S 150 - 160 LIMPOPO T 161 MPUMALANGA U 162 - 170 NORTH WEST V 171 - 173 WESTERN CAPE W 174 - 248 4 ANNEXURE A DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE For Enquiries: Mr T Kwakwini Tel No: (021) 483 4115