Social Worker – Cape Town – Department Of Social Development

Social Worker position in Department of Social Development, Cape Town, making a difference 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 passionate Social Worker to join its dedicated team in the Western Cape. This role is vital for providing essential services aimed at the care, support, protection, and development of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities throughout the region. Working in the picturesque city of Cape Town, you will be at the forefront of making a difference in people’s lives, addressing social instability, and fostering community resilience.

In this position, you will engage in various social work interventions, including case work, group work, and community outreach. Your expertise will contribute significantly to the well-being of those in need, ensuring that they receive the support and resources to thrive. This role not only enhances the lives of individuals but strengthens the fabric of our communities, making it a fulfilling opportunity for anyone passionate about public service and social justice.

About the Department

The Department of Social Development is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all South Africans, especially the most vulnerable. The department’s mission is rooted in promoting social development, providing comprehensive support services, and implementing policies that address social issues. Employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions towards improving social welfare, making each day an opportunity to impact lives positively.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide social work services to individuals, families, and communities facing challenges.
  • Conduct assessments and develop intervention plans tailored to specific needs.
  • Supervise and support Social Auxiliary Workers in their professional development.
  • Stay informed about new developments in social work and welfare practices.
  • Engage in community outreach and educational initiatives to promote social well-being.
  • Perform necessary administrative functions related to case management and reporting.

What You’ll Need

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, allowing for professional registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a Social Worker.
  • Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
  • For Grade 2: Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in social work.
  • For Grade 3: Minimum of 20 years of relevant experience in social work.
  • For Grade 4: Minimum of 30 years of relevant experience in social work.
  • Strong knowledge of social work theories, ethics, and relevant legislation.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

How to Apply

Please refer to the application instructions below.

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: A minimum of 10 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions; Grade 3: A minimum of 20 years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions; Grade 4: A minimum of 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 behaviours 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; Self- management; 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, 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 towards protecting people who are vulnerable, at risk and unable to protect themselves; Ability to mentor and coach Social Workers Grade 1.

Job Duties

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.

Salary

Grade 1: R338 208 - R397 668 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) Grade 2: R413 004 - R478 395 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) Grade 3: R496 668 - R583 833 per annum, (OSD as prescribed) Grade 4: R608 859 - 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: Ms Shamiela Cummings-Damon Tel No: (021) 483 7961 229