Social Worker – Cape Town – Department Of Social Development

Social Worker position at Department of Social Development in Cape Town, a vital government job 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 dedicated individuals for the position of Social Worker in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape. As a Social Worker, you will play a crucial role in rendering essential social work services aimed at the care, support, protection, and development of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Your work will not only provide direct assistance but also contribute to the well-being and stability of the community, making a significant impact on social welfare in South Africa.

In this role, you will engage in various programs, including case work, group work, and community work, addressing social instability and supporting those in need. This position requires a compassionate and proactive approach, as you will supervise and mentor Social Auxiliary Workers while continuously developing your professional skills to stay updated with the latest practices in social work. Your contribution is vital in promoting social justice and enhancing the quality of life for those who require assistance.

About the Department

The Department of Social Development is dedicated to improving the lives of citizens by providing social services that foster social cohesion and promote the welfare of all individuals. Its mandate focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, addressing social issues, and developing comprehensive strategies to alleviate poverty and inequality. Working within this department offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the public service and be part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of South Africans.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide social work services to individuals, families, and communities in need of support.
  • Conduct case assessments and develop care plans tailored to specific needs.
  • Facilitate group work and community programs aimed at social development and empowerment.
  • Supervise and support Social Auxiliary Workers in their daily activities.
  • Stay informed about the latest developments in social work and welfare legislation.
  • Perform administrative duties related to social work activities and client documentation.
  • Address and mitigate social instability issues in the community through proactive measures.

What You’ll Need

  • A Bachelor of Social Work qualification that allows for professional registration.
  • Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a Social Worker.
  • Experience requirements vary: no experience needed for Grade 1; 10 years for Grade 2; and 20+ years for Grades 3 and 4.
  • Solid understanding of social work theories, practices, and relevant legislation.
  • Strong communication, report-writing, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to mentor and coach junior social workers effectively.
  • Competency in client advocacy and support for vulnerable populations.

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

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 227 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 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; 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