Social Worker – Cape Town – Department Of Social Development

Social Worker position at the 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 in the Western Cape is looking for a passionate Social Worker to join their team. Based in Cape Town, this role is vital in delivering essential social services to vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. As a Social Worker, you will play a crucial part in protecting and supporting those who are at risk, helping to foster a strong and resilient community through various programmes, including case work, group work, and community engagement. Your contribution is invaluable in addressing social instability and enhancing the overall well-being of the public, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

The importance of this role extends beyond daily tasks; it embodies the core values of public service in South Africa. By working closely with diverse populations and providing tailored support, you will not only help individuals navigate their challenges but also empower them to achieve a better quality of life. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact society positively while advancing your professional career in social work.

About the Department

The Department of Social Development is dedicated to promoting social justice and improving the welfare of the community in the Western Cape. Its mission is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to live with dignity and access essential services that support their social and emotional needs. Working within this dynamic department means being part of a collaborative effort to design and implement impactful programmes that address the complexities of social issues, from poverty to interpersonal violence.

Joining the Department of Social Development is not just about a job; it is about committing to a cause that uplifts the most vulnerable in society. As a team member, you will be part of a larger mission to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide social work services focused on the care, support, protection, and development of vulnerable individuals and families.
  • Engage in case work, group work, and community work to address social issues effectively.
  • Support and supervise Social Auxiliary Workers in their roles.
  • Stay updated on developments in the social work field to enhance service delivery.
  • Perform essential administrative functions linked to social work tasks.
  • Address social instability issues and implement preventative measures.
  • Participate in continuous professional development activities to improve your skills and knowledge.

What You’ll Need

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work (Bachelor of Social Work) that qualifies for professional registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
  • Registration as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
  • Experience requirements vary depending on the grade:
  • Grade 1: No experience required.
  • Grade 2: Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Grade 3: Minimum of 20 years of relevant experience.
  • Grade 4: Minimum of 30 years of relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of social work theories, interventions, and relevant legislation.
  • Strong communication, report-writing, planning, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to mentor and empower individuals and communities effectively.

How to Apply

All applications must be hand-delivered at 389 Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria.

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 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 228 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 Imelda April at Tel No: (021) 763 6217.