The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Social Worker Grade 1 to Grade 4 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory. This opportunity is ideal for registered social workers who are passionate about providing professional psychosocial support services within a specialist healthcare environment.

The department remains committed to promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment in employment. In line with the Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates who will contribute to achieving equity objectives in the workplace through the elimination of unfair discrimination and the advancement of designated groups.

This position offers an opportunity to work within one of South Africa’s leading healthcare institutions, supporting patients and families through critical healthcare challenges while contributing to multidisciplinary patient care services.

Position Details

• Job Title: Social Worker Grade 1 to Grade 4
• Location: Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Western Cape
• Salary Packages:

Successful candidates will be appointed according to their qualifications and years of experience within the relevant grade level:

• Grade 1: R338 208 per annum
• Grade 2: R413 004 per annum
• Grade 3: R496 668 per annum
• Grade 4: R608 859 per annum

The salary package reflects the level of experience and expertise required for each grade and provides an attractive opportunity for professionals seeking career growth within the public healthcare sector.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must possess an appropriate qualification in Social Work that allows registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP).

Professional Registration

Candidates must be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.

Applicants who are not yet registered but have submitted an application for registration may also be considered. Such candidates must provide proof of application and proof of payment of the required registration fees before the interview date. This concession applies only to first-time registrations or changes in registration status within the relevant professional category.

Experience Requirements

The experience requirements vary according to the grade level:

Grade 1

• No previous experience is required after registration as a Social Worker with SACSSP.
• This level is suitable for newly qualified and registered social workers who wish to begin their professional careers within a specialist healthcare environment.

Grade 2

• A minimum of 10 years of appropriate experience in social work after registration with SACSSP is required.

Grade 3

• A minimum of 20 years of appropriate social work experience after registration with SACSSP is required.

Grade 4

• A minimum of 30 years of appropriate social work experience after registration as a Social Worker with SACSSP is required.
• These senior grades are intended for experienced professionals who possess extensive expertise in social work practice and healthcare support services.

Knowledge and Competencies Required

The successful candidate should possess a combination of professional, technical, and interpersonal skills necessary to perform effectively in a hospital environment.

Key competencies include:

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to provide clinical social work services within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Knowledge of specialist acute healthcare settings.
• Strong understanding of neonatology and related social work interventions.
• Excellent assessment and case management skills.
• Family counselling and individual counselling experience.
• Knowledge of statutory processes relating to child protection and the Child Care Act.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding healthcare environment.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.

Candidates who possess these competencies will be well positioned to provide high-quality psychosocial support services and contribute positively to patient care outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive social work services to patients and their families within the hospital environment.

Responsibilities include:

Provision of Social Work Services

The appointed social worker will provide professional social work interventions to hospital in-patients and their families. This includes conducting assessments, developing intervention plans, and ensuring appropriate psychosocial support throughout the patient’s healthcare journey.

Psychosocial Assessments

A significant aspect of the role involves conducting detailed psychosocial assessments to identify challenges affecting patients and families. Assessment findings will be used to guide interventions and support planning.

Counselling Services

The social worker will provide counselling services to individuals and families experiencing emotional, social, psychological, or healthcare-related challenges. Counselling interventions must be aligned with professional social work standards and ethical guidelines.

Neonatal Support Services

Specialist knowledge and skills in neonatology are essential for this role. The successful candidate will provide support to families with newborns requiring specialised medical care and assist them in navigating complex healthcare situations.

Referral and Discharge Planning

The position requires facilitating referrals to appropriate community resources and step-down facilities. The social worker will also contribute to future care planning and discharge processes to ensure continuity of care.

Multidisciplinary Team Participation

The successful candidate will work closely with doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team. Effective communication and collaboration will be required to support holistic patient care.

Patient Follow-Up

Telephonic follow-up services will be conducted where necessary to monitor patient progress and ensure continuity of support after discharge.

Administrative Functions

The role includes maintaining accurate records, preparing reports, documenting interventions, and ensuring compliance with departmental policies and professional standards.

Training and Professional Development

Participation in training programmes and professional development activities will be expected to maintain current knowledge and improve service delivery standards.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position provides an opportunity to work at Groote Schuur Hospital, one of South Africa’s most respected healthcare institutions. The hospital serves a diverse patient population and offers exposure to complex healthcare cases requiring specialised social work intervention.

Professionals joining the institution will have the opportunity to:

• Gain valuable experience within a specialist healthcare environment.
• Work alongside experienced healthcare professionals.
• Contribute meaningfully to patient wellbeing and family support.
• Develop expertise in clinical social work practice.
• Participate in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Advance their professional careers within the public service sector.

The role is particularly suitable for social workers who are passionate about healthcare services and making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.

Application Process

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the Western Cape Government Health Jobs portal. Applications are submitted online via www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs by clicking on the “Online Applications” option. Applicants should ensure that all required information is completed accurately and that any supporting documents requested during the application process are uploaded successfully.

Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical difficulties. Only online applications will be considered for this recruitment process. Applicants should carefully review the minimum requirements and job details before submitting their applications. The closing date for applications is 03 July 2026 at 17:00.

Candidates are encouraged to review all requirements carefully before submitting their applications.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in the department’s selection process, which includes assessments designed to evaluate suitability for the position.

The assessments may include:

• A practical exercise to assess technical and generic competencies.
• An integrity assessment focusing on ethical conduct and professional behaviour.

Candidates should be prepared to attend interviews and assessments at a date, time, and venue determined by the department.

Preference may be given to excess personnel in accordance with departmental policies.

Enquiries

For enquiries regarding the position, interested applicants may contact:

Mr L Hlakudi

Telephone: (021) 404 3405

Email: [email protected]

Important Notice

No payment of any kind is required when applying for this position. Job seekers are advised to be cautious of recruitment scams requesting money in exchange for employment opportunities.

Closing Date: 03 July 2026 at 17:00

Interested candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date to be considered for this rewarding opportunity within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.