The City of Johannesburg is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Social Auxiliary Worker within the Social Development Department – Substance Abuse Unit. This permanent opportunity is open to both City of Johannesburg employees and external applicants who meet the minimum requirements.
This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable individuals, families, and communities affected by substance abuse. The successful candidate will assist with frontline social support services, community education, administrative duties, and outreach initiatives while working alongside social workers and other professionals.
Applications must be submitted online before the closing date.
Job Details
Position: Social Auxiliary Worker
Job Type: Permanent
Department: Social Development
Branch: Substance Abuse Unit
Location: Region G, City of Johannesburg
Salary: R20,201.48 per month (basic salary, excluding benefits)
Vacancy Circular: 053/2026
Closing Date: 05 August 2026
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications and experience requirements:
- Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
- Social Auxiliary Work Certificate recognized by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA).
- Valid registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
- Between six and twelve months of experience in Social Auxiliary Work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.
- Good administrative and organizational skills.
- Willingness to work with communities affected by substance abuse.
Only applicants who meet all the minimum requirements should submit applications.
Main Purpose of the Position
The Social Auxiliary Worker will provide support services within the Substance Abuse Unit by assisting social workers with community-based interventions, client support, administrative duties, and educational awareness programs. The position focuses on improving the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups, and communities through practical assistance and professional support.
The successful candidate will play an important role in promoting healthy communities by supporting prevention initiatives and ensuring clients receive the appropriate services and follow-up care.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to perform a variety of duties, including:
Provide Frontline Client Services
Frontline service delivery forms an important part of the role. Responsibilities include:
- Collecting client biographical information.
- Scheduling appointments.
- Preparing documents for client consultations.
- Assisting clients during the intake process.
- Ensuring information is captured accurately.
- Providing support during the initial engagement process.
Administrative Support
Administrative responsibilities include maintaining accurate records and supporting efficient office operations.
Duties include:
- Managing client information.
- Filing documentation.
- Capturing data.
- Updating records.
- Maintaining confidential files.
- Assisting with office administration.
- Preparing reports when required.
Community Education
Community education is a major responsibility within the Substance Abuse Unit.
Responsibilities include:
- Participating in awareness campaigns.
- Supporting educational workshops.
- Promoting substance abuse prevention.
- Sharing information about available social services.
- Encouraging healthy lifestyles.
- Helping communities understand available support resources.
Community Empowerment
The successful candidate will assist communities by:
- Identifying community needs.
- Supporting individuals and families.
- Promoting access to social services.
- Assisting with aftercare support.
- Encouraging community participation.
- Helping clients access appropriate interventions.
Outreach Program Support
The role includes assisting with outreach activities throughout Region G.
Responsibilities include:
- Preparing educational materials.
- Assisting with logistical arrangements.
- Supporting outreach events.
- Participating in prevention campaigns.
- Assisting social workers during community visits.
- Promoting awareness regarding substance abuse prevention.
Stakeholder Engagement
The successful applicant will work closely with various stakeholders.
This includes:
- Supporting partnerships with community organizations.
- Maintaining professional relationships.
- Working alongside multidisciplinary teams.
- Assisting with referral processes.
- Supporting collaborative community interventions.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Applicants should demonstrate knowledge and practical skills in several important areas.
Computer Literacy
Basic computer skills are essential.
Applicants should be comfortable using:
- Microsoft Word.
- Email.
- Electronic record systems.
- Basic data capturing applications.
Communication Skills
The role requires excellent communication skills when interacting with:
- Clients.
- Families.
- Community members.
- Government departments.
- Non-governmental organizations.
- Healthcare professionals.
Professional, respectful, and confidential communication is expected at all times.
Counselling Skills
Basic counselling abilities are required to support clients while maintaining professional boundaries and referring complex cases to qualified social workers.
Organizational Skills
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:
- Manage workloads effectively.
- Keep accurate records.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Meet deadlines.
- Prioritize daily responsibilities.
Report Writing
Basic report writing skills are important for documenting client interactions, outreach activities, referrals, and administrative tasks.
Competencies Required
The City of Johannesburg is looking for candidates who possess the following competencies:
- Basic computer literacy.
- Data collection skills.
- Data capturing skills.
- Basic counselling skills.
- Strong communication skills.
- High level of confidentiality.
- Good organizational abilities.
- Record keeping skills.
- Time management.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to perform well under pressure.
- Ability to prioritize tasks.
- Attention to detail.
- Teamwork.
- Professional integrity.
- Customer service orientation.
- Commitment to quality service delivery.
Core Knowledge
Applicants should have knowledge of:
- Community development.
- Social Auxiliary Work practices.
- Working within multidisciplinary teams.
- Community support services.
- Batho Pele Principles.
- Professional ethics.
- Municipal policies and procedures.
- Relevant legislation governing social services.
Ideal Candidate
This opportunity is suitable for someone who enjoys helping people and making a positive impact within communities.
Suitable candidates are likely to demonstrate:
- Compassion.
- Professionalism.
- Respect for confidentiality.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Reliability.
- Commitment to community development.
- Positive attitude.
- Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Experience working within community-based programmes, substance abuse initiatives, or social support services will be beneficial.
Salary and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive:
- Basic monthly salary of R20,201.48.
- Permanent employment.
- Employee benefits applicable to City of Johannesburg permanent employees.
- Opportunities to gain valuable experience within municipal social development services.
- Exposure to community-based intervention programmes.
- Professional working environment.
Documents Required
Applicants must complete the online application and upload the following:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Relevant certificates.
- Proof of SACSSP registration.
- Professional membership number and expiry date (where applicable).
Applicants may also be requested to present original documents during the recruitment process.
Internal applicants will be required to provide their employee number.
Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants may undergo several verification processes, including:
- Identity verification.
- Criminal record checks.
- Employment history verification.
- Qualification verification.
- CV validation.
- Credit record checks where applicable.
Providing false information or failing to disclose important information may result in immediate disqualification.
Employment Equity
The City of Johannesburg follows Employment Equity principles in accordance with South African legislation and policy guidelines.
Applications from designated groups, including persons with disabilities and previously disadvantaged individuals, are encouraged. Appointments will be made in line with the City’s approved Employment Equity Plan.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee appointment.
Important Application Information
Applications will only be accepted through the official online recruitment system.
Applicants should:
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Ensure information provided is accurate and complete.
- Use Google Chrome for the best application experience.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Late or incomplete applications are unlikely to be considered.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within six weeks after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the City of Johannesburg recruitment portal before Wednesday, 05 August 2026.
- Official application portal: https://www.joburg.org.za
- Online application form: https://share.hsforms.com/1jesfNKBQQlGcVHdKsHzcIQ469tl
- Job application tips: https://joburg.org.za/work_/Pages/2026-Vacancies/Tips-For-Job-Applicants.aspx
Closing Date: Wednesday, 05 August 2026
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues. Only online applications submitted through the official City of Johannesburg recruitment system will be considered.