The North West Department of Social Development invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the Social Worker Grade 1 positions. A total of nine (9) permanent vacancies are available across various districts in the North West Province. This recruitment presents an excellent opportunity for professionally registered Social Workers who are committed to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities through quality social services.
Successful candidates will receive a salary of R338,208 per annum, with remuneration determined in accordance with the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD). Applicants who meet the minimum requirements and are passionate about social development are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Position Details
- Position: Social Worker Grade 1
- Number of Posts: 9
- Reference Number: SD/1/24/26/E
- Salary: R338 208 per annum
- Remuneration will be structured in accordance with the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) determination applicable to social work positions in the public service
Available Positions and Locations
The nine posts are distributed across several districts and service points in North West province:
- JB Marks, Dr Kenneth Kaunda district — 2 posts
- Matlosana, Dr Kenneth Kaunda district — 1 post
- Lekwa Teemane, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district — 2 posts
- Moses Kotane Service Point, Bojanala district — 1 post
- Moretele, Bojanala district — 1 post
- Tswaing, Ngaka Modiri Molema district — 1 post
- Ditsobotla, Ngaka Modiri Molema district — 1 post
This spread across five districts means candidates from various parts of the province have an opportunity to apply for a position close to home, or to consider relocating for a role that fits their qualifications and career goals.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 certificate
- Bachelor of Social Work degree that allows professional registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a registered Social Worker
- Computer literacy
- A valid driver’s license, since the role may involve travel between communities and service points
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Understanding of social dynamics, human behaviour, and social systems
- Social intervention and empowerment skills
- Ability to provide social support to individuals and families in need
- Ability to protect vulnerable individuals, including familiarity with relevant safeguarding practices
- Working knowledge of social work legislation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work well within a team
- Planning and organising ability
- Appreciation for diversity management
- Firm grasp of social work values and principles
Competencies Expected of Successful Candidates
Beyond the baseline requirements, several competencies will set candidates apart during the selection process:
- Knowledge of human behaviour and social systems
- Understanding of community dynamics
- Ability to build networks and establish partnerships with stakeholders such as community organisations, government bodies, and support services
- Understanding of community development programmes
- Capacity to conduct community development research when needed
- Familiarity with community development legislation
- Planning and organising skills
- Networking skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Project management ability
- Team leadership
- People management skills
- Conflict management skills, since social workers often mediate difficult situations involving families, communities, and institutions
- Financial management knowledge, given that social workers may be involved in budgeting for programmes or resources
- Commitment to staying current with new developments in the community development field, so that service delivery can be continually improved
- Familiarity with policies and legislative mandates relating specifically to community development work
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The core purpose of this role centers on providing social work services that promote social change, resolve problems in human relationships, and support the empowerment and liberation of people in order to enhance social wellbeing. A major focus is protecting people who are vulnerable, at risk, or unable to protect themselves.
Day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Conducting assessments aimed at identifying conditions within individuals, groups, families, and communities that justify intervention
- Identifying and recommending appropriate interventions needed to address the conditions found
- Implementing approved interventions by providing continuous support, counselling, guidance, and advice to affected individuals, groups, families, and communities
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of each intervention on an ongoing basis
- Reporting on progress and identifying further or amended interventions where the original conditions have not been fully resolved
How to Apply
Where to Submit Applications
Applications must be hand delivered; emailed applications will not be accepted or considered for any of these posts, so candidates should plan accordingly.
- Provincial Office posts: Address to the Director: Human Capital Management, Department of Social Development. Deliver to Ground Floor, Provident House Building, University Drive, Mmabatho, 2735. For attention: Mr L Segole.
- Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District posts: Address to the District Director at that district. Deliver to Dr RSM District Office, Corner North and Molopo Street, Vryburg. For attention: Ms R Melore.
- Ngaka Modiri Molema District posts: Address to the District Director there. Deliver to Ngaka Modiri Molema District Office, Corner Nelson Mandela Drive and Martin Street, Mahikeng. For attention: Mr BR Mogorosi.
- Dr Kenneth Kaunda District posts: Address to the District Director at that office. Deliver to 91 OR Tambo Street, Klerksdorp, corner Johanna Van Der Merwe Street. For attention: Ms N Tamele.
- Bojanala District posts: Address to the District Director there. Deliver to Office Number 12, Kgwebo Drive, Mabe Office Park, Rustenburg. For attention: Ms NB Modise.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 17 August 2026 at 15h30. Applications received after this date will not be accepted as a general rule, so early submission is strongly advised
Applications must be submitted using the New Amended Z83 Application Form together with a detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV). Applications may be submitted via the relevant email address or by hand delivery to the appropriate district office. When submitting an application by email, the subject line must clearly indicate the department name, the advertised post, and the correct reference number. Applicants must ensure that the correct email address is used for the district where the post is advertised.
For online applications, only the completed Z83 form and updated Curriculum Vitae should be attached. Both documents must be combined into one PDF document. Failure to submit the required documents in the prescribed format may result in the application being disqualified.
Important Information About the Z83 Form
The New Amended Z83 Form (81/971431), effective from 1 January 2021, must be completed in full. Every compulsory section of the form must be completed accurately. The declaration section must be signed, dated, and initialled on the first page. The application form is available from all Public Service Departments and on the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) website.
Applicants must indicate the correct advertised post, reference number, and duty station in Part A of the application form. The Z83 form must be accompanied by a recently updated Curriculum Vitae containing full personal details, qualifications, and employment history listed in chronological order. The CV should also include relevant work experience and the names and contact details of three contactable referees.
Parts B, C, and D of the application form must contain sufficient information relevant to the position being applied for. Certain fields in Parts B, C, and E, such as date of birth, work permit, business interests, preferred language, and current studies, may be marked as “Not Applicable” or “N/A” where appropriate. Parts E, F, and G do not need to be completed if the required information already appears in the Curriculum Vitae. However, Part F is compulsory for applicants seeking re-employment into the Public Service.
Additional Requirements
Applicants who obtained qualifications outside South Africa will only be required to submit a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate if they are shortlisted. Certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, driver’s licence, professional registration, and any other supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates on or before the interview date.
Applicants applying for Senior Management Service (SMS) positions must successfully complete the Nyukela Public Service Pre-Entry Certificate before an appointment can be finalised. Information about the programme is available on the National School of Government website.
Shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will undergo a technical exercise and an interview. Following the interview, a maximum of three candidates may be required to complete psychometric assessments that evaluate cognitive ability, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. In addition, all shortlisted candidates, including SMS applicants, will complete two pre-entry assessments consisting of a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. These assessments will form part of the overall selection process.
Selection Process
Only applications received on or before the closing date will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to attend interviews at the date, time, and venue determined by the department.
Reference checks will be conducted using the referees provided by applicants. Candidates who are shortlisted will also undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record verification, citizenship verification, financial record checks, qualification verification, asset verification where applicable, and security vetting.
Successful candidates will be required to sign an annual performance agreement and disclose their financial interests in accordance with Public Service requirements. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Additional Information
Applicants requiring further information about the advertised post should contact the relevant enquiry person listed in the advertisement.
Communication regarding the recruitment process will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If no communication is received within six months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Hand-delivered applications will be accepted during normal office hours at the relevant district office. Please note that, due to budget constraints, the department will not cover travel or subsistence expenses incurred by shortlisted candidates attending interviews or any other stage of the recruitment process.