Department of Education Invites Applications for 7 School Social Worker Posts at Special Schools

Eastern Cape Department of Education

The Eastern Cape Department of Education invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for seven (7) School Social Worker positions at special schools across the province. These positions are aimed at qualified social workers who are passionate about supporting learners with special educational needs, promoting their emotional and social well-being, and addressing barriers that affect learning and development.

Successful candidates will provide professional social work services to learners with physical, intellectual, and other disabilities, their families, and the broader school community. The role involves counselling, psychosocial support, crisis intervention, family engagement, case management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that learners receive appropriate support.

The positions offer an annual salary ranging from R338,208 to R397,668, depending on experience, in accordance with the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD).

Applications must be submitted through the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s e-Recruitment System before the closing date of 23 October 2026.

Job Details
  • Position: School Social Worker: Special Schools
  • Number of Posts: 7
  • Salary: R338,208 – R397,668 per annum
  • Salary Structure: Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD), based on experience
  • Province: Eastern Cape
  • Closing Date: 23 October 2026
  • Application Method: Online via the provincial e-Recruitment System
Available Positions and Reference Numbers

Interested applicants should identify the school they wish to apply to and use the correct reference number when submitting an application.

  1. School Social Worker: Tsolo Special School
    • Reference Number: DOE25/08/2026
  2. School Social Worker: MT Fletcher Special School
    • Reference Number: DOE26/08/2026
  3. School Social Worker: Khanyisa Cala Special School
    • Reference Number: DOE27/08/2026
  4. School Social Worker: Vukuzenzele Special School
    • Reference Number: DOE28/08/2026
  5. School Social Worker: Vukuhambe Special School
    • Reference Number: DOE29/08/2026
  6. School Social Worker: St. Patricks Special School
    • Reference Number: DOE30/08/2026
  7. School Social Worker: EFATA Special School
    • Reference Number: DOE31/08/2026
Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for appointment:

  • A formal four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
  • Current and valid registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
  • Proof of payment for the current year’s SACSSP registration fees, which must be available on or before the interview date.
  • A valid driver’s licence.
  • A sound understanding of the Children’s Act and the South African Schools Act.
  • Strong interpersonal, report-writing, and crisis-management skills.

Previous experience working in a school environment or supporting children with disabilities will be highly advantageous.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to child protection, professional ethics, confidentiality, and the promotion of inclusive education. The ability to work with learners from diverse backgrounds and collaborate with parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and social development stakeholders will be important for this role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidates will provide professional social work services designed to address social, emotional, behavioural, and family-related barriers to learning.

1. Psychosocial Support and Counselling
  • Provide individual and group counselling to learners with diverse disabilities, including physical and intellectual disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.
  • Identify social, emotional, and behavioural challenges affecting learners’ educational progress.
  • Develop appropriate intervention strategies to support learners’ well-being and holistic development.
  • Assist learners in managing personal difficulties, trauma, and other circumstances that may affect their participation in school activities.
2. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
  • Participate in the School-Based Support Team (SBST).
  • Work collaboratively with psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, educators, and other relevant professionals.
  • Contribute to assessments and intervention plans for learners experiencing barriers to learning.
  • Support coordinated service delivery to ensure that learners receive appropriate educational, social, and therapeutic assistance.
3. Home-School Liaison and Family Support
  • Conduct home visits and social assessments to understand learners’ family circumstances and social environments.
  • Provide guidance and support programmes for parents and caregivers.
  • Strengthen communication and cooperation between families and schools.
  • Identify family-related challenges that may affect attendance, behaviour, academic participation, or learner development.
  • Recommend suitable support services and referrals where necessary.
4. Crisis Intervention and Child Protection
  • Respond to cases involving child abuse, neglect, trauma, and other situations requiring urgent social work intervention.
  • Apply relevant legislation, particularly the Children’s Act, when handling child protection matters.
  • Assess risks and implement appropriate intervention and referral procedures.
  • Work with relevant authorities and welfare organisations to protect vulnerable learners.
  • Maintain professional standards when managing sensitive cases and confidential information.
5. Advocacy, Assessment and Placement Support
  • Assist with the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) process.
  • Advocate for learners experiencing barriers to learning and participation.
  • Facilitate referrals to external welfare organisations, healthcare facilities, and other support services.
  • Participate in discussions concerning appropriate learner support and placement.
  • Promote the rights, dignity, inclusion, and well-being of learners with special educational needs.
6. Case Management and Administration
  • Maintain comprehensive and confidential social work case files.
  • Prepare statutory reports for the Department of Social Development and Children’s Courts when required.
  • Manage the administration of social work interventions and related activities.
  • Ensure compliance with the SACSSP Code of Ethics and applicable professional standards.
  • Participate in performance appraisals and maintain sound interpersonal relationships within the workplace.
7. Stakeholder Engagement and Community Collaboration
  • Participate in intersectoral and intrasectoral networks and collaborations.
  • Work with stakeholders such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Development, non-profit organisations, non-governmental organisations, local government, and community structures.
  • Liaise with social workers at other special schools to share experiences, knowledge, and best practices.
  • Engage with relevant professional boards and tertiary institutions.
  • Participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities that support learner development.
How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s e-Recruitment System.

Official application platforms:

  • https://ecprov.gov.za
  • https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za

Applicants must create or access their profiles on the recruitment system, complete the required application information, select the relevant School Social Worker position, and submit the application before the deadline.

The e-Recruitment System automatically generates the Z83 application form when applicants select the option to apply and generate the form.

Documents Required When Applying

Applicants are required to submit the following through the online recruitment system:

  • A duly completed Z83 application form generated by the e-Recruitment System.
  • A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Applicants are not required to upload copies of qualifications and other supporting documents at the initial application stage. However, shortlisted candidates must submit certified copies of their qualifications and other relevant documents to Human Resources on or before the interview date.

Candidates must ensure that all information provided in the application and CV is accurate and complete.

Important: The system-generated Z83 form is currently not signable. Applicants who submit their applications through the e-Recruitment System will not be disqualified because of an unsigned Z83 form. They will instead be required to sign the form on or before the interview date.

Applicants should check the “My Job Applications” section of their profiles to confirm which positions they have applied for.

Technical Support and Enquiries

For enquiries relating to the advertised positions, contact:

  • Contact Person: Mr. L. Putter
  • Telephone: (040) 608 4200

For e-Recruitment technical assistance:

Technical support is available during the following working hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 08:00–16:30
  • Friday: 08:00–16:00

Applicants experiencing technical difficulties must email their ID number, profile email address, and a description of the problem to the technical support address.

Do not send applications or CVs to the technical support email address. Applications submitted by email, hand delivery, fax, or post will not be accepted. Only applications submitted through the specified online recruitment platforms will be considered.

Important Information for Applicants
  • Closing date: 23 October 2026.
  • The online application system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and closes at 23:59 on the closing date.
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • Candidates who have not received communication within six months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
  • Shortlisted applicants will undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial or asset record, qualification, study, and previous employment verification.
  • Candidates may be required to complete a practical exercise, an integrity assessment, or a relevant skills or knowledge test.
  • Successful candidates will be subject to the applicable security clearance processes.
  • Applicants must ensure that all information submitted is truthful, as misrepresentation may result in disqualification or disciplinary action if already appointed.
  • The department will not pay transport, accommodation, or meal expenses for candidates attending assessments and interviews.
  • Female candidates and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and indicate this in their applications.
Closing Date: 23 October 2026

Qualified social workers who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply for these opportunities to contribute to learner support, child protection, inclusive education, and the holistic development of children attending special schools in the Eastern Cape.

Apply online:

  • https://ecprov.gov.za
  • https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute technical difficulties and ensure that all required information is captured correctly.