DSD Vacancies 2026: 21 Social Worker Posts and 8 Community Development Practitioner Posts

Social Development

The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development is inviting suitably qualified and interested South African applicants to apply for 29 employment opportunities within the department. The vacancies are available for Social Worker Grade 1 and Community Development Practitioner Grade 1 positions across various districts and service delivery centres in the Eastern Cape.

These opportunities are suitable for candidates with qualifications in Social Work, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Community Development and related fields who are interested in contributing to the improvement of communities and the delivery of social welfare services.

The department is recruiting 21 Social Worker Grade 1 positions and 8 Community Development Practitioner Grade 1 positions. Successful candidates will be responsible for supporting vulnerable individuals, families and communities, facilitating community development initiatives, providing social work interventions and implementing relevant departmental programmes.

Applications must be submitted through the Eastern Cape Provincial e-Recruitment System. Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the requirements, employment equity targets and application instructions before submitting their applications.

1. Social Worker Grade 1 (X21 Posts)

Position: Social Worker Grade 1
Number of Posts: 21
Salary: R338 208 – R397 668 per annum (OSD)
Reference Numbers: DSD 04/11/2026 to DSD 24/11/2026
Province: Eastern Cape
Closing Date: 13 November 2026

Available Positions and Centres

The 21 Social Worker Grade 1 vacancies are available at the following centres:

Reference NumberDistrict and Centre
DSD 04/11/2026Amathole: Mnquma LSO
DSD 05/11/2026Amathole: Amahlati LSO
DSD 06/11/2026Amathole: Great Kie LSO
DSD 07/11/2026Alfred Nzo: Mount Ayliff SDC
DSD 08/11/2026Alfred Nzo: Ntabankulu LSO
DSD 09/11/2026OR Tambo: KSD LSO
DSD 10/11/2026OR Tambo: Ingquza Hill LSO
DSD 11/11/2026OR Tambo: Mhlontlo LSO
DSD 12/11/2026Joe Gqabi: Burgersdorp SDC
DSD 13/11/2026Joe Gqabi: Lady Grey SDC
DSD 14/11/2026NMM: Ebhayi SDC
DSD 15/11/2026NMM: Zwide SDC
DSD 16/11/2026NMM: Walmer SDC
DSD 17/11/2026Sarah Baartman: Sunday’s River Valley
DSD 18/11/2026Sarah Baartman: Graaff-Reinet SDC
DSD 19/11/2026BCM: East London
DSD 20/11/2026BCM: KWT Thuthuzela Centre
DSD 21/11/2026BCM: Mdantsane Thuthuzela Centre
DSD 22/11/2026Chris Hani: Emalahleni LSO
DSD 23/11/2026Chris Hani: Inxuba Yethemba LSO
DSD 24/11/2026Chris Hani: Sakhisizwe LSO

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum educational and professional requirements:

  • Standard 10/Grade 12.
  • A Bachelor of Social Work degree.
  • Latest proof of registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.

Candidates who do not have a driver’s licence at the time of appointment will be required to submit proof of a driver’s licence within six months from the date of assuming duty.

Appropriate and recognisable Social Work experience obtained after registration with the SACSSP as a Social Worker will be considered for appointment.

Required Competencies and Skills

Applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Ability to challenge structural sources of poverty, inequality, oppression, discrimination and exclusion.
  • Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social systems.
  • Ability to intervene where people interact with their environments to promote social well-being.
  • Skills to assist, develop, advocate for and empower individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities.
  • Ability to improve social functioning and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to promote, restore, maintain and enhance the functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities.
  • Understanding of how to prevent and alleviate distress and help people use available resources effectively.
  • Ability to provide social work services to protect vulnerable people who are at risk and unable to protect themselves.
  • Ability to mentor and coach Social Auxiliary Workers.
Key Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates will be expected to perform the following duties:

  • Render social work services relating to the care, support, protection and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities.
  • Implement relevant social development and welfare programmes.
  • Provide support to Social Auxiliary Workers and volunteers.
  • Keep up to date with new developments in the Social Work and Social Welfare fields.
  • Perform all required administrative functions associated with the position.
Employment Equity Targets

The department has specified the following employment equity targets for the available Social Worker positions:

  • Mnquma LSO: African/Coloured Male.
  • Amahlati LSO: African/Coloured Male.
  • Great Kie LSO: African/Coloured Male.
  • Mount Ayliff SDC: African Male.
  • Ntabankulu LSO: African Male and persons with disabilities.
  • KSD LSO: African Male.
  • Ingquza Hill LSO: African Male and persons with disabilities.
  • Mhlontlo LSO: African Male.
  • Burgersdorp SDC: African Male.
  • Lady Grey SDC: African Male.
  • Ebhayi SDC: African Male and persons with disabilities.
  • Zwide SDC: Coloured Female.
  • Walmer SDC: White Male.
  • Sunday’s River Valley: Coloured Female.
  • Graaff-Reinet SDC: Coloured Female and persons with disabilities.
  • East London: African Male.
  • KWT Thuthuzela Centre: African Male.
  • Mdantsane Thuthuzela Centre: African Male.
  • Emalahleni LSO: African Male and persons with disabilities.
  • Inxuba Yethemba LSO: African Male.
  • Sakhisizwe LSO: African Male.

Applications are welcome from all racial groups, with the department implementing its Employment Equity Plan to achieve equitable representation.

Enquiries

Applicants can contact the relevant district representatives for position-related enquiries:

  • Alfred Nzo: Mr S Shweni – 064 606 9465.
  • Amathole: Ms Z Habe – 043 711 6626.
  • BCM: Ms P Gqabantshi – 043 705 5675/73.
  • Chris Hani: Ms N Mzinjana – 045 808 3709.
  • Joe Gqabi: Ms P Tsuputse – 051 633 9715.
  • NMM: Ms L Lukwe – 041 406 5811.
  • Sarah Baartman: Mr M Rwexana – 046 602 1408/1407.
  • OR Tambo: Ms Z Dlanjwa – 064 607 1200.

2. Community Development Practitioner Grade 1 (X8 Posts)

Position: Community Development Practitioner Grade 1
Number of Posts: 8
Salary: R289 296 – R337 959 per annum (OSD)
Reference Numbers: DSD 25/11/2026 to DSD 32/11/2026
Province: Eastern Cape
Closing Date: 13 November 2026

Available Positions and Centres

The eight Community Development Practitioner vacancies are available at the following centres:

Reference NumberDistrict and Centre
DSD 25/11/2026Amathole: Ngqamakwe SDC
DSD 26/11/2026Alfred Nzo: Mount Frere SDC
DSD 27/11/2026BCM: Mdantsane 1 SDC
DSD 28/11/2026OR Tambo: Ngqeleni SDC
DSD 29/11/2026Joe Gqabi: Ugie SDC
DSD 30/11/2026NMM: Motherwell SDC
DSD 31/11/2026Sarah Baartman: Alexandria LSO
DSD 32/11/2026Sarah Baartman: Sunday’s River Valley LSO

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must possess the following qualifications:

  • National Senior Certificate (Grade 12).
  • A Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Social Sciences, Developmental Economics, Development Studies or Community Development.

Candidates who do not have a driver’s licence when appointed will be required to submit proof within six months from the date of assuming duty.

Computer literacy will be an added advantage.

Appropriate and recognisable work experience obtained after meeting the required educational qualifications will be considered for appointment.

Required Competencies and Skills

Applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Theoretical understanding and practical experience or exposure to community development issues.
  • Ability to use a facilitative approach to encourage constructive participation in programme development and implementation.
  • Ability to document and report on programmes and projects using the required formats.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organising and planning skills.
Key Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates will be responsible for the following:

  • Facilitate awareness campaigns on community development programmes.
  • Mobilise local communities into integrated development structures.
  • Facilitate community development initiatives within local municipalities.
  • Facilitate the development of community profiles using contextualised participatory development methodologies.
  • Facilitate the development, alignment and utilisation of resources from various government departments.
  • Support the implementation of Integrated Development Plans within local municipalities.
  • Assess applications for departmental funding submitted by community organisations.
  • Monitor and evaluate funded programmes and projects.
  • Provide support services to funded programmes and projects.
Employment Equity Targets

The department has identified the following employment equity targets:

  • Ngqamakwe SDC: African Male.
  • Mount Frere SDC: African Male and persons with disabilities.
  • Mdantsane 1 SDC: Coloured Female.
  • Ngqeleni SDC: African Male and persons with disabilities.
  • Ugie SDC: African Female/Male.
  • Motherwell SDC: Coloured Male.
  • Alexandria LSO: African Male and persons with disabilities.
  • Sunday’s River Valley LSO: White Male.

Applications from all racial groups are welcome, and females and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply where applicable.

Enquiries

For position-related enquiries, applicants may contact:

  • Alfred Nzo: Mr S Shweni – 064 606 9465.
  • Amathole: Ms Z Habe – 043 711 6626.
  • BCM: Ms P Gqabantshi – 043 705 5675/73.
  • Joe Gqabi: Ms P Tsuputse – 051 633 9715.
  • NMM: Ms L Lukwe – 041 406 5811.
  • Sarah Baartman: Mr M Rwexana – 046 602 1408/1407.
  • OR Tambo: Ms Z Dlanjwa – 064 607 1200.

Applicants must access the Careers section of the provincial website and follow the instructions to register, log in and apply for the relevant advertised position.

The e-Recruitment System is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and closes at 23:59 on the closing date.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following through the e-Recruitment System:

  1. A duly completed New Z83 application form, effective from 1 January 2021.
  2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).

The e-Recruitment System automatically generates the Z83 form when an applicant selects the apply and generate Z83 option.

Applicants are not required to upload copies of qualifications and other supporting documents when submitting their initial applications.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their qualifications and other relevant supporting documents to Human Resources on or before the interview date.

For Social Worker applicants, the required SACSSP registration proof and other relevant documents must be available when requested.

Applicants who fail to submit the required documents when requested may be disqualified.

Important Application Information
  • The Z83 form generated by the e-Recruitment System is currently not signable. Applicants who submit their applications through the system will not be disqualified because of an unsigned Z83 form. Shortlisted candidates will be requested to sign the form on or before the interview day.
  • Applicants should check the My Job Applications section to confirm the positions applied for.
  • The system-generated Z83 does not display work experience and qualifications, but the recruitment team receives the information submitted in the applicant’s profile.
  • Do not email CVs or applications to the recruitment technical support email address.
  • Applications submitted directly to the recruitment email address instead of through the specified e-Recruitment System will be regarded as lost and will not be considered.
Technical Support

Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with the e-Recruitment System, requiring assistance with their profiles or needing profile activation should email:

Email: [email protected]

The email must include:

  • ID Number.
  • Email address used to create the e-Recruitment profile.
  • Details explaining the technical problem.

Technical support is available during the following working hours:

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

This email address is strictly for technical support. Applications and CVs must not be submitted to this address.

Selection Process and Important Conditions

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who have not received communication within six months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, which may include:

  • Criminal record verification.
  • Citizenship verification.
  • Financial and asset record checks.
  • Qualification and study verification.
  • Previous employment verification.

Where applicable, shortlisted candidates may also be required to complete skills or knowledge assessments.

Candidates attending assessments and interviews must make their own arrangements for transport, accommodation and meals, as the department will not cover these expenses due to austerity measures.

The department reserves the right to amend, review or withdraw advertised positions where necessary in the best interests of the department.

Misrepresentation in application documents will result in automatic disqualification. Disciplinary action may also be taken if the candidate has already been appointed.

Closing Date: 13 November 2026

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.

How to Apply

The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development requires applicants to submit applications strictly through the provincial e-Recruitment System.

Applications can be submitted through either of the following official platforms:

Provincial e-Recruitment System:

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should apply through the official Eastern Cape Provincial e-Recruitment System.

Application Links:

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

Enquiries and Technical Support: [email protected]

Employer: Eastern Cape Department of Social Development

Total Vacancies: 29 Posts

Closing Date: 13 November 2026