The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is inviting applications for a permanent Social Worker position based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The position is suited to a qualified and registered Social Worker with relevant experience in counselling, psychosocial support, community development, stakeholder engagement and volunteer coordination.

The successful candidate will provide psychosocial support to cancer patients and their families or loved ones while contributing to community-based cancer awareness, support programmes and volunteer initiatives. The role requires a professional who can work directly with vulnerable individuals and communities, build effective partnerships and manage multiple responsibilities in a demanding environment.

Position Details

Position: Social Worker
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Employment Type: Permanent
Commencement: October/November 2026
Closing Date: 02 October 2026
Reference: SW Durban
Salary: Salary package and benefits are commensurate with the NPO industry

The position involves providing professional social work services to cancer patients and their loved ones through different counselling and support channels. These include individual counselling, group counselling, telephone-based support and virtual counselling.

The Social Worker will play an important role in ensuring that people affected by cancer have access to appropriate psychosocial assistance and relevant support services. The role also involves identifying community needs and developing appropriate responses that strengthen participation in cancer support initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will provide psychosocial support to cancer patients and their loved ones through individual, group, telephonic and virtual counselling services. This requires strong counselling skills, empathy, professional judgement and the ability to provide appropriate emotional support to people experiencing difficult circumstances.

The Social Worker will establish and maintain effective referral systems to ensure that patients and families can access appropriate services when additional assistance is required. The position will also support the development and maintenance of support groups and home-based psychosocial support services.

Community awareness forms an important part of the position. The successful candidate will create awareness of cancer and CANSA within communities and facilitate educational and support programmes. This may involve working with community members, healthcare professionals, organisations, volunteers and other stakeholders.

The position will also involve recruiting, training, supporting, supervising and mentoring volunteers involved in cancer support initiatives. Volunteers require appropriate guidance and ongoing support to ensure that they can effectively contribute to cancer support activities.

The Social Worker will develop and maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders, healthcare facilities, community organisations and other relevant role players. Effective networking and stakeholder engagement will be important for strengthening referral networks and improving access to support services.

Another responsibility will be overseeing CANSA Information and Support Desks at hospitals with the assistance of volunteers. This requires effective coordination, organisation, communication and monitoring to ensure that the service operates appropriately.

Community needs assessments will also be conducted to identify challenges, priorities and opportunities within communities. Based on the findings, the Social Worker will implement action plans designed to increase community involvement in cancer support initiatives.

Accurate administration and record keeping will be required. The successful candidate must maintain appropriate records, complete reports and ensure compliance with CANSA policies and procedures.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and have valid registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) or relevant professional council. Proof of paid-up professional membership must also be provided.

A minimum of three years’ experience in a similar role is required. Applicants should have practical experience providing counselling and psychosocial support, particularly when working with people facing vulnerable or challenging circumstances.

Well-developed counselling and psychosocial support skills are essential. Experience facilitating support groups and working with vulnerable communities will be advantageous and is specifically required for consideration.

Applicants must have strong stakeholder engagement, networking and relationship management abilities. The position involves regular interaction with healthcare facilities, community organisations, volunteers and other stakeholders.

Experience recruiting, training, mentoring and supporting volunteers is required. The successful applicant must also be able to provide emotional support and debriefing to volunteers who may be exposed to emotionally demanding situations.

Excellent communication, presentation, report writing and facilitation skills are required. The Social Worker should be comfortable communicating with different audiences and presenting information in a clear and professional manner.

Strong planning, organisational and project coordination skills are also required. The position involves managing counselling services, community initiatives, volunteers, stakeholder relationships, administration and reporting responsibilities.

Knowledge of community development and community needs assessment processes is required. Applicants should understand how to identify community needs and translate those findings into practical programmes and action plans.

The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. The successful candidate must also be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining professional standards.

Computer literacy is required, including proficiency in Microsoft Office software, internet-based applications and computer equipment.

A valid Code 8 driver’s licence and own reliable vehicle are required because the position may involve travel between communities, healthcare facilities and other locations associated with cancer support activities.

The position is also open only to non-smokers.

Skills and Professional Competencies

The position requires a combination of professional social work knowledge and practical community-based experience. Candidates should be able to provide appropriate psychosocial interventions while maintaining confidentiality, accurate records and professional boundaries.

Strong interpersonal skills are important because the role involves working with cancer patients, families, volunteers, healthcare professionals, community organisations and other stakeholders.

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to manage emotionally sensitive situations professionally. The ability to support volunteers through debriefing and emotional support is particularly important given the nature of cancer-related support work.

Organisational ability is also essential. Multiple programmes, support services, referrals, volunteer activities, community initiatives and administrative responsibilities may need to be coordinated simultaneously.

Application Procedure

• Applicants must submit a detailed CV and supporting documents by email to: [email protected]
• The email subject line must contain the exact reference: SW Durban

Applicants must also confirm their salary expectation in the application email.

It is important to use the correct reference in the subject line. According to the vacancy notice, applications containing an incorrect reference in the subject line will automatically be discarded.

Applicants should ensure that the CV clearly reflects their Social Work qualification, professional registration, relevant work experience, counselling and psychosocial support experience, community development experience, volunteer coordination experience, driver’s licence and other relevant skills.

Supporting documents should be prepared carefully and submitted with the application. Candidates should also ensure that their contact details are accurate and that all information supplied in the CV is current.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 02 October 2026.

The expected commencement period is October/November 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day. Late applications may not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CANSA reserves the right not to make an appointment for the position. Submission of an application does not entitle an applicant to an interview.

CANSA values diversity and inclusion and encourages suitably qualified persons with disabilities to apply.

About the Opportunity

This Social Worker position provides an opportunity for an experienced social work professional to contribute to cancer support services in Durban. The role combines direct psychosocial support with community development, volunteer coordination, stakeholder engagement, awareness activities and administrative responsibilities.

Candidates interested in the position should carefully review the requirements before applying. In particular, applicants should ensure that they meet the professional registration requirement, have at least three years of relevant experience, possess a valid Code 8 driver’s licence and have access to a reliable vehicle.

The application should clearly demonstrate how the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience correspond with the responsibilities of the position. Relevant experience in counselling, support groups, community work, volunteer management, stakeholder engagement and psychosocial support should be clearly described in the CV.

Applications should be submitted to [email protected] with SW Durban as the email subject reference and the applicant’s salary expectation included in the email.

For additional information about CANSA and its services, visit www.cansa.org.za.

Closing Date: 02 October 2026

Reference: SW Durban

Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Employment Type: Permanent

Commencement: October/November 2026