The Free State Department of Education invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for Social Services Professional positions within the Early Childhood Development Directorate based at Head Office in Bloemfontein.
A total of six positions are available under reference number PS4/2026/04. These opportunities are aimed at qualified Social Workers and Social Auxiliary Workers who have experience in community support services, Early Childhood Development programmes, compliance processes, and administrative coordination.
The department is seeking committed professionals who are passionate about supporting children, communities, and Early Childhood Development centres across the province.
Vacancy Details
- Position: Social Services Professional
- Reference Number: PS4/2026/04
- Number of Available Posts: 6 Posts
- Salary: Grade 1: R338 208 per annum (OSD)
The salary notch will be determined according to years of experience obtained after registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a Social Worker.
- Centre: Bloemfontein – Head Office, ECD Directorate
- Closing Date: 04 June 2026
About the Position
The Social Services Professional positions form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Early Childhood Development support systems within the Free State province. The successful candidates will assist with registration processes, subsidy administration, compliance monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and documentation management related to ECD programmes.
The role requires candidates who understand the importance of child development, community engagement, and proper implementation of ECD legislation and policies.
Professionals appointed to these positions will work closely with district officials, ECD centres, NGOs, clinics, schools, and government departments to support the delivery of quality services within the Early Childhood Development sector.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying:
- Appropriate Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Auxiliary Work or Social Work
- Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as:
- Social Worker, or
- Social Auxiliary Worker
- Minimum of two years’ experience in Social Work or Social Auxiliary Work
- Knowledge of Early Childhood Development systems and programmes
- Understanding of ECD legislation and policies
- Knowledge of age-appropriate stimulation and play-based learning
- Understanding of ECD registration requirements
- Knowledge of the ECD subsidy process
- Strong administrative and compliance management skills
- Good documentation and record keeping abilities
- Ability to monitor attendance, incidents, and progress within ECD programmes
- Ability to collaborate with NGOs, schools, clinics, and government departments
- Knowledge of ethical handling of confidential information
Candidates with excellent communication skills, organisational abilities, and community engagement experience may have an added advantage during the recruitment process.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be responsible for providing administrative and compliance support across different Early Childhood Development business processes.
Registration and Compliance Support
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with ECD registration processes
- Processing and organising centre-level documentation
- Monitoring registration applications and compliance requirements
- Identifying incomplete or incorrect application submissions
- Supporting registration readiness activities
Subsidy Support Administration
The appointed candidates will:
- Support ECD subsidy application processes
- Assist with funding documentation management
- Monitor progress of subsidy-related submissions
- Coordinate follow-up processes where required
Digital Records and Data Management
Duties include:
- Uploading and managing ECD programme records on approved platforms
- Maintaining accurate digital filing systems
- Updating district-level ECD information
- Preparing reports and data updates
Stakeholder Coordination
The successful candidates will:
- Liaise with district officials and ECD centres
- Coordinate follow-up visits and engagements
- Communicate with practitioners and field staff
- Support collaboration with community organisations and stakeholders
Site Visit Support
Additional responsibilities include:
- Accompanying provincial or district officials during ECD site visits
- Assisting with document collection processes
- Supporting practitioner engagement during visits
- Assisting with registration and subsidy query resolution
The positions require professionals who are detail-oriented, organised, and capable of handling sensitive information responsibly.
Skills and Competencies
The department is looking for candidates who possess the following competencies:
- Strong administrative skills
- Good interpersonal and communication abilities
- Report writing skills
- Ability to work independently and within teams
- Good organisational and coordination skills
- Knowledge of compliance procedures
- Computer literacy
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Ethical conduct and professionalism
Experience within the education or community development environment may strengthen an application.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted using the latest approved Z83 Application for Employment Form. Older versions of the Z83 form will not be accepted.
The form can be obtained from the Department of Public Service and Administration website or government department webpages.
Applicants must ensure that:
- The Z83 form is fully completed
- Page 2 of the form is signed
- The correct reference number is clearly stated
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae is attached
At the application stage, certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents are not required. These documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates before interviews.
Selection and Verification Process
Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to several screening and verification procedures, including:
- Criminal record checks
- Citizenship verification
- Qualification verification
- Employment verification
- Financial and asset record checks
- Social media profile checks
- Security clearance procedures
Candidates may also be required to:
- Complete competency assessments
- Participate in integrity and ethical conduct assessments
- Perform practical tasks during interviews
Successful candidates will be expected to sign annual performance agreements and disclose financial interests where applicable.
Employment Equity
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The Free State Department of Education remains committed to fair and transparent recruitment processes that promote equal employment opportunities within the public sector.
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted online through the official recruitment portal: https://systems.fshealth.gov.za/e-Recruitment/Login
- Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date to avoid possible delays or technical issues.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Early Childhood Development remains one of the most important foundations for long-term educational success and community development in South Africa. Social service professionals working within ECD programmes play a major role in ensuring that children receive proper care, support, protection, and developmental opportunities.
The available Social Services Professional positions provide an opportunity for qualified professionals to contribute to community upliftment while gaining valuable experience within the public sector.
Professionals with experience in social work, administration, compliance management, and community coordination are encouraged to apply and become part of programmes aimed at strengthening Early Childhood Development services across the Free State province.
Applications close on 04 June 2026.