Department of Social Development Hiring Social Workers and Social Auxiliary Workers

The Department of Social Development invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for various vacancies available within the Western Cape Government. These employment opportunities are available across multiple locations in the province and include positions in social work supervision, social work services, and community support services.

Successful candidates will contribute towards the care, protection, support, and development of vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities. The available positions provide opportunities for both experienced professionals and entry-level applicants seeking careers in the social development sector.

Various social work and community support vacancies are available within the Department of Social Development, Western Cape Government.

• Social Work Supervisor: Service Delivery Teams
• Social Worker: Social Work Services
• Social Auxiliary Worker: Social Work Services

AVAILABLE VACANCIES

SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR: SERVICE DELIVERY TEAMS
Reference Number: DSD 26/2026
Salary: R496 668 – R583 833 per annum
Location: Prins Albert, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 27/2026
Salary: R496 668 – R583 833 per annum
Location: Athlone, Western Cape


SOCIAL WORKER: SOCIAL WORK SERVICES

Reference Number: DSD 31/2026
Location: Athlone, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 32/2026
Location: Swellendam, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 33/2026
Location: Laingsburg, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 34/2026
Location: Khayelitsha, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 35/2026
Location: Hessequa, Western Cape

Salary

  • Grade 1: R338 208 – R397 668 per annum
  • Grade 2: R413 004 – R478 395 per annum
  • Grade 3: R496 668 – R583 833 per annum
  • Grade 4: R608 859 – R754 785 per annum


SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKER: SOCIAL WORK SERVICES

Reference Number: DSD 28/2026
Location: Khayelitsha, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 29/2026
Location: Laingsburg, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 30/2026
Location: Swellendam, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 36/2026
Location: Athlone, Western Cape

Reference Number: DSD 37/2026
Location: Hessequa, Western Cape

Salary

  • Grade 1: R200 691 – R227 145 per annum
  • Grade 2: R236 385 – R269 742 per annum
  • Grade 3: R280 809 – R353 016 per annum

Requirements and Duties

SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR: SERVICE DELIVERY TEAMS

Requirements

  • A 4-year tertiary qualification in Social Work (degree/diploma)
  • Registration and current registration with SACSSP
  • Minimum of 7 years’ appropriate experience after registration as a Social Worker
  • Knowledge of social work legislation, assessment tools, and evaluation methods
  • Knowledge of Personnel Management and Supervision Framework for Social Workers
  • Computer literacy, report writing, and communication skills
  • Planning, leadership, facilitation, and analytical skills

Duties

  • Ensure social work services are rendered to vulnerable individuals, groups, families, and communities
  • Supervise employees involved in social work functions
  • Conduct assessments and identify intervention strategies
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions
  • Provide support, counselling, guidance, and advice to supervisees
  • Compile reports and attend court inquiries when required
  • Interpret and apply legislation and policies
  • Ensure compliance with operating procedures and sector standards
  • Maintain records of interventions, processes, and outcomes

SOCIAL WORKER: SOCIAL WORK SERVICES

Requirements

  • Bachelor of Social Work qualification
  • Registration with SACSSP as a Social Worker
  • Valid Code B driving licence
  • Knowledge of social work theory and interventions
  • Knowledge of legislation, policies, and social welfare standards
  • Communication, planning, and problem-solving skills
  • Computer literacy and report-writing skills
  • Ability to support vulnerable individuals and communities

Duties

  • Render social work services to individuals, groups, families, and communities
  • Conduct casework, group work, and community work
  • Support vulnerable individuals and families
  • Address matters relating to social instability
  • Supervise and support Social Auxiliary Workers
  • Keep up to date with developments in the social welfare field
  • Perform administrative and reporting duties

SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKER: SOCIAL WORK SERVICES

Requirements

  • Grade 10 qualification
  • Completion of Social Auxiliary Work learnership
  • Registration with SACSSP as a Social Auxiliary Worker
  • Valid Code B driving licence
  • Knowledge of human behaviour and social issues
  • Understanding of social welfare services and legislation
  • Communication, recordkeeping, and administrative skills
  • Knowledge of professional ethics and protocols

Duties

  • Assist Social Workers with service delivery
  • Support vulnerable individuals, groups, families, and communities
  • Provide administrative support functions
  • Maintain accurate reports and records
  • Participate in continuous professional development
  • Assist with matters relating to social instability

CLOSING DATE

The closing date for applications is 15 June 2026. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit the official Western Cape Government recruitment portal at https://westerncapegov.erecruit.co or http://www.westerncape.gov.za/jobs. Search for the preferred position using the job title or reference number, complete the online application form, and upload all required supporting documents before the closing date.

Applications for the Department of Social Development vacancies must be submitted online only. Supporting documents may include an updated CV, certified copies of qualifications, Identity Document, driver’s licence where applicable, and proof of SACSSP registration for Social Work and Social Auxiliary Work positions.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, document verification, criminal record vetting, and pre-entry assessments. The recruitment process may include practical exercises and integrity assessments to determine suitability for the position.

NOTE

Only online applications submitted through the official Western Cape Government recruitment portal will be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date to avoid possible technical issues during the final submission process. Late applications will not be considered.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend interviews and submit documents for verification purposes. The selection process may include criminal record vetting, practical assessments, integrity assessments, and employment reference checks. Providing incorrect or incomplete information may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

Share this job