The Department of Social Development invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for several employment opportunities across districts in the Free State. The vacancies include Social Work Manager, Social Work Supervisor, Community Development Supervisor and Social Worker positions.
Candidates from designated groups, particularly women and people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply in line with the department’s employment equity objectives. Applicants must carefully follow the application instructions for the specific district and post being applied for.
The closing date for applications is 18 September 2026.
Available Positions
- Social Work Manager Grade 1 – 2 Posts
- Social Work Supervisor Grade 1 – 7 Posts
- Community Development Supervisor Grade 1 – 9 Posts
- Social Worker Grade 1 – 5 Posts
Total: 23 advertised posts
Interested and suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the available positions within the Department of Social Development. Applicants should carefully review the requirements for the position of interest and ensure that the relevant qualifications, experience and registration requirements are met before submitting an application.
Candidates are encouraged to submit a fully completed and signed Z83 application form together with an updated, comprehensive CV. A separate Z83 form must be completed for each position applied for, with the correct post title and reference number clearly indicated. The closing date for applications is 18 September 2026.
1. Social Work Manager Grade 1 – 2 Posts
Reference: DSDFS 50/26
Salary: R1,009,512 per annum, all-inclusive remuneration package
Location: Fezile Dabi District
Requirements
Applicants must have a Grade 12 qualification together with an appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work recognised by SAQA.
Candidates must have current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.
A minimum of 10 years of appropriate or recognisable experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with SACSSP is required.
Applicants must also have a valid motor vehicle driver’s licence.
Key competencies
The position requires strong communication, report writing, facilitation, coordination and liaison skills. Candidates should also demonstrate networking, interpersonal, leadership, analytical and diplomatic abilities.
Additional competencies include change and knowledge management, planning and organisation, people management, financial management, problem-solving, time management, strategic planning, policy analysis and development, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Duties
The successful candidate will provide highly advanced and specialised social work services within a defined area or specialisation. The work will focus on the care, support, protection and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities through relevant social development programmes.
The position involves working with stakeholders and attending to matters that may contribute to or result from social instability.
Responsibilities also include facilitating the development and planning of programmes and interventions while ensuring efficient, economical and effective use of financial resources.
The successful candidate will manage a social work unit and ensure that effective social work services are delivered through proper utilisation of human resources.
Other responsibilities include keeping up to date with developments in social work and management, as well as ensuring that all administrative and financial functions required within the unit are properly performed.
Enquiries: Fezile Dabi – Ms M. Martins: 083 443 8343
2. Social Work Supervisor Grade 1 – 7 Posts
Salary: R496,668 per annum
Level: Grade 1
Available positions
Mangaung Metro – 2 Posts
- Botshabelo Office – Ref No: DSDFS 51/26
- Tshepong Victim Empowerment Center – Ref No: DSDFS 52/26
Lejweleputswa District – 2 Posts
- Welkom Office – Ref No: DSDFS 53/26
Fezile Dabi District – 2 Posts
- Kroonstad Office – Ref No: DSDFS 54/26
- Sasolburg Office – Ref No: DSDFS 55/26
Xhariep District – 1 Post
- Jagersfontein Office – Ref No: DSDFS 56/26
Requirements
Applicants must have Grade 12 and an appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work recognised by SAQA.
Current registration with SACSSP as a Social Worker is required.
Candidates must have at least seven years of social work experience after registration with SACSSP.
A valid motor vehicle driver’s licence is also required.
Knowledge and skills
Candidates should have computer, interpersonal, communication and report writing skills. Knowledge of management and evaluation, supervision models within the social services sector, relevant social work programmes and the social work service delivery model is required.
The position also requires knowledge of people management and empowerment.
Duties
The successful candidate will ensure that social work services are provided for the care, support, protection and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities.
Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with applicable norms and standards and ensuring that social workers comply with SACSSP requirements.
The successful candidate will supervise, mentor, coach and advise social workers, social auxiliary workers and social work students.
Other duties include coordinating and managing programmes, supporting the transformation of social welfare services, managing the sub-unit and providing psychosocial support and counselling to clients.
The position also involves monitoring and evaluating non-profit organisations and providing administrative, educational and supportive functions.
Enquiries:
- Mangaung Metro: Ms V. Morake – 083 443 9072
- Lejweleputswa: Ms N. Mokoena – 066 485 9672
- Fezile Dabi: Ms M. Martins – 083 443 8343
- Xhariep: Ms AT. Maswime – 083 302 6363
3. Community Development Supervisor Grade 1 – 9 Posts
Salary: R471,330 per annum
Available positions
Mangaung Metro – 3 Posts
- Bloemfontein Office – 2 Posts – Ref No: DSDFS 57/26
- Botshabelo Office – 1 Post – Ref No: DSDFS 58/26
Thabo Mofutsanyana District – 2 Posts
- Bethlehem Office – 1 Post – Ref No: DSDFS 59/26
- Qwaqwa Office – 1 Post – Ref No: DSDFS 60/26
Lejweleputswa District
- Welkom Office – 2 Posts – Ref No: DSDFS 61/26
Fezile Dabi District
- Frankfort Office – 1 Post – Ref No: DSDS 62/26
Xhariep District
- 1 Post – Ref No: DSDFS 63/26
Requirements
Applicants must have Grade 12 together with an appropriate three-year tertiary degree at NQF Level 7, recognised by SAQA, in Community Development, Bachelor of Social Science (Human and Societal Dynamics), or an equivalent qualification.
A minimum of seven years of recognisable experience in Community Development after obtaining the required qualification is required.
Candidates should have knowledge, skills, attitudes and values relevant to community development and social development.
Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, social systems and relevant legislation are required to support interventions where individuals interact with their environments.
Candidates must be able to coordinate community development structures and manage projects. The ability to influence individuals and groups to participate in self-empowerment initiatives is also required.
Additional requirements include understanding of social dynamics, presentation skills, problem-solving skills, computer skills, written and verbal communication skills, research and report writing skills, financial management and supervisory skills.
A valid driver’s licence is required.
Duties
The successful candidate will supervise the identification, facilitation and implementation of integrated community development interventions in partnership with communities and relevant stakeholders.
Responsibilities include supporting community development practitioners and resolving operational problems.
The position requires coordination and communication with internal and external stakeholders, including government departments, provinces, non-governmental organisations, community structures and faith-based organisations.
The successful candidate will support intersectoral collaboration, integrated planning and partnerships aimed at ensuring sustainable development activities within communities.
Other responsibilities include supervising, mentoring, coaching and advising community development practitioners, managing the sub-unit, monitoring and evaluating non-profit organisations and providing administrative, educational and supportive functions.
Enquiries:
- Mangaung Metro: Ms M. Phori – 071 864 5734
- Thabo Mofutsanyana: Ms P. Litabe – 066 486 6749
- Lejweleputswa: Mr R. Maleme – 071 853 8481
- Fezile Dabi: Ms M. Martins – 083 443 8343
- Xhariep: Ms M. Ramainoane – 071 864 5643
4. Social Worker Grade 1 – 5 Posts
Salary: R338,208 per annum
Available positions
Thabo Mofutsanyana District
- FDC Office – 2 Posts – Ref No: DSDFS 64/26
Xhariep District
- Smithfield Office – Ref No: DSDFS 65/26
- Koffiefontein Office – Ref No: DSDFS 66/26
Fezile Dabi District
- Frankfort Office – Ref No: DSD 67/26
Requirements
Applicants must have Grade 12 and an appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at NQF Level 7, recognised by SAQA.
Current registration with SACSSP is required.
Applicants must also have a valid driver’s licence.
Duties
The successful candidate will provide social work services relating to the care, support, protection and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities through relevant programmes.
The position also involves attending to matters that may contribute to or result from social instability.
Social Workers will support social auxiliary workers and volunteers and remain up to date with developments in social work and social welfare.
All administrative functions associated with the position must also be performed.
How to Apply
Applications for the Department of Social Development must be submitted using the new Z83 application form effective from 1 January 2021.
Applicants must submit a fully completed and signed Z83 form together with a detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of qualifications, identification documents, driver’s licences and other supporting documents are not required at the initial application stage. These documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates.
The old Z83 form must not be used. Failure to use the correct Z83 form may result in disqualification.
Each advertised post must have its own application form. The relevant post title and reference number must be clearly indicated on the Z83 form.
Sections A, B, C and D of the Z83 must be completed in full. Where space is limited in Sections E, F and G, applicants may indicate “refer to CV” or “see attached”. However, questions relating to conditions that could prevent re-appointment must be answered, and the declaration must be signed.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents to Human Resources on or before the interview date.
Applicants with foreign qualifications must provide an evaluation certificate from SAQA on or before the interview date.
Application Addresses
Mangaung Metro
Applications quoting the relevant reference number may be sent to:
Department of Social Development
P.O. Box 695
Bloemfontein
9300
Alternatively, applications may be hand delivered to:
Department of Social Development
Tshireletsong Bloemfontein Office
30497 Tsoai Street
Batho Location
Email: [email protected]
Lejweleputswa
Department of Social Development
Macholo Building
05 Elizabeth Street
Welkom
9460
Email: [email protected]
Thabo Mofutsanyana
Department of Social Development
Corner of Moremoholo & Setai Street
Old FDC Building
Setsing
9870
Email: [email protected]
Fezile Dabi District
Department of Social Development
P.O. Box 1122
Kroonstad
9595
Alternatively, hand deliver to:
Department of Social Development
KGI Building
20 Cross Street
Kroonstad
Email: [email protected]
Xhariep District
Department of Social Development
15 Dawid Street
Trompsburg
9913
Email: [email protected]
Important Application Information
The closing date is 18 September 2026.
Applicants should ensure that the correct reference number is clearly stated and that a separate Z83 is completed for each post applied for.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted 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 verification, study verification and previous employment verification.
Successful candidates may also be subjected to security clearance processes.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete two pre-entry assessments. One assessment will involve a practical exercise designed to determine suitability for the technical and generic requirements of the position. The second assessment will assess integrity and ethical conduct.
Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of 12 to 24 months.
Misrepresentation in application documents may result in automatic disqualification and disciplinary action if the candidate has already been appointed.
The Department of Social Development is also implementing employment equity and affirmative action measures. Women and people with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply and should indicate their status in the application.
Interested candidates should carefully review the requirements for the specific position before submitting an application and ensure that the correct Z83 form, reference number, detailed CV and application address are used.
Closing Date: 18 September 2026