The Limpopo Department of Social Development invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for Social Worker Grade 1 vacancies available across Capricorn, Waterberg, Sekhukhune, Mopani, and Vhembe districts. A total of 11 funded vacant posts are available with a salary package of R338 208 per annum at salary level SW-A4. The department is seeking applicants who hold a Bachelor of Social Work qualification recognised by SAQA and current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of human behaviour, social systems, programme management, communication skills, and computer literacy. Designated race groups, females, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the available positions.
Successful candidates will be responsible for rendering social work services aimed at the care, protection, and development of vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities. Duties include conducting specialised assessments, providing counselling services, implementing intervention programmes, maintaining social work records, and contributing to policy development and research. Applications can be submitted online through the Limpopo e-Recruitment portal or hand delivered to the relevant district offices. Applicants must submit a completed and signed Z83 application form together with a detailed CV. The closing date for applications is 22 May 2026, and shortlisted candidates will undergo assessments, security clearance, and vetting processes before appointment.
Position Details
- Position: Social Worker Grade 1
- Number of Available Posts: 11 Posts
- Salary Package: R338 208 per annum
- Salary Level: SW-A4
The Limpopo Department of Social Development has opened applications for Social Worker Grade 1 vacancies across several districts in Limpopo Province. A total of 11 funded vacant posts are available in Capricorn, Waterberg, Sekhukhune, Mopani, and Vhembe districts.
The department is seeking qualified candidates who hold a recognised Bachelor of Social Work qualification and are registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). Successful applicants will be appointed at salary level SW-A4 with an annual salary package of R338 208.
According to the department, the vacancies form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen social support services and improve assistance to vulnerable individuals, groups, families, and communities across the province.
The Limpopo Department of Social Development stated that it is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Designated race groups, females, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the available positions.
Available Vacancies and Centres
The advertised vacancies are distributed across multiple districts and service centres within Limpopo Province.
Capricorn District Vacancies
Two posts are available in Capricorn District:
- Sekutupu Old Age Home – Ref No: DSD/2026/88 (1 Post)
- Lepelle-Nkumpi: Slypsteen Clinic – Ref No: DSD/2026/89 (1 Post)
The successful candidates appointed in Capricorn District will be expected to provide professional social work services to communities requiring intervention, counselling, and developmental support.
Waterberg District Vacancies
Four positions are available in Waterberg District:
- Lephalale-Steenbokpan – Ref No: DSD/2026/90 (1 Post)
- Alma – Ref No: DSD/2026/91 (1 Post)
- Rooiberg – Ref No: DSD/2026/92 (1 Post)
- Thabaleshoba – Ref No: DSD/2026/93 (1 Post)
Waterberg District remains one of the districts with multiple service delivery points requiring social work professionals to assist with community development programmes and intervention services.
Sekhukhune District Vacancies
Two vacancies are available in Sekhukhune District:
- Tubatse-Praktiseer One Stop Centre – Ref No: DSD/2026/94 (1 Post)
- Makhuduthamaga-Schoonoord – Ref No: DSD/2026/95 (1 Post)
The department is expected to prioritise applicants who demonstrate strong communication, coordination, and case management skills.
Mopani District Vacancy
One vacancy is available in Mopani District:
- Giyani Local Office – Ref No: DSD/2026/96 (1 Post)
The Mopani District office in Giyani will require a qualified social worker capable of rendering support services to vulnerable individuals and families within the local communities.
Vhembe District Vacancies
Two positions are available in Vhembe District:
- Tshaulu One Stop Centre – Ref No: DSD/2026/97 (1 Post)
- Mavambe Clinic – Ref No: DSD/2026/98 (1 Post)
The Vhembe District offices are expected to continue focusing on social intervention programmes, counselling support, and developmental services for communities within the district.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants interested in applying for the Social Worker Grade 1 vacancies must meet the minimum requirements listed by the department.
Requirements Include:
- Bachelor of Social Work qualification recognised by SAQA
- Current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
- Valid motor vehicle driver’s licence, except for persons with disabilities
- Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social systems
- Knowledge of programme and project management
- Information and knowledge management skills
- Communication and coordination skills
- Computer literacy
- People management and empowerment skills
Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to intervene in situations where individuals interact with their social environment in order to promote improved well-being and social functioning.
Applicants with experience in counselling, assessments, community development, and case management may have an added advantage during the selection process.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates appointed as Social Worker Grade 1 employees will perform a range of duties related to social work intervention and community support services.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Rendering social work services for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities
- Providing individual counselling and group counselling sessions
- Conducting advanced and specialised assessments
- Identifying conditions affecting clients and recommending relevant interventions
- Implementing intervention plans and continuous support programmes
- Producing and maintaining records of social work interventions and outcomes
- Undertaking social work research and development
- Assisting with policy development and implementation
- Performing administrative functions related to social work services
The department is expected to prioritise candidates who are passionate about community upliftment and capable of handling challenging social circumstances professionally and ethically.
Application Process
Applications for the funded vacant posts are currently open.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online through the Limpopo Department of Social Development e-Recruitment system available at: https://erecruitment.limpopo.gov.za
The department also confirmed that hand-delivered applications will be accepted at the relevant district offices and institutions.
Applicants who previously submitted applications for the re-advertised positions are encouraged to re-apply if they remain interested in the vacancies.
Application Submission Addresses
Head Office, Seshego Treatment Centre, Mavambe Secure Care Centre and Polokwane Welfare Complex
Applications should be directed to:
- Head of Department
- Private Bag X9710
- Polokwane
- 0700
Hand delivery address:
- 21 Biccard Street
- Olympic Towers Building
- Ground Floor
- Office No. 30
Capricorn District and Sekutupu Old Age Home
Applications should be submitted to:
- The District Director
- Private Bag X9709
- Polokwane
- 0700
Hand delivery address:
- 34 Hans Van Rensburg
- Polokwane
Sekhukhune District
Applications should be submitted to:
- The District Director
- Private Bag X80
- Lebowakgomo
- 0737
Hand delivery address:
- Old Parliament Building
- Lebowakgomo
Vhembe District
Applications should be submitted to:
- The District Director
- Private Bag X5040
- Thohoyandou
- 0950
Hand delivery address:
- Thohoyandou Child and Youth Care Centre
- Thohoyandou Block F
- Punda Maria Road
- Thohoyandou
Waterberg District
Applications should be submitted to:
- The District Director
- Private Bag X1051
- Modimolle
- 0510
Hand delivery address:
- Corner Elias Motswaledi and Thabo Mbeki Street
- Modimolle
Mopani District
Applications should be submitted to:
- The District Director
- Private Bag X9689
- Giyani
- 0826
Hand delivery address:
- Department of Social Development
- Unigaza Road
- Giyani Section A
- 0826
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents when applying:
- Fully completed and signed new Z83 application form
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The department stated that certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, driver’s licence, and SACSSP registration certificates are not required during the initial application stage.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of all relevant documents during interviews.
Applicants with foreign qualifications must ensure that their qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and proof of evaluation must be available when requested.
Recruitment and Assessment Process
Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to two pre-entry assessments.
The Assessments Include:
- A practical exercise linked to the duties of the post
- An integrity and ethical conduct assessment in line with the Directive on Human Resource Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation effective from 1 April 2024
Successful candidates will also undergo:
- Security clearance procedures
- Vetting processes before final appointment
The department indicated that all applications must comply with the requirements outlined in the following directives:
- DPSA Circular 19 of 2022
- DPSA Circular 3 of 2025 regarding completion of the Z83 application form
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all sections of the Z83 form are completed correctly to avoid disqualification during the screening process.
Important Information for Applicants
The department reserves the right not to make appointments to the advertised posts.
Additional important information includes:
- Correspondence will only be communicated with shortlisted candidates
- Applicants who do not receive feedback within ninety days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful
- Faxed applications will not be considered
- Recognition of experience on appointment will be considered for Social Service Professions in line with Occupational Specific Dispensation prescripts
Closing Date
- Closing Date: 22 May 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date to avoid delays or disqualification due to late submissions.