Department of Social Development Vacancies 2026 | Apply for 25 Social Worker and Supervisor Posts

Eastern Cape Social Development

The Department of Social Development invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for Social Worker Grade 1 and Social Work Supervisor Grade 1 vacancies available across various districts in the Eastern Cape. These permanent government positions provide an opportunity for qualified social work professionals to contribute to the care, protection, and development of vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities while building a rewarding career in the public service.

The Department is seeking dedicated professionals who are committed to delivering quality social work services, promoting social well-being, supporting community development, and protecting vulnerable members of society. Successful candidates will work closely with communities, government stakeholders, Social Auxiliary Workers, volunteers, and other service providers to ensure effective social development programmes are implemented across the province.

Available Positions:

  • Positions:
    • Social Worker Grade 1 (17 Posts)
    • Social Work Supervisor Grade 1 (8 Posts)
  • Salary:
    • Social Worker Grade 1: R338,208 – R397,668 per annum (OSD)
    • Social Work Supervisor Grade 1: R496,668 – R583,833 per annum
  • Location:
    • Eastern Cape, South Africa
  • Closing Date:
    • 10 July 2026

Eligible applicants who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit their applications through the Eastern Cape Provincial Government e-Recruitment System before the closing date. Candidates should carefully review the requirements, reference numbers, and preferred locations before applying to ensure that applications are submitted for the correct vacancies.

  • Position: Social Worker Grade 1 (17 Posts)
  • Salary: R338,208 – R397,668 per annum (OSD)
Locations and Reference Numbers
  • Alfred Nzo District
    • Matatiele Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 18/06/2026 (2 Posts)
    • Ntabankulu Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 19/06/2026
    • Umzimvubu Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 20/06/2026
  • Amathole District
    • Middledrift Service Delivery Point – Ref No: DSD 21/06/2026
  • Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
    • East London Service Office – Ref No: DSD 22/06/2026
  • Chris Hani District
    • Cofimvaba – Ref No: DSD 23/06/2026
  • Joe Gqabi District
    • Barkly East – Ref No: DSD 24/06/2026
  • Nelson Mandela Metro
    • Protea Place of Safety – Ref No: DSD 25/06/2026
    • Stepping Stone Youth Justice Centre – Ref No: DSD 26/06/2026
    • Walmer Service Office – Ref No: DSD 27/06/2026
    • Ibhayi Service Office – Ref No: DSD 28/06/2026
    • Motherwell Service Office – Ref No: DSD 29/06/2026
  • Sarah Baartman District
    • Jansenville Service Delivery Point – Ref No: DSD 30/06/2026
    • Joubertina Service Office – Ref No: DSD 31/06/2026
    • Ndlambe Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 32/06/2026
    • Koukamma Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 33/06/2026
Requirements
  • Standard 10/Grade 12 plus a Degree in Social Work.
  • Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Profession (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.
  • A valid South African driver’s licence is a prerequisite.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Appropriate/recognisable Social Work experience after registration with the SACSSP as a Social Worker will be considered for appointment.

Competencies

  • Skills to challenge structural sources of poverty, inequality, oppression, discrimination and exclusion.
  • Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social systems, and skills to intervene at the points where people interact with their environments in order to promote social well-being.
  • Ability and competence to assist, develop, advocate for, and empower individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities to enhance their social functioning and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to promote, restore, maintain, advocate for and enhance the functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities by enabling them to accomplish tasks, prevent and alleviate distress, and use resources effectively.
  • Understanding and ability to provide social work services towards protecting people who are vulnerable, at risk and unable to protect themselves.
  • Ability to mentor and coach Social Auxiliary Workers.
Duties
  • Render a social work service with regard to the care, support, protection and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities through the relevant programmes.
  • Support Social Auxiliary Workers and Volunteers.
  • Keep up to date with new developments in the Social Work and Social Welfare fields.
  • Perform all the administrative functions required.

  • Position: Social Work Supervisor Grade 1 (8 Posts)
  • Salary: R496,668 – R583,833 per annum
Location

Applications are invited for Social Work Supervisor Grade 1 vacancies at the following service offices in the Eastern Cape:

  • Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality: Mdantsane 2, KuGompo (Ref No: DSD 10/06/2026)
  • Chris Hani District: Indwe Service Office (Ref No: DSD 11/06/2026)
  • Chris Hani District: Hofmeyer Service Office (Ref No: DSD 12/06/2026)
  • Chris Hani District: Cala Service Office (Ref No: DSD 13/06/2026)
  • Joe Gqabi District: Ugie Service Delivery Point (Ref No: DSD 14/06/2026)
  • Joe Gqabi District: Burgersdorp (Ref No: DSD 15/06/2026)
  • OR Tambo District: Nyandeni Local Service Office (Ref No: DSD 16/06/2026)
  • OR Tambo District: Tsolo Service Delivery Point (Ref No: DSD 17/06/2026)
Requirements
  • National Senior Certificate plus a Bachelor of Social Work.
  • Latest proof of registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.
  • A minimum of seven (7) years appropriate experience in Social Work after registration and practice as a Social Worker.
  • Computer literacy.
  • A valid South African driver’s licence.
  • Appropriate/recognisable Social Work experience after registration with the SACSSP as a Social Worker will be considered for appointment.

Competencies

  • Leadership and understanding of the new Social Welfare paradigm, policies, legislation and regulations that underpin the delivery of Social Development services in NPOs, CBOs and FBOs.
  • Understanding of Service Level Agreements and the ability to communicate these to appropriate stakeholders.
  • Project management, research and analytical skills.
  • Ability to monitor and evaluate the impact of service delivery.
  • Planning and organising skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and display initiative.
  • Understanding of public sector transformation and equity issues.
  • Presentation and facilitation skills, including sound report-writing abilities.
  • Financial and Supply Chain Management knowledge.
  • Experience in community involvement.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
Duties
  • Be responsible for crime prevention programmes for young persons at risk in and out of school.
  • Assist Probation Officers in the implementation of diversion programmes by gathering information for report writing and life skills programmes.
  • Provide home-based supervision of young persons who are awaiting trial in the community rather than in prisons or residential care facilities.
  • Provide supervision services to young people placed by the court under community service and probation supervision orders.
  • Be responsible for family finding or tracing where necessary.
Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 10 July 2026. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the Eastern Cape Provincial Government e-Recruitment System, which is available at https://ecprov.gov.za or https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za. The online recruitment system is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and applications close at 23:59 on the closing date. Hand-delivered, emailed, faxed, or posted applications will not be accepted.

Applicants experiencing technical problems with the e-Recruitment System should send an email to recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za. The email must include the applicant’s ID number, profile email address, and a detailed description of the technical issue. This email address is strictly for technical support and must not be used to submit applications or CVs, as applications sent via email will be regarded as lost and will not be considered. Technical support is available during working hours only, from 08:00 to 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 to 16:00 on Fridays.

Important Information

Applications must be submitted using the New Z83 Application Form, effective from 1 January 2021. Applicants using the e-Recruitment System will have the Z83 form generated automatically after selecting the Apply option. At the application stage, only a completed Z83 form and a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) are required. Copies of qualifications and supporting documents should not be submitted with the initial application.

The Z83 form generated by the e-Recruitment System does not currently allow for an electronic signature. Applicants will therefore not be disqualified for submitting an unsigned Z83 through the online system and will instead be required to sign the form on or before the interview date. Applicants can view all submitted applications under the “My Job Applications” section of the e-Recruitment portal. Although the generated Z83 form does not display qualifications and work experience, this information is captured and accessible to the recruitment team.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and all other relevant supporting documents before or on the interview date. Non-South African citizens and permanent residence permit holders must also provide a certified copy of their Permanent Residence Permit. Failure to submit the required documents will result in disqualification.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no communication is received within six months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.

Successful shortlisted candidates will undergo several verification processes, including criminal record checks, citizenship verification, financial and asset record checks, qualification verification, and previous employment verification. All shortlisted candidates, including members of the Senior Management Service (SMS), will complete two pre-entry assessments consisting of a practical assessment to evaluate technical and generic competencies and an integrity assessment focusing on ethical conduct.

Candidates applying for SMS positions will also complete a technical exercise and interview. Following these assessments, a maximum of three shortlisted SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to evaluate cognitive ability, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. Successful candidates will be appointed subject to a probation period of 12 to 24 months.

The Department is committed to Employment Equity and will implement affirmative action measures in accordance with its Employment Equity Plan to achieve equitable representation across race and gender. Applications are welcomed from all racial groups. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and should indicate this in their applications where applicable.

The Department reserves the right to amend, review, or withdraw any advertised post should it be in the best interests of the Department. Any form of misrepresentation in application documents will lead to automatic disqualification or disciplinary action if the applicant has already been appointed. Applicants for SMS positions must submit a Nyukela (SMS Pre-entry Programme) Certificate before appointment.

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