INSTITUTIONAL MANAGER: MARCUS MBETHA SECURE CARE CENTRE

This position is a senior management role within the Department of Social Development, based at the Marcus Mbetha Secure Care Centre in Upington. Reporting at institutional level, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall leadership and operational oversight of a secure care facility that accommodates children in conflict with the law. The role is governed by the Child Justice Act, 2008, and the Children’s Act, 2005, requiring the manager to ensure that all programmes, admissions, care practices and rehabilitation services comply with statutory requirements and minimum norms and standards. The manager will oversee the implementation of child justice, residential care, rehabilitation and developmental programmes, while also ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of both children and staff within the facility.

Candidates must hold an appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a Social Worker. A minimum of ten years of recognisable experience in social work after registration is required, including at least five years in a supervisory or middle management capacity. A valid motor vehicle driver’s licence is essential. The role demands a broad range of competencies, including good communication and report writing skills, facilitation, co-ordination, liaison and networking abilities, as well as interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate diplomacy, change and knowledge management, planning and organisation, people and financial management, problem solving, time management, strategic planning and policy analysis.

The core duties include managing the day-to-day operations of the secure care centre, from admission, placement, care, detention, transfer and release of children, to the oversight of social work, psychosocial support, educational, therapeutic and reintegration services. The manager will supervise staff, manage performance and capacity development, and handle human, financial and physical resources. In addition, the post requires strong intersectoral collaboration with government departments and other stakeholders to promote effective child justice administration, family reunification and social reintegration. The incumbent is expected to monitor service delivery, maintain accurate records, compile statutory and management reports, and ensure compliance with governance, risk management, occupational health and safety, and quality assurance requirements.

The post is graded according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation determination, and the appointment is subject to standard public service recruitment processes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an Integrity Assessment. They must also undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, qualifications and employment verification, as well as security clearance. The successful candidate will serve a probation period of twelve months. It is advisable for applicants to ensure their qualifications are evaluated by SAQA if obtained abroad, and certified copies of documents will only be required from shortlisted candidates. All interviews will take place at the Provincial Office in Kimberley. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.