SOCIAL WORK POLICY MANAGER

This senior policy management position is based at the Provincial Office in Kimberley and forms part of the department’s social work services leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and facilitating the development of policies that govern the rendering of social work services within the department, ensuring that these policies and procedures are current, relevant and aligned with legislative and professional standards. As head of the social work policy unit, the role requires managing the human resources within the unit and ensuring the efficient and effective use of those resources to meet the unit’s mandate. The incumbent will also be expected to keep abreast of new developments in the social work and management fields, and to plan and ensure that social work policy research and development are undertaken. This includes undertaking complex social work research personally and ensuring that all administrative functions required in the unit are performed.

Candidates must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, together with an appropriate formal tertiary qualification in Social Work, such as a Bachelor of Social Work, or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA that permits professional registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. Current registration with the SACSSP is essential. Applicants must also possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license, with the exception of persons with disabilities. A minimum of ten years of appropriate experience in social work after registration as a Social Worker with the SACSSP is required, of which at least five years must be specifically in social work policy development.

The post demands a strong set of competencies, including good communication, report writing, facilitation, co-ordination, liaison, networking, interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills. Diplomacy, 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 as a team player are also critical. The role therefore requires a candidate who can combine high-level policy thinking with operational management.

As this is an Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) graded position, the remuneration is determined according to the OSD system. Applications are only accepted online, and a completed Z83 form and a detailed CV in PDF format must be submitted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to produce certified copies of their qualifications, identity document and driver’s license, as well as proof of SACSSP registration and a certificate of service for recognition of previous experience, before or on the day of the interview. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS members, will undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment, and a technical exercise will be part of the interview process. Selected candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks and security clearance, and the appointment will be subject to a twelve-month probation period. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. If applicants do not hear from the department within three months of the closing date, they should accept that their application was unsuccessful.