ASSISTANT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONER GRADE 1

This position of Assistant Community Development Practitioner Grade 1 is based at the Dimbaza Service Delivery Centre within the Buffalo City Metro, operating under the provincial Department of Social Development. The role is an entry-level professional post within the community development occupational stream, graded according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) framework, and forms part of the broader effort to strengthen grassroots engagement with communities in the Amathole district. The successful candidate will work as part of a team that supports local communities, vulnerable groups, and funded projects, with a strong emphasis on understanding social dynamics and facilitating access to government services.

To be considered for this role, applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification. While no specific prior experience is mandatory, any appropriate and recognisable experience gained after obtaining the required educational qualification will be taken into account during selection. This means that candidates who have worked in community settings, volunteer programmes, or related fields after completing their schooling may have an advantage. A key condition of employment is that candidates who do not already possess a valid driver’s licence must submit proof of having obtained one within six months of assuming duty. The role demands a range of competencies, including strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with people and community structures, as well as genuine compassion for individuals in need and vulnerable groups. A solid understanding of social dynamics and basic knowledge of community development principles is essential, alongside a clear passion for community work and a willingness to learn. Communication skills are critical, and familiarity with the local language and culture of the Dimbaza area is highly desirable. While not mandatory, computer literacy and inventory management skills are considered added advantages that could support the administrative aspects of the job.

The core duties of this position revolve around direct community engagement and support. The practitioner will be responsible for conducting community and household profiling to gather data on local conditions, needs, and resources. They will assist communities in navigating and accessing the various services offered by government departments, acting as a bridge between residents and public programmes. This involves attending community meetings and imbizos to collect information on community needs and to provide input for integrated planning processes. Additionally, the role includes assisting with the maintenance and support of funded community projects, ensuring that these initiatives remain viable and aligned with community priorities. The work requires regular travel within the service delivery area and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing social issues.

This vacancy is subject to an employment equity target, specifically for African Male candidates, as part of the department’s transformation objectives. The post is advertised through the provincial e-recruitment system, and all applications must be submitted online before the closing date. Enquiries regarding the position can be directed to the specified contact persons for the Amathole, Sarah Baartman, and OR Tambo regions, though the primary location is Dimbaza. Technical support for the e-recruitment platform is available during working hours, and applicants should note that any applications sent via email to the technical support address will be considered lost and will not be processed. This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the role, its requirements, and the context within the Department of Social Development, ensuring that prospective applicants understand both the responsibilities and the conditions attached to this community-focused position.