COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTPRACTITIONERGR1X9

The Department of Social Development is advertising nine vacancies for Community Development Practitioner, Grade 1, within its Chief Directorate: Districts and Institutional Support Management. These posts are placed under the Directorate: Districts and Service Points and offer an opportunity to make a direct impact at ward level across the North West province. The positions are geographically spread, with locations at Kagisano Molopo and Mamusa in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Kgetleng, Madibeng and Moretele in the Bojanala District, and Tswaing and Ratlou service points in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Appointed candidates will be employees of the provincial Department of Social Development and will work within a structured, OSD-graded career path, with the associated salary progression and job grading determinations applicable to this occupational class.

The core purpose of the role is to implement legislation, policies and community development programmes that assist interventions in wards where people interact with their environments, ultimately promoting self-empowerment. The practitioner is expected to understand human behaviour and social systems, as well as community dynamics, in order to effectively support vulnerable communities. A key responsibility is to liaise and interact with various community development structures, facilitating collaboration and establishing partnerships that ensure the sustainability of development actions within the community. This involves significant networking and the ability to convene stakeholders, build relationships, and strengthen community-based initiatives. In addition, the practitioner must keep abreast of new developments in the community development field to enhance service delivery, applying current research and best practice to their daily work. The role also encompasses a broader administrative and managerial dimension, including planning and organising, project management, team leadership, people management, conflict management and financial management, all within the context of community development.

To be considered for the position, applicants must hold Grade 12 and a three-year relevant qualification in Community Development, Development Studies or a Social Science discipline. Computer literacy is essential, as is a valid driver’s licence, since the role requires movement between communities, service points and district offices. The department is looking for individuals with demonstrated competencies in community development research, understanding community development legislation, and knowledge of policies and legislative mandates related to community development. Strong written and verbal communication skills, networking skills, and the ability to manage projects and teams are all required. The successful candidate will also need to show sound financial management abilities and a proactive approach to staying informed of new developments affecting the field. These posts provide a meaningful career opportunity for those passionate about community empowerment and sustainable development, while forming part of a provincial team dedicated to improving social outcomes.