INSTITUTIONAL MANAGER: MOLEHE MAMPE SECURE CARE CENTRE

This position provides strategic and operational leadership for the Molehe Mampe Secure Care Centre in Kimberley, a facility that houses children in conflict with the law. The Institutional Manager has overall responsibility for ensuring that the centre operates in full compliance with the Child Justice Act, the Children’s Act, and the applicable minimum norms and standards. The role is a senior management post, graded in line with the Occupation Specific Dispensation for social service professionals, and it calls for a seasoned social work leader able to balance child justice imperatives with robust administrative oversight. The post sits within the provincial Department of Social Development and requires close collaboration with other government departments, courts, and community stakeholders so that children in the centre receive appropriate care, rehabilitation, education, therapeutic support, and preparation for reintegration into their families and communities.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at NQF Level 7 and be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a Social Worker. In addition, the successful candidate must have at least ten years of recognisable experience in social work after registration, including at least five years at supervisory or middle management level. A valid motor vehicle driver’s licence is also required, along with a broad set of competencies. These include strong communication and report-writing skills, facilitation, coordination, liaison and networking abilities, as well as leadership, analytical, and diplomatic skills. The role demands strategic planning, policy analysis and development, change and knowledge management, people and financial management, problem-solving, planning and organising, time management, and the capacity to work as a team player while maintaining a firm focus on the well-being of children and staff.

The duties are comprehensive and centre-focused. The manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the secure care centre, manage the implementation of child justice, residential care, rehabilitation and developmental programmes, and ensure statutory compliance around the admission, placement, care, detention, transfer and release of children. The role involves overseeing social work, psychosocial support, educational, therapeutic and reintegration services, and maintaining the safety, security, protection and well-being of children and staff. Human, financial and physical resource management is a key component, including staff supervision, performance management, and capacity development. The manager will also drive intersectoral collaboration with relevant government departments and stakeholders to promote effective administration of child justice, family reunification and social reintegration. Service delivery must be monitored through accurate records, statutory and management reports, and attention to governance, risk management, occupational health and safety, and quality assurance requirements.

Shortlisted candidates should note the pre-employment processes involved. All shortlisted applicants, including those at SMS level, will be required to complete two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise testing technical elements of the job and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment. A personnel suitability check covering criminal records, citizenship, qualifications and previous employment, as well as security clearance, will also be conducted. Successful candidates will serve a probation period of twelve months. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applications must be submitted online with a completed Z83 form and detailed CV. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and certification of experience will be required from shortlisted candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill the post. Interviews will take place at the Provincial Office in Kimberley.