SOCIAL WORK MANAGER: ZWELINTLANGA FATMAN MGCAWU DISTRICT

The Department of Social Development is recruiting a Social Work Manager for the Zwelintlanga Fatman Mgcawu District, stationed at the District Office in Upington. This is a senior professional and managerial post within the social work discipline, graded in line with the Occupation Specific Dispensation, and is responsible for steering the delivery of advanced, specialised social work services across the district. The role focuses on the care, support, protection, development and empowerment of vulnerable individuals, families, groups and communities, and requires a leader capable of responding to complex social conditions and instability through integrated, evidence-informed interventions.

Applicants must hold an appropriate Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker. A minimum of ten years of recognised experience in Social Work after registration with the SACSSP is required, including at least five years at a supervisory or middle management level. A valid motor vehicle driver’s licence is also mandatory. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong competencies in communication, report writing, facilitation, coordination, liaison, networking, interpersonal relations, leadership, analytical thinking, diplomacy, change and knowledge management, planning and organisation, people and financial management, problem solving, time management, teamwork, strategic planning, and policy analysis and development.

The core duties include managing and providing professional leadership to social work personnel, promoting ethical practice, professional accountability and continuous development, while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, policies and departmental priorities. The incumbent will lead the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of social work programmes, aligning them with strategic objectives and ensuring the efficient, economical and effective use of financial, human and other resources. This includes managing the performance and development of staff, workforce planning and deployment, monitoring service quality and programme outcomes, and instituting corrective measures where necessary. The manager will build and maintain strategic partnerships with government departments, non-governmental organisations, professional bodies, community structures and other stakeholders to strengthen integrated welfare service delivery. Staying abreast of developments in social work, social welfare, policy and management is essential, as is providing authoritative professional and managerial advice to senior management on practice, programme performance, service standards, professional governance and emerging challenges. Administrative, financial, reporting, risk-management and compliance functions within the area of responsibility also fall under this role.

Candidates should note that this is an OSD-graded position, and only online applications are accepted via the link provided in the advertisement. A completed Z83 form and a detailed CV in PDF format must be submitted. Shortlisted candidates will need to produce certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, driver’s licences, proof of SACSSP registration and certificates of service for experience recognition. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments, namely a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and may also be subjected to personnel suitability checks, security clearance and a twelve-month probation period. Misrepresentation in application documents will result in automatic disqualification, and the department reserves the right not to fill the post. Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful.