SOCIAL WORK POLICY DEVELOPER SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION

This position is for a seasoned social work professional to serve as a Social Work Policy Developer within the Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation directorate at the Provincial Office. The role sits at the intersection of policy design, programme implementation, and service transformation, with a particular focus on substance abuse services. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping responsive programmes and policies that address the full continuum of substance abuse care, from prevention through treatment to rehabilitation. This is an OSD-graded position, reflecting its senior professional status within the public service.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in social work and have at least eight years of appropriate experience in social work, gained after registration as a social worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). The role requires a valid driver’s licence and a willingness to travel, as the work involves engagement with funded organisations, service centres, and stakeholders across the province. In addition, the post demands specialised knowledge of the field of disability, the Social Development system, the Public Financial Management Act, and relevant financial management policies and practices. Strong competencies in public service legislation and policy, report writing, presentation, and computer literacy in Excel and PowerPoint are essential. The ability to work under pressure and to communicate effectively and interpersonally is also critical, given the need to liaise with multiple partners and manage competing priorities.

In terms of duties, the incumbent will assist in developing responsive programmes and policies for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, ensuring they are aligned with legislative prescripts and national norms and standards. The role also involves facilitating the implementation of these programmes at provincial level, supporting organisations and centres through the funding process, and monitoring their compliance with applicable regulations. Another key responsibility is facilitating the transformation of substance abuse services, ensuring that programmes remain inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all communities, including persons with disabilities. The position also carries supervisory responsibilities, specifically evaluating and monitoring the performance and appraisal of employees within the directoratechen. This requires a blend of technical policy knowledge, financial acumen, and people management skills. The post is based at the Provincial Office and forms part of the broader efforts of the Department of Social Development to strengthen substance abuse interventions and improve outcomes for affected individuals and families. Applicants should be prepared to work across multiple programme areas and to travel as the job demands. Interested candidates must ensure they meet the registration and experience requirements, as verification with SACSSP is expected. This is a demanding but impactful role for an experienced social worker who is ready to contribute at a strategic level to provincial substance abuse policy and service delivery.