SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR: GRADE 1-2 (X11 POSTS)

This advertised vacancy is for Social Work Supervisor Grade 1-2, with eleven posts available within the Northern Cape Department of Social Development. These supervisory roles are spread across several district offices and service points, including Frances Baard District in Kimberley, Warrenton, and the Sol-Plaatje Municipality; John Taolo Gaetsewe District in Kuruman, Gasegonyana, and Joe Morolong; Namakwa District in Springbok and Port Nolloth; Pixley ka Seme District in De Aar; and Zwelintanga Fatman Mgcawu District in Upington. Successful applicants will be placed within probation services or municipal social work units, depending on the specific post, and the positions are graded according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for social work practitioners.

To be considered, candidates must hold an appropriate Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and be currently registered with the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker. A minimum of eight years of appropriate experience in social work is required, along with a valid motor vehicle driver’s licence. The role demands well-developed computer skills, strong interpersonal and communication abilities, report writing proficiency, and sound management and evaluation skills. Applicants should also have knowledge of the supervision model used within the social work sector, familiarity with relevant social work programmes, and an in-depth understanding of the social work service delivery model. People management and empowerment competencies are essential for guiding staff and supporting community development.

The core duties of the position are wide-ranging and include rendering comprehensive social work services aimed at the care, support, protection, empowerment and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities. This involves identifying, assessing and responding to social conditions that may cause or result from social instability or dysfunction, and facilitating appropriate interventions, referrals and linkages with relevant stakeholders. A key responsibility is providing professional supervision, guidance, advice and support to social workers, social auxiliary workers and volunteers, ensuring that service delivery is effective, ethical, accountable and aligned with legislation, policies, professional standards, departmental directives and best practice. The supervisor must also keep abreast of emerging trends, research, policies and legislation in the social welfare field and apply these developments to improve service delivery. Administrative and operational oversight forms another central part of the role, including planning, record management, reporting, monitoring, quality assurance and compliance, as well as higher-level administrative functions. The position also requires coordinating social work interventions and resources within the unit, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary service delivery, and contributing to departmental priorities and social development outcomes.

Applicants should note that this is a government post with specific application conditions. Only online applications will be accepted, and applicants must submit a completed Z83 form and a detailed curriculum vitae in PDF format. Shortlisted candidates will need to produce certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, driver’s licences, proof of SACSSP registration, and certificates of service for recognition of previous experience before or on the day of the interview. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). All shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment, along with a technical exercise relevant to the job. Selected candidates will also be subject to personnel suitability checks, security clearance processes, and a twelve-month probation period. Any misrepresentation in application documents will lead to automatic disqualification, and the department reserves the right not to fill any or all of the advertised posts. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.