SOCIAL WORKER GRADE 1 TO 4 (X2 POSTS)

These two Social Worker Grade 1 to 4 posts are located within Metro Health Services in the Western Cape, offering experienced and entry-level practitioners the chance to join either the Mental Health Roving Team (ACT) based at KESS or the Nomzamo Community Day Centre in Khayelitsha, within the Eastern Sub-structure. The roles are firmly embedded in the public health sector and are designed to deliver comprehensive, client-centered clinical social work services across primary healthcare facilities and non-profit organisation environments. As an OSD-graded position, the vacancy provides a structured career path where progression from Grade 1 through Grade 4 is determined by the number of years of appropriate experience a candidate holds after registering as a social worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

To be considered, applicants must possess an appropriate Social Work qualification that permits registration with SACSSP. For entry at Grade 1, no prior experience is required. Grade 2 calls for a minimum of ten years of suitable experience post-registration, Grade 3 requires twenty years, and Grade 4 demands thirty years. A valid code B/EB driver’s licence is an inherent requirement of the job, along with a willingness to travel between facilities as part of the roving or ecosystem-based service model. The ideal candidate will be computer literate in the Microsoft Office package, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and will demonstrate strong report writing, interpersonal, leadership and planning abilities. They should also possess a sound knowledge of legislation and policy relevant to social work within the public sector, as well as a practical understanding of illness, disease, human behaviour and social systems within a health environment. The capacity to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to achieve functional outcomes for clients is essential.

The duties are wide-ranging and clinically focused. The successful incumbents will provide care, support and protection for vulnerable individuals, groups, families and communities, with particular attention to ensuring safe discharge plans. They will conduct assessments to identify conditions that justify intervention, convene and run psychosocial groups, and maintain an accountable service through proper social work administrative processes. Effective networking with the multi-disciplinary team and external role players is a core part of the role, as is keeping abreast of new developments in the social work and welfare fields. The position also involves utilising and managing resources efficiently, supporting social auxiliary workers and volunteers, participating in staff training and development, contributing to departmental and organisational goals, and performing all the administrative functions tied to the job.

Notably, these advertised posts are linked to the Ecosystem Service platform, which means that upon appointment, incumbents should expect to render clinical services across institutions within the ecosystem as needed to sustain health service delivery. This adds a dynamic, flexible character to the work. Applications require no payment of any kind. Candidates who do not yet hold the stipulated SACSSP registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of their application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees on or before the day of the interview. This concession applies only to health professionals applying for the first time for registration in a specific category. Further details, including the enquiry contact and application process, are set out in the vacancy circular. Given the roving and community-based nature of the posts, adaptability and a patient-centred approach will be vital for success.