SOCIAL WORKER: SOCIAL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL: ECD: REF NO:

This position is for a qualified social worker or social auxiliary worker to join the Early Childhood Development directorate within the Western Cape Education Department on a three-year contract, based in Cape Town. The role is graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), meaning the appointed salary is determined according to the candidate's years of experience after professional registration. The successful candidate will work as a Social Services Professional focused on ECD, providing essential administrative and compliance support across the full range of ECD business processes, including registration, infrastructure support, and the ECD subsidy system.

Applicants must hold an appropriate certificate or bachelor's degree in Social Auxiliary Work or Social Work and be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Profession as a Social Worker or Social Auxiliary Worker. At least two years of relevant experience in social work or social auxiliary work is required. The role demands a solid understanding of early childhood development, including the policies and legislation that regulate ECD, age-appropriate stimulation, play-based learning, ECD registration requirements, and the ECD subsidy process. Strong administrative and compliance skills are essential, particularly in record keeping, documentation, and applying registration requirements. The ability to monitor attendance, incidents, and progress in ECD programmes is also required, along with the capacity to mobilise community resources and collaborate with NGOs, clinics, schools, and other government departments. Knowledge of data confidentiality and the ethical handling of information is critical.

The main duties involve processing, organising, and tracking centre-level documentation required for registration and funding. The candidate will upload and manage digital records of ECD programmes on DBE-approved platforms, monitor application progress, and flag incomplete or incorrect submissions. They will prepare district reports and data updates, including evidence for site visit readiness, and liaise with district officials, ECD centres, and field staff to coordinate follow-ups and site visits. The role also includes mapping and updating ECD centre information at district level, and accompanying provincial or district officials on ECD site visits to support document collection, practitioner engagement, and the resolution of registration and subsidy queries.

This is a contract position, so candidates should be prepared for a fixed-term appointment. The vacancy is advertised through the Western Cape Education Department's circular, and interested applicants are encouraged to review the foreword on the WCED website before applying. Enquiries may be directed to the named contact person in the advertisement. This role is ideal for a social services professional who is passionate about early childhood development and enjoys working at the intersection of administration, compliance, and community engagement.