Are you passionate about helping families in your community? The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has opened applications for a Social Worker: Services to Families, Ref No. DSD 71/2025 (WCG250813-8). This permanent position is based in Cape Town, and the closing date for applications is 29 September 2025. If you’re committed to social change and empowerment, this could be your opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Social Worker Job Overivew
- Job Title: Social Worker: Services to Families
- Reference Number: DSD 71/2025 (WCG250813-8)
- Department: Western Cape Department of Social Development
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Job Type: Permanent
- Salary Level: OSD (Occupation-Specific Dispensation)
- Closing Date: 29 September 2025
- Enquiries Contact: Ms J Payne – (021) 483 5798
What is the Role About?
The role is focused on offering social work services to vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. As part of the Services to Families programme, you’ll help promote social change, resolve human relationship challenges, and empower people to improve their social well-being.
This programme includes:
- Family preservation through counselling — individual, couple, and family sessions
- Parenting and caregiving training
- Fatherhood education programmes that encourage responsible parenting
- Support for homeless adults to reintegrate into community and family life
As a Social Worker, you’ll work closely with NPOs (Non‑Profit Organisations) to ensure they meet registration and policy standards, oversee service delivery quality, assess performance data, and respond to complaints or concerns.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered, you must have:
- A Bachelor of Social Work (or equivalent) that qualifies you to register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
- Registration as a Social Worker with SACSSP
Experience levels per grade:
- Grade 1: No post‑registration experience required
- Grade 2: Minimum of 10 years post-registration experience
- Grade 3: Minimum of 20 years post-registration experience
- Grade 4: Minimum of 30 years post-registration experience
Key Responsibilities
In this role, your responsibilities include:
- Delivering casework, group work, and community-based interventions
- Supervising and supporting Social Auxiliary Workers
- Keeping up with developments in the social work field
- Managing documentation, reports, and performance monitoring
- Ensuring NPOs comply with all regulations and policy frameworks
- Monitoring the implementation of Service Delivery Improvement Plans
- Responding quickly to public concerns, complaints, or feedback
Skills and Competencies
This role requires a wide range of skills, including:
- In-depth understanding of social work frameworks and ethics
- Ability to promote empowerment and address social inequalities
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Organised and self-motivated
- Capable of mentoring junior staff
- Analytical skills for performance data and compliance reviews
- Effective interpersonal skills and community engagement
- High ethical standards and professionalism
- A Code B or higher driving licence is beneficial
Salary and Benefits
This job is aligned with the Occupation-Specific Dispensation (OSD), which means the salary includes benefits such as pension, medical aid, and housing assistance:
- Grade 1: R325 200 – R382 374 per annum
- Grade 2: R397 119 – R459 996 per annum
- Grade 3: R477 564 – R561 378 per annum
- Grade 4: R585 441 – R725 754 per annum
The salary package is structured as Cost-to-Employer (CTE) and covers all benefits.
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How to Apply
Shortlisted applicants will be required to:
- Submit documents for verification and criminal record screening
- Complete a practical assessment
- Attend interviews and possibly undergo a competency evaluation
If you’re applying, remember:
- Applications must be submitted online
- Closing date: 29 September 2025
- Late applications will not be accepted
For technical support with your application, contact the helpdesk at 0861 370 214 (Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00).
If you have questions about the position itself, contact Ms J Payne at (021) 483 5798.
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If you’re a dedicated and qualified Social Worker with a heart for families and communities, this vacancy at the Western Cape Department of Social Development offers you the chance to create real, lasting impact. The Social Worker: Services to Families (Ref No. DSD 71/2025) post isn’t just a job — it’s a meaningful opportunity to empower vulnerable individuals, promote responsible parenting, support rehabilitation efforts, and help shape stronger, more resilient families in the Western Cape.