Social Worker Grade 1 @Eastern Cape Department of Social Development

Eastern Cape Department of Social Development Hiring Social Worker Grade 1 (17 Posts)

The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development is inviting applications from qualified professionals for 17 Social Worker Grade 1 positions across multiple service offices in the Eastern Cape Province.

Job Title: Social Worker Grade 1 (X17 Posts)
Organisation: Eastern Cape Department of Social Development
Job Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa
Salary: R338,208 – R397,668 per annum (OSD)
Contract Type: Permanent Government Employment
Closing Date: 10 July 2026

This opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about community development, child protection, social welfare services, and supporting vulnerable individuals, families, and communities through government-led social development programmes.

Successful candidates will work within provincial service offices delivering essential social work interventions and contributing toward improving community wellbeing across South Africa.

Available Locations (17 Posts)

Alfred Nzo District

• Matatiele Local Service Office (2 Posts) – Ref No: DSD 18/06/2026
• Ntabankulu Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 19/06/2026
• Umzimvubu Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 20/06/2026

Amathole District

• Middledrift Service Delivery Point – Ref No: DSD 21/06/2026

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCM)

• East London Service Office – Ref No: DSD 22/06/2026

Chris Hani District

• Cofimvaba – Ref No: DSD 23/06/2026

Joe Gqabi District

• Barkly East – Ref No: DSD 24/06/2026

Nelson Mandela Metro (NMM)

• Protea Place of Safety – Ref No: DSD 25/06/2026
• Stepping Stone YJC – Ref No: DSD 26/06/2026
• Walmer Service Office – Ref No: DSD 27/06/2026
• Ibhayi Service Office – Ref No: DSD 28/06/2026
• Motherwell Service Office – Ref No: DSD 29/06/2026

Sarah Baartman District

• Jansenville SDP – Ref No: DSD 30/06/2026
• Joubertina Service Office – Ref No: DSD 31/06/2026
• Ndlambe Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 32/06/2026
• Koukamma Local Service Office – Ref No: DSD 33/06/2026

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will be responsible for:

Social Work Service Delivery

• Providing professional social work services to vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities
• Delivering care, protection, support, and development services through relevant government programmes
• Conducting interventions aimed at improving social wellbeing and protecting vulnerable populations

Community Support Services

• Supporting Social Auxiliary Workers and community volunteers
• Advocating for vulnerable groups requiring social welfare interventions
• Assisting communities in accessing social support services

Administrative Duties

• Maintaining accurate records and case documentation
• Performing all administrative duties linked to social welfare service delivery
• Monitoring developments within the social work and welfare sectors

Professional Development

• Keeping updated with emerging trends in social work and welfare practice
• Mentoring and coaching Social Auxiliary Workers where required

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Grade 12 / Matric Certificate
• Degree in Social Work
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Profession (SACSSP)
• Valid South African Driver’s License
• Computer Literacy
• Recognizable social work experience after registration with SACSSP (advantageous)

Required Skills and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of human behaviour and social systems
• Ability to support vulnerable and at-risk individuals
• Knowledge of poverty reduction, inequality, exclusion, and discrimination challenges

• Skills in community development and social intervention
• Ability to empower families, organizations, groups, and communities
• Strong problem-solving and advocacy skills
• Mentoring and coaching abilities for Social Auxiliary Workers

Employment Equity

Preference will be given in line with Employment Equity targets, specifically:

• African Male/Female
• Coloured Male/Female
• Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online only through the official provincial recruitment portals.

Apply via:

Eastern Cape Provincial Government Recruitment Portal

or

Eastern Cape E-Recruitment System

Important:

• The e-Recruitment system operates 24/7
• Applications close automatically at 23:59 on 10 July 2026
• Hand-delivered, emailed, faxed, or posted applications will NOT be accepted

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Completed New Z83 Form (generated automatically on the e-Recruitment portal)
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Practice note on the application of the Z83 and other employment matters
• New Z83 application form [effective from 01 January 2021]
• Editable New Z83 application form [effective from 01 January 2021]

Shortlisted candidates will later provide:

• Certified copies of qualifications
• Identification documents
• Permanent Resident Permit (where applicable)
• Other supporting documentation before interview stage

Important Selection Information

Selected applicants will undergo:

• Criminal Record Verification
• Citizenship Verification
• Qualification Verification
• Employment Verification
• Financial/Asset Record Check
• Pre-entry competency assessments
• Practical technical assessment

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applicants who receive no communication within six months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Technical Support & Enquiries

Technical Support Email:

Department Recruitment Support Email

District enquiries are available through designated departmental contact persons listed in the official vacancy circular.

Full Official Job Description

View the complete vacancy circular here:

Official DPSA Vacancy Circular PDF

Why This Opportunity Matters

This is an excellent opportunity for qualified Social Workers seeking stable government employment in South Africa, career progression within the public sector, and the chance to make a direct impact by protecting and supporting vulnerable communities throughout the Eastern Cape Province.

Application Deadline: 10 July 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the deadline.