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CHIEF DIRECTOR: SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES

Department of Social Development

Salary band

R 1 554 696

Closing date

9 October 2026

Reference

DSD/AUG/PRO/SWS/26/01

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About this role

Department

Department of Social Development

Location

Provincial Office (Mbombela Square)

Salary

R1 554 696 per annum, (all-inclusive remuneration package)

Requirements

National senior certificate (NQF level 4) plus Degree in Social Work/ Social Sciences or related fields (NQF level 7) as recognized by SAQA. A post graduate qualification in Social Sciences will be an added advantage. A minimum of 5 years’ credible experience at Senior Management services (SMS) level. Proven strategic leadership and business partnering, research, policy management, development, monitoring and evaluation, problem solving and decision making, analytical and advanced programme / resource management skills. Knowledge of Social Development Constitutional mandate and relevant legislation and policies. Knowledge of Statutory Social Work matters; Public Finance Management Act, Public Service Act and Regulations. Proven track record of leading change management initiatives and applying innovative thinking. Computer literacy. Verbal and written communication skills. A Valid driver’s license.

Duties

Overall management of the Chief Directorate (including overseeing the development and implementation of business plans outlining critical strategic service delivery improvement interventions to be effected in accordance with the relevant legislation, department’s strategic plan and service delivery needs). Manage efficient and effective utilization of human and financial resources in the chief directorate. Manage the performance of the chief directorate and performance agreements of managers in immediate span of control. Facilitate the optimal development and functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities. Promote the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and improvement of need based sustainable social welfare programmes and services aimed at empowering children, families, youth, women, elderly and persons with disabilities. Promote the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, improvement of programmes and services aimed at promoting crime prevention through restorative services. Oversee the collation and analysis of data on intervention, and reconfiguration for report purposes.

Enquiries

Ms. Pretty Sibinde Tel No: (013) 766 3320/ Ms. Raylene Morris Tel No: (013) 766 3048

Closing Date

2026-10-09T23:59:00+02:00

About social work and community development roles in South Africa

Social work is a regulated profession in South Africa and all social workers must be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). The Department of Social Development is the largest public sector employer of social workers, with posts distributed across all nine provinces. Community development workers are employed at both provincial and municipal level and play a critical role in service delivery and community liaison.

·Your SACSSP registration number and the year of registration must appear on your CV for all social work applications.
·Posts in child protection, probation services, and substance abuse rehabilitation require specific experience in those sub-fields.
·Social work posts in rural areas are frequently unfilled due to a shortage of registered practitioners willing to relocate. These posts may attract rural allowances.
·Community development worker posts do not always require social work registration but a relevant qualification at NQF level 4 or above is standard.

About the hiring department

This vacancy is within Department of Social Development. Government departments in South Africa advertise vacancies through the Public Service Commission and are required to follow a standardised recruitment process governed by the Public Service Act. Applications are screened against the minimum requirements listed in the advert before any CV is reviewed by a panel.

Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the department. If you do not receive a response within 90 days of the closing date, your application was not successful. NewGenJobs tracks every application you submit through your personal dashboard so you always know where you stand.

Requirements

  • ·National senior certificate (NQF level 4) plus Degree in Social Work/ Social Sciences or related fields (NQF level 7) as recognized by SAQA
  • ·A post graduate qualification in Social Sciences will be an added advantage
  • ·A minimum of 5 years’ credible experience at Senior Management services (SMS) level
  • ·Proven strategic leadership and business partnering, research, policy management, development, monitoring and evaluation, problem solving and decision making, analytical and advanced programme / resource management skills
  • ·Knowledge of Social Development Constitutional mandate and relevant legislation and policies
  • ·Knowledge of Statutory Social Work matters
  • ·Public Finance Management Act, Public Service Act and Regulations
  • ·Proven track record of leading change management initiatives and applying innovative thinking
  • ·Computer literacy
  • ·Verbal and written communication skills

Key Duties

  • ·Overall management of the Chief Directorate (including overseeing the development and implementation of business plans outlining critical strategic service delivery improvement interventions to be effected in accordance with the relevant legislation, department’s strategic plan and service delivery needs)
  • ·Manage efficient and effective utilization of human and financial resources in the chief directorate
  • ·Manage the performance of the chief directorate and performance agreements of managers in immediate span of control
  • ·Facilitate the optimal development and functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities
  • ·Promote the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and improvement of need based sustainable social welfare programmes and services aimed at empowering children, families, youth, women, elderly and persons with disabilities
  • ·Promote the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, improvement of programmes and services aimed at promoting crime prevention through restorative services
  • ·Oversee the collation and analysis of data on intervention, and reconfiguration for report purposes

Before you apply - checklist

Make sure you have everything ready before the closing date.

  • Prepare a detailed CV listing every previous post with exact start and end dates (month and year)
  • Check the advert before attaching ID or qualification copies. Supporting documents may be requested only from shortlisted candidates.
  • Be prepared to undergo a criminal record check - a conviction may disqualify you depending on the nature of the post
  • Submit your complete application package to ddsbdrecruit77@nda.gov.za before the closing date - late or incomplete submissions are not considered

How to Apply

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Applying to: ddsbdrecruit77@nda.gov.za

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Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for the CHIEF DIRECTOR: SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES position at Department of Social Development?+

Applications for this post are submitted by email. Sign up on NewGenJobs, complete your profile, and use the one-click auto-apply feature - we attach your CV and the completed Z83 form (for government posts) and send the application directly to Department of Social Development from your Gmail account. The closing date is 9 October 2026.

What documents do I need to apply for a government post in South Africa?+

Check this advert to confirm whether a Z83 form is required. Submit a truthful, detailed CV with accurate employment dates. Do not assume certified ID or qualification copies are required at the initial stage; follow the advert, as supporting documents may be requested later from shortlisted candidates.

What is the salary for the CHIEF DIRECTOR: SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES position?+

The advertised salary band for this post is R 1 554 696. This is the all-inclusive remuneration package, which typically covers basic salary, medical aid contribution, and other benefits. The exact split between cash and benefits is determined at appointment stage.

When does the CHIEF DIRECTOR: SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES application close?+

The closing date for this position is 9 October 2026. Late applications are not accepted by South African employers. Submit your application well before the deadline. NewGenJobs sends you a reminder before your tracked jobs close.