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Child and Youth Care Worker Jobs 2026 (3 Posts) – Apply Now | Department of Social Development Limpopo

Child and Youth Care Worker Jobs 2026 (3 Posts) – Apply Now | Department of Social Development Limpopo

The Limpopo Department of Social Development is inviting qualified candidates to apply for Child and Youth Care Worker Grade 1 vacancies (3 posts) in the Vhembe District and Polokwane areas.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with children and youth in care facilities, helping them grow, develop, and receive the support they need to build a better future.

The positions are based at Thohoyandou CYCC, Polokwane Welfare Complex, and Mavambe Secure Care Centre, and offer a competitive government salary of R184 320 per year.

If you have a Grade 12 qualification and a Child and Youth Care certificate, this could be your opportunity to start or grow your career in the social development sector in South Africa.


Child and Youth Care Worker Job Details

Position: Child and Youth Care Worker Grade 1
Number of Posts: 3
Salary: R184 320 per annum
Department: Limpopo Department of Social Development

Job Locations

  • Thohoyandou CYCC – Ref: DSD/2026/48 (1 Post) – Thohoyandou

  • Polokwane Welfare Complex – Ref: DSD/2026/49 (1 Post) – Polokwane

  • Mavambe Secure Care Centre – Ref: DSD/2026/50 (1 Post) – Mavambe

These facilities provide care, protection, and development programmes for vulnerable children and youth across the province.


Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this Child and Youth Care Worker vacancy, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must have:

  • Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent qualification (NQF Level 4)

  • FET Certificate in Child and Youth Care (NQF Level 4) recognized by South African Qualifications Authority

Professional Registration

  • Current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Registration with the professional council is mandatory because the role involves working directly with children and youth in structured care environments.


Knowledge and Skills Required

The Department of Social Development is looking for candidates with strong knowledge and skills related to child protection, care services, and youth development.

Legislative Knowledge

Candidates should understand key South African legislation governing child welfare services, including:

  • Children’s Act

  • Child Care Act

  • Child Justice Act

Understanding these laws ensures that care workers follow legal guidelines when protecting the rights and well-being of children and youth.

Essential Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

  • Strong communication skills

  • Excellent interpersonal relationships

  • Ability to work under pressure

  • High levels of honesty and confidentiality

  • Strong customer care and service delivery skills

  • Commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of children


Key Responsibilities

A Child and Youth Care Worker plays a critical role in ensuring that children placed in care facilities receive proper support, supervision, and developmental opportunities.

Below are the main responsibilities of the position.


1. Child Admission and Orientation

When children arrive at the facility, care workers are responsible for:

  • Receiving children and youth after admission

  • Introducing them to the centre and explaining the environment

  • Helping them adjust to their new surroundings

  • Ensuring they feel safe and supported

Proper orientation helps children integrate into the care environment and reduces emotional stress during placement.


2. Providing Daily Care and Support

Care workers must ensure that children receive appropriate daily care and development support.

This includes:

  • Supervising daily routines

  • Supporting educational activities

  • Encouraging positive behaviour

  • Monitoring emotional and psychological well-being

The goal is to ensure that every child receives protection, stability, and developmental support.


3. Ensuring Access to Medical Services

Children and youth in care facilities often require medical attention.

Responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring children receive necessary medical services

  • Coordinating with healthcare providers

  • Monitoring health conditions and reporting concerns

This ensures that children maintain good health and well-being while in care.


4. Supporting Developmental and Recreational Programmes

Child and Youth Care Workers also facilitate programmes that promote development and independence.

These programmes may include:

  • Life skills development

  • Recreational activities

  • Social integration programmes

  • Personal development workshops

These initiatives help young people prepare for independent living and adulthood.


5. Family Contact and Visits

Maintaining family connections is an important part of the rehabilitation and development process.

Workers will:

  • Organise family visits

  • Facilitate communication between children and their families

  • Support family reunification where appropriate

Maintaining healthy family relationships supports emotional well-being.


6. Escorting Children to External Services

Sometimes children must attend services outside the facility.

These may include:

  • Court appearances

  • Medical appointments

  • Therapy sessions

  • Educational support services

Care workers must escort and supervise children during these visits to ensure their safety.


7. Administrative Duties

Administrative responsibilities include:

  • Completing daily reports

  • Maintaining registers and documentation

  • Recording incidents and interventions

  • Updating programme records

Accurate documentation ensures compliance with government regulations.


8. Vehicle and Transport Responsibilities

Some care workers may also assist with transport coordination duties.

Tasks include:

  • Allocating vehicles daily

  • Checking vehicle conditions

  • Updating transport registers

  • Reporting damages

  • Facilitating cleaning and maintenance of vehicles

These duties ensure that transport operations at the facility run smoothly.


Why Work for the Limpopo Department of Social Development?

Working for the Limpopo Department of Social Development offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in society.

Benefits of this Career

  • Stable government employment

  • Opportunity to support vulnerable children and youth

  • Professional development in social services

  • Competitive public sector salary

  • Contribution to community development and child protection

Many professionals in the social development sector consider this role a meaningful career rather than just a job.


How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications according to the instructions provided in the official government job advertisement.

Ensure your application includes:

  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Certified copy of ID

  • Certified copies of qualifications

  • SACSSP registration proof

Applicants must clearly indicate the reference number of the post they are applying for.


Enquiries

For more information about the vacancies, contact:

Department of Social Development – Limpopo

Contact Persons:

  • Mr S Rasivumo

  • Ms ME Gafane

  • Mr QLM Mogotlane

  • Ms MR Semake

  • Mr LI Mosehlana

Telephone: 015 230 4422 / 4315 / 4375 / 4434


Final Thoughts

The Child and Youth Care Worker Grade 1 positions provide an important opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to the well-being and development of vulnerable children in Limpopo.

If you have the required Child and Youth Care qualification and passion for helping young people, consider applying for one of these government posts.

Working in child and youth care allows you to positively impact lives, strengthen communities, and help young people build brighter futures.

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