Social Worker: OSD Grade 1 Vacancies (X10 Posts)

Social Worker: OSD Grade 1 Vacancies (X10 Posts) at Mpumalanga Department of Social Development – Permanent Social Work Opportunities Across Multiple Districts 2026

Are you a passionate, dedicated, and qualified Social Worker committed to making a positive impact on vulnerable individuals, families, and communities? The Mpumalanga Department of Social Development is recruiting 10 Social Workers: OSD Grade 1 (Reference: various DSD/JUNE/26 codes) to join their teams in the Gert Sibande, Nkangala, and Ehlanzeni Districts.

These are permanent government positions at a competitive salary that offer excellent job security, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to provide essential social work services in a province with significant socio-economic challenges. If you hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, are registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), and are driven to protect the vulnerable, challenge inequality, and promote social well-being, this is your chance to build a meaningful and impactful career in the public service.

Reference Numbers and Locations:

• Gert Sibande: George Hofmeyer CYCC – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/GER/GEO/26/21 (X1)
• Gert Sibande: Govan Mbeki (Leandra) – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/GER/LEA/26/22 (X1)
• Gert Sibande: Govan Mbeki (Embalenhle) – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/GER/EMB/26/23 (X1)
• Gert Sibande: Govan Mbeki (Bethal Office) – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/GER/BET/26/24 (X1)
• Nkangala District: Emalahleni (Ogies/Kriel Office) – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/NKA/OGI/26/25 (X1)
• Nkangala District: Victor Khanye (Delmas) – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/NKA/DEL/26/26 (X1)
• Nkangala District: Emakhazeni (Belfast/Dulls) – Ref No: DSD/APR/NKA/BEL/26/27 (X1)
• Nkangala District: Dr JS Moroka (Mbibane) – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/NKA/MBI/26/28 (X1)
• Nkangala District: Dr JS Moroka (Marapyane) – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/NKA/MAR/26/29 (X1)
• Ehlanzeni District: Umjindi Sub-District – Ref No: DSD/JUNE/EHL/UMJ/26/30 (X1)

Salary: R338 208 per annum (plus service benefits) Department: Social Development Closing Date: Applications are open – submit as soon as possible

About the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development

The Mpumalanga Department of Social Development is at the forefront of social welfare, community development, and protection services in the province. It works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups, including children, youth, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The department implements key programmes in child protection, substance abuse prevention, gender-based violence support, poverty alleviation, and community empowerment.

Social Workers are the backbone of the department’s service delivery. They provide professional interventions that protect the vulnerable, strengthen families, and promote social justice. Working in this department means contributing to a caring society where every person has access to support, dignity, and opportunities for growth. The province’s diverse districts — from the industrial areas of Gert Sibande and Nkangala to the scenic Ehlanzeni region — offer meaningful work in both urban and rural settings.

These 10 vacancies are strategically placed in high-need areas, allowing you to serve communities close to home while advancing your professional career in a supportive government environment.

Job Purpose

The Social Worker: OSD Grade 1 will provide professional social work services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. You will focus on protection, prevention, and developmental interventions to address social challenges such as poverty, abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and family breakdown. Your work will contribute directly to the department’s goals of social cohesion, child protection, and community resilience.

Detailed Key Responsibilities

As a Social Worker, your core duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Protection and Intervention: Identify and respond to cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and vulnerability. Provide statutory services, including removal of children in need of care, foster care placements, and adoption processes.
• Assessment and Case Management: Conduct thorough assessments, develop intervention plans, and monitor progress to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
• Counselling and Support: Offer individual, family, and group counselling to address emotional, social, and psychological challenges.
• Community Development: Facilitate community-based programmes that promote prevention, awareness, and empowerment on issues such as GBV, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and child protection.
• Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with other professionals (health, education, justice, SAPS) to ensure holistic service delivery.
• Report Writing and Documentation: Maintain accurate case records, compile reports, and provide statistics for monitoring and evaluation.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups and conduct public education campaigns.
• Compliance and Ethics: Adhere to the Social Service Professions Act, SACSSP Code of Ethics, and all departmental policies and procedures.
• Administrative Duties: Participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development activities.
• Emergency Response: Provide after-hours and emergency social work services when required.

The role involves fieldwork, home visits, court appearances, and collaboration with stakeholders. You will be expected to maintain high ethical standards, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (NQF Level 7) recognised by SAQA – essential.
• Current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker – essential.
• Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent.
• Basic computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence will be a strong advantage.
• No experience required for Grade 1 (entry level), making this accessible for newly qualified social workers.

Competencies and Skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Sound knowledge of social work processes, legislation (Children’s Act, Older Persons Act, etc.), and ethical practice.
• Excellent communication, report-writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organisational abilities.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse communities in Mpumalanga.
• Commitment to Batho Pele principles, Patients’ Rights Charter, and professional excellence.
• Resilience and ability to handle emotionally demanding situations.

What the Department Offers

• Permanent employment with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.
• Attractive salary of R338 208 per annum plus service benefits (13th cheque, medical aid, pension, housing allowance where applicable).
• Structured supervision, continuous professional development, and opportunities for specialisation (e.g., forensic social work, adoption, child protection).
• A supportive work environment with access to resources and mentorship.
• The profound satisfaction of helping vulnerable individuals and families rebuild their lives.

The department is committed to Employment Equity and transformation. Applications from all qualifying candidates are welcome.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official Mpumalanga Department of Social Development recruitment channels. Please clearly indicate the Reference Number for your preferred location.

Important Application Notes:

• Submit a completed new Z83 form and a detailed CV.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of qualifications and ID.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.
• Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

Enquiries:

• Ms. Pretty Sibinde – Tel: (013) 766 3320
• Ms. Thembi Manana – Tel: (013) 766 3232

Why Work as a Social Worker with the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development?

Social work is a noble and impactful profession. In Mpumalanga, where many communities face challenges such as poverty, unemployment, child abuse, GBV, and substance abuse, your role as a Social Worker will directly contribute to healing, empowerment, and social justice. You will work in a province rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, with the chance to serve rural and urban communities alike.

These positions are based in strategic areas, offering the opportunity to live and work close to home while advancing your career. The department provides structured supervision, ongoing training, and clear pathways for progression to senior social work and management roles. Many Social Workers in the department have advanced to specialist positions, supervisors, and district managers through dedication and professional growth.

This recruitment drive is part of the department’s commitment to strengthening social welfare services and responding to the needs of vulnerable populations. It is an ideal opportunity for newly qualified and experienced social workers who want a stable, meaningful career in the public sector.

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Apply now and become part of a team that is transforming lives and building stronger communities in Mpumalanga. This is your opportunity to serve with purpose as a Professional Social Worker with the Department of Social Development.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and transformation.