Social Worker Grade 1 – 2 Contract Posts | Gauteng Department of Health
Employer: Department of Health
Directorate: Mental Health Services – NHI Grant
Position: Social Worker Grade 1
Reference Number: REFS/056269
Number of Posts: 2
Location: Ekurhuleni Health District, Gauteng
Employment Type: Contract – NHI Grant
Contract Period: Until March 2027
Salary: R223.00 per hour
Closing Date: 28 August 2026
Enquiries: Ms Thandiwe Ndlovu – 011 876 1793
About the Position
The Gauteng Department of Health is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for two Social Worker Grade 1 contract positions within Mental Health Services under the NHI Grant.
The successful candidates will provide professional social work services to individuals, families, groups and communities, with a particular focus on mental health, health and wellness promotion, prevention of ill-health and community development.
This opportunity is suitable for newly registered Social Workers, as Grade 1 requires zero years of experience after registration with SACSSP.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 / Matric.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
- Proof of current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.
- Grade 1 applicants must have zero years of experience after registration with SACSSP.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- Experience in a community-based mental health social services environment will be an added advantage.
- Knowledge and understanding of mental health legislation and related legal and ethical practices.
- Knowledge of relevant protocols, guidelines, Public Service Act, Regulations and principles.
- Computer literacy.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal, analytical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary team.
- Candidates should be proactive, innovative, self-motivated, goal-oriented and solution-oriented.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Rendering social work services relating to the care, support, protection and development of individuals, groups, families and communities.
- Implementing relevant social work programmes.
- Providing social work services at district health facilities in accordance with healthcare legislation, policies, standards and norms.
- Providing community-based social work services focused on health and wellness promotion.
- Supporting the prevention of ill-health and community development initiatives.
- Establishing partnerships and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to strengthen social systems that promote wellbeing.
- Conducting outreach programmes within communities.
- Compiling monthly reports, statistics and other administrative documentation.
- Ensuring proper utilisation of allocated financial and physical resources.
- Participating in quality assurance programmes.
- Contributing to the development of quality improvement plans for social work services.
- Attending staff meetings, social work forums and relevant training programmes.
- Maintaining compliant and accurate records of all social work processes.
- Performing other relevant duties delegated by management.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted strictly online through the Gauteng Department of Health E-Recruitment portal.
Important: No hand-delivered, faxed or emailed applications will be accepted.
Applicants must submit:
- A fully completed and signed new Z83 application form.
- A detailed CV.
- The relevant post reference number: REFS/056269.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents, not older than six months, on or before the interview.
Applicants with foreign qualifications must provide a SAQA evaluation certificate.
For assistance with online applications, applicants may email healthjobqueries@gauteng.gov.za.
Important Notes
The Department reserves the right not to fill the advertised posts.
Personnel Suitability Checks, including criminal, citizenship, qualification, directorship, social media, financial record and reference checks, may be conducted before appointment.
The Gauteng Department of Health is guided by Employment Equity principles and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and suitably qualified candidates from designated groups.
If applicants do not receive a response within three months, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
📅 Closing Date: 28 August 2026
This is a great opportunity for a newly SACSSP-registered Social Worker looking to gain professional experience within community-based mental health services under the NHI Grant.