The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is inviting qualified and registered Social Workers to apply for Social Worker Grade 1 to Grade 4 (Production) vacancies at New Somerset Hospital. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who are passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities through quality social work services.
These permanent government positions offer competitive annual salaries based on experience and provide an opportunity to work in a specialist healthcare environment as part of a multidisciplinary team. Successful candidates will play a key role in delivering psychosocial support, conducting assessments, providing counselling, and ensuring that patients receive appropriate social care and protection services.
Individuals who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit an online application before the closing date.
- Position: Social Worker Grade 1 to 4 (Production) – New Somerset Hospital, Western Cape
- Directorate: Metro Health Services
- Reference: POST 24/301
- Location: New Somerset Hospital, Cape Town
- Closing Date: 24 July 2026, 17:00
About This Opportunity
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has opened applications for the position of Social Worker Grade 1 to 4 (Production) at New Somerset Hospital, under the Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services. This role forms part of a broader effort to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services within the province’s public health system. Candidates who are passionate about clinical social work and committed to supporting vulnerable individuals, families, and communities are encouraged to apply.
This advertisement is published in line with the Employment Equity Plan of the Department of Health. The intention is to achieve equity in the workplace by promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment in employment, and by eliminating unfair discrimination wherever it may occur.
Salary Package
Remuneration for this position is structured according to grade, based on years of relevant post-registration experience:
- Grade 1: R338 208 per annum
- Grade 2: R413 004 per annum
- Grade 3: R496 668 per annum
- Grade 4: R608 859 per annum
Placement within a specific grade will depend on the applicant’s verified years of appropriate experience as a registered Social Worker, as outlined in the requirements below.
Centre
New Somerset Hospital, situated in Green Point, Cape Town, is a specialist facility within the Metro Health Services network. The hospital provides a range of clinical services, including specialist mental health care, and relies on a multi-disciplinary team approach to patient support.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum educational and professional criteria:
Qualification: An appropriate qualification in Social Work that permits registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
Professional Registration: Current registration with SACSSP as a Social Worker is compulsory. Proof of registration status should be included with the application.
Experience Requirements by Grade:
- Grade 1: No experience required following registration as a Social Worker.
- Grade 2: A minimum of 10 years of appropriate experience in social work following registration with SACSSP.
- Grade 3: A minimum of 20 years of appropriate experience in social work following registration with SACSSP.
- Grade 4: A minimum of 30 years of appropriate experience in social work following registration with SACSSP.
Inherent Job Requirement: A valid Code B driver’s license is required, as travel between service points and external stakeholders may form part of routine duties.
Key Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and attributes:
- Ability to render clinical social work services as an active member of a multi-disciplinary team within a specialist mental health care environment.
- Sound knowledge and practical skills in conducting psychosocial assessments.
- Strong family and individual counselling capabilities.
- Working knowledge of relevant statutory processes affecting social work practice.
- Computer literacy sufficient to manage case records, reports, and correspondence.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, essential for liaison with patients, families, and professional colleagues.
- Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals facing mental health challenges, family crises, or social instability.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The appointed Social Worker will be responsible for a wide scope of clinical and administrative duties, including:
Clinical Social Work Services: Providing direct clinical social work services relating to the care, support, protection, and development of vulnerable individuals, groups, families, and communities within the hospital’s catchment area.
Assessment and Counselling: Applying specialist knowledge and skills to conduct thorough psychosocial assessments. This includes offering counselling support to individuals and families navigating difficult circumstances, mental health concerns, or social crises.
Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Working closely within the internal multi-disciplinary healthcare team to ensure coordinated patient care. This also extends to networking with relevant external role players, including community organisations, government agencies, and other support structures.
Referrals and Coordination: Identifying appropriate referral pathways and connecting patients and families with relevant stakeholders and support services outside the immediate hospital setting.
Care and Safety Planning: Actively contributing to the development of individualised care and safety plans for patients, particularly those identified as vulnerable or at risk.
Administrative Accountability: Delivering accountable and well-documented services through consistent application of the Social Work Administrative process, ensuring all case records meet required professional and departmental standards.
Professional Development: Maintaining continued professional growth by staying informed of new developments, research, and best practices within the social work field.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Western Cape Government careers portal at www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs. Applicants should select the “online applications” option to begin the submission process.
Please ensure all required supporting documents, including proof of qualifications and SACSSP registration, are prepared and ready for upload before beginning the application.
No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Applicants are urged to be cautious of any individual or entity requesting payment in connection with this recruitment process, as this is not sanctioned by the Department.
Important Notes for Applicants
Shortlisted candidates should be available for selection interviews on a date, time, and location determined by the Department. Flexibility around scheduling is advised, as interview arrangements are set according to departmental operational requirements.
Applicants who are currently classified as excess personnel within the department will receive preference during the shortlisting process, in accordance with internal policy.
All shortlisted candidates, including those applying for Senior Management Service (SMS) positions, will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments as part of the selection process:
- A practical exercise designed to determine the candidate’s suitability based on the technical and generic requirements of the post.
- An integrity assessment focused on ethical conduct, forming part of the broader evaluation of candidate suitability.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare accordingly for both stages of assessment.
Closing Date Reminder
All applications must be received by 24 July 2026 at 17:00. Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are advised to complete the online process well ahead of the deadline to avoid any technical difficulties or delays.
