The South African Police Service (SAPS) invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for 10 Social Worker (Warrant Officer) vacancies within the Human Resource Development Division. These permanent positions are available at various SAPS Academies across South Africa and offer a competitive annual salary of R385,740 (Band B1). Qualified Social Workers who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Successful candidates will be responsible for providing comprehensive occupational social work services through proactive, restorative, and community-based interventions. The role also involves delivering preventative and supportive programmes that promote employee wellbeing, working within multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with professional standards, relevant legislation, and SAPS governance frameworks.
Applicants must possess a four-year Degree in Social Work accredited by SAQA at NQF Level 8 or higher, be currently registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), and hold a valid light motor vehicle driver’s licence. Applications must be submitted using the official SAPS application form for Salary Levels 2–12, together with a comprehensive CV and all required supporting documents. The closing date for applications is 29 July 2026.
Division: Human Resource Development
Position: Social Worker (Warrant Officer)
Salary: Band B1, R385,740 per annum
Number of Posts: 10
Closing Date: 29 July 2026
Job Overview
The South African Police Service has advertised 10 Social Worker (Warrant Officer) posts across eight SAPS Academies nationwide. Each location has its own reference number. Applicants must apply separately for each specific post and location.
Available Positions
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: HRD 04/06/2026
Location: SAPS Academy Oudtshoorn
Number of Posts: 3
Reference Number: HRD 03/06/2026
Location: SAPS Academy Tshwane
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: HRD 08/06/2026
Location: SAPS Academy Mthatha
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: HRD 06/06/2026
Location: SAPS Academy Philippi
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: HRD 07/06/2026
Location: SAPS Academy Bhisho
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: HRD 10/06/2026
Location: SAPS Academy Ulundi
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: HRD 09/06/2026
Location: SAPS Academy Graaff Reinet
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: HRD 05/06/2026
Location: SAPS Academy Bishop Lavis
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate competency in the post-specific core functions.
- Possess a Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or National Certificate (Vocational) recorded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD) at NQF Level 4 or higher.
- Hold a four-year Degree in Social Work accredited by SAQA at NQF Level 8 or higher.
- Be currently registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker and provide proof of valid registration for the 2026/2027 financial year.
- Have extensive knowledge of relevant legislation and policies.
- Be able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Be willing to travel and attend training when required.
- Have computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, Office, PowerPoint and Outlook. This will be an added advantage.
- Possess a valid light motor vehicle driver’s licence.
- Be proficient in English and at least one other official South African language.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have no criminal convictions or pending criminal or departmental cases.
- Have no visible tattoos while wearing the SAPS uniform.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Providing comprehensive occupational social work services through proactive, restorative and community-based interventions.
- Delivering preventative, supportive and capacity-building programmes that promote employee wellbeing.
- Implementing occupational social work services in accordance with applicable legislation, governance frameworks and professional standards.
- Maintaining accurate management information and records.
- Performing duties under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Social Worker.
Required Documents
Applications must include:
- Official SAPS Application Form for Salary Levels 2–12.
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copy of South African Identity Document.
- Grade 12 certificate.
- Social Work qualification and academic record.
- Proof of current SACSSP registration.
- Service certificates from previous employers, where applicable.
- Proof of relevant work experience.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Uncertified copies of supporting documents will be accepted.
How to Apply
Only the official SAPS application form for Salary Levels 2 to 12 will be accepted, available on the SAPS website (saps.gov.za) and at SAPS recruitment offices. The Z83 form is not accepted for these posts.
Application checklist:
- A separate application form for each post applied for, with correct post details and reference number.
- A comprehensive CV.
- Uncertified copies of ID, Senior Certificate, all post school qualifications and academic records, service certificates from previous employers, proof of relevant experience, and driver’s license.
Submission details:
- Hand delivery or courier: Shorburg Building, 429 Helen Joseph Street, Pretoria.
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected].
- Use only one method of delivery.
- Applications sent to an incorrect address will not be considered. Late applications will not be accepted.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a full vetting process, including security and fingerprint screening, reference checks, a practical exercise assessing suitability for the post, and an integrity assessment. Certain posts require screening against the National Register for Sex Offenders and the Child Protection Register. Applicants must disclose any protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act or the Protection from Harassment Act. New appointees are required to provide a buccal sample for the National Forensic DNA Database, in line with the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act.
SAPS is under no obligation to fill these posts after advertising. Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only. Applicants who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
SAPS is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and preference will be given to applications that promote representivity within the organization.
Closing Date: 29 July 2026
