Social Worker

About this post

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is looking for a Social Worker in Howick. It is a permanent post, paying Grade 1: R338 208 – R397 668 per annum. Other benefits (medical aid optional), housing Allowance (applicant must meet prescribed requirements).

Where you will work: Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital: Howick

Closing date: Tuesday, 17 November 2026. Late applications are not considered.

What you need

The official advert asks for:

• Senior Certificate/Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Bachelor of Social Work.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
• Valid Driver’s licence.
• Computer certificate.
• Experience: No experience required.
• Knowledge And Skills: Knowledge and understanding of Mental Health Care Act No: 17 of 2002, Intellectual disability and physical disabilities.
• Knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and social system.
• Knowledge of government policies, Acts, legislation pertaining to social work practice.
• Theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge of all social work methods and social work principles.
• Decision-making, problem-solving skills, crisis intervention, planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with good insight, diplomacy and work with multidisciplinary team members.
• Good interpersonal relations and listening skills.
• Ability to write comprehensive social work reports.
• Ability to safeguard confidentiality.
• Verbal and written communication skills both in IsiZulu and English.

What you’ll do

• Facilitate the process of application for possible admission to Umgeni thus liaising with all the relevant external stakeholders and Umgeni MDT.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments of mental health care users and their families.
• Arrange and attend screening meetings.
• Provide counselling, social support, and psychoeducation to families living and caring for mental health care users with intellectual disabilities and other medical conditions.
• Strengthen family relations after admission.
• Provide pre-discharge planning.
• Design and implement quality improvement programmes.
• Develop and maintain good working relations with both external and internal stakeholders for better co- ordination of services and effective service delivery.
• Produce and maintain accurate records of social work interventions, process and outcomes.
• Keep up to date with new developments in the social work profession.
• Attend to ward rounds and meetings with other departments and non-governmental institutions to take cognizance of the latest developments in the relevant fields.
• Perform all the administrative functions required of the job, including writing comprehensive social work reports.
• Conduct home visits.
• Relieve in the absence of Social Worker.

Tips before you apply

• Use the new Z83 application form. Fill in every section and sign it: unsigned or incomplete Z83 forms are usually not considered.
• Quote the reference number UMG 11/2026 on your application and in the subject line of any e-mail.
• Attach only the documents this advert asks for, such as a CV with your experience dated month and year. Many departments ask for certified copies only once you are shortlisted.
• Show clearly on your CV that you meet each requirement above, for example your Grade 12 results or driver's licence code.