Social Worker

As printed in Circular 39 of 2026 · page 250 · open the PDF (opens in new tab)

POST 39/319: SOCIAL WORKER REF NO: UMG 11/2026 (X1 POST)
SALARY: Grade 1: R338 208 - R397 668 per annum. Other benefits (medical aid optional), housing Allowance (applicant must meet prescribed requirements)
CENTRE: Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital: Howick
REQUIREMENTS: 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.
DUTIES: 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.
ENQUIRIES: Miss NN Hadebe Tel No: (033) 330 6146, Ext. 268
APPLICATIONS: Applications quoting the relevant reference UMG 07/2026. All Applications should be forwarded to: Mr VM Mvelase, The Chief Executive Officer, Umgeni Specialised Psychiatric Hospital, Private Bag X23 Howick, 3290 for attention: Human Resource Department or courier OR hand delivered at the Human Resources Office Umgeni Hospital, Old Main Road, Howick, 3290. Applications can also be emailed to UmgeniHospital.HRJobApplication@kznhealth.gov.za.
FOR ATTENTION: Mr VM Mvelase
NOTE: The following documents must be submitted: Amended application for Employment form (Z83) which is obtainable from any Government Department OR from the website - www.kznhealth.gov.za. The application form (Z83) must be accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae. Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents on the application. Such documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates only. No faxed applications will be considered. The reference number must be indicated in the column provided on the form Z83, e.g. UMG 05/2019.Persons with disabilities should feel free to apply for the post/s. The appointment is subject to positive outcome obtained from the NIA for the following checks (security clearance, credit records, qualification, citizenship and previous experience employment verification). All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the Due to the large number of applications, receipt of applications will not be acknowledged, however correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Please note that due to financial constraints no S&T claims will be considered for payment to the candidates that are invited for an interview.
CLOSING DATE: 17 November 2026