Social Worker (30 hours per week) (post level 9) (contract appointment: 3 years)(Job ID: 6682)

CUADS UFS; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

pension scheme

medical aid scheme

group life insurance

housing allowance

leave and sick leave

service bonus

study benefits

Job summary

University of the Free State requires a Social Worker (30 hours per week) at post level 9 for a 3-year contract in the Health and Wellness Centre. The role involves implementing social work activities, coordinating student support services, and contributing to the Centre’s initiatives.

The successful candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (NQF 8), be actively registered with SACSSP, and have at least two years of relevant experience, with emphasis on psychoeducation for young

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work (NQF level 8) and active SACSSP registration are required.
• Experience in psychoeducation with young adults is required.
• Two years of relevant social work experience as a registered social worker.

Responsibilities

• Implement, monitor and evaluate social work activities.
• Organise, co-ordinate and sustain services for students.
• Plan activities aligned with National Health Calendar and Health and Wellness Centre.
• Provide CPD opportunities and report on activities.
• Develop monitoring tools and establish support groups.
• Represent the Centre in institutional and provincial forums.

Skills

Psychoeducation

MS Office

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work (NQF 8)

Active SACSSP registration

Job description

Social Worker (30 hours per week) (post level 9) (contract appointment: 3 years)(Job ID: 6682) - (2351)

Social Worker (30 hours per week) (post level 9) (contract appointment: 3 years)(Job ID: 6682)

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture -> Health and Wellness Centre

Contract Type

Contract

Occupational Level

Junior Management

Location

Closing Date

12/11/2026

Duties and responsibilities:

• Implement, monitor and evaluate Social Work activities.
• Organise, co-ordinate and sustain activities and services designed to optimize the functioning of students.
• Manage and plan activities of the social work services in line with the National Health Calendar, Institutional Calendar, as well as Health and Wellness Centre's plan.
• Keep abreast with latest trends in Social Work and add value in creating and maintaining the culture of excellence.
• Provide support to the Assistant Director: Social Work Services in identifying potential areas of improvement in processes for social work services.
• Participate in various professional organisations and boards.
• Represent the Centre at all institutional bodies.
• Serve as a member of institutional and provincial forums i.e. community services committee; Bloemfontein Social Work Forum, etc.
• Compile reports.
• Attend Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.
• Manage and render effective and efficient professional Social Services to clients in the areas of personal and social problems.
• Develop monitoring and evaluation tools for service delivery.
• Establish and facilitate support groups.
• Research relevant topics and arrange events for information sessions to be communicated using the SCD Influencers.
• Maintain client records and data.
• Create a supportive learning environment by providing support for financially needy students without creating dependency.
• Identify and attract new financial avenues, initiate and implement financial assistance programmes and identify students for inclusion in the relevant programmes.
• Plan, co-ordinate and implement community engagement projects in conjunction with relevant bodies and promote student involvement.
• Handle the coordination and implementation of preventative programmes.
• Conduct general administration and reporting in line with SACSSP legislation.
• Contribute to the development of the Centre's annual performance plan.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director: Division of Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture.
• Available to work overtime/after-hours from time to time and travel to other campuses when operational need arises.

Inherent requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree on NQF Level 8 in Social Work (attach a copy).
• Active registration (of at least two years) with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a social worker (attach proof).
• Experience in providing psychoeducation to young adults.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience as a registered Social Worker relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• Master's degree on NQF Level 9 in Social Work (attach a copy).
• A valid driver's license (attach a copy) or eligible to obtain a driver's licence within one year.
• Proven knowledge of the scope of practice of a social worker according to SACSSP.
• Professional casework, group work and community work skills and experience as above preferably in a health/wellness or similar tertiary context.
• Excellent communication and language skills in English as well as one of the other official languages within South Africa.
• Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration with different stakeholders on campus and off campus.
• Experience in networking and relationship building with NGOs and other organisations to enhance student's wellbeing.
• Experience of rendering professional social work services within a Higher Education environment.
• Experience in developing and presenting/co-facilitating groups/work sessions.

Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:
  • The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
  • The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
  • The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
  • The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• Business Acumen:
  • The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  • Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
  • The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
  • The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
  • The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

01 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:

• pension scheme
• medical aid scheme
• group life insurance
• housing allowance
• leave and sick leave
• service bonus
• study benefits

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

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