Senior Officer: Social Worker (Post Level 9) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Implement, monitor and evaluate Social Work activities.
• Organise, co-ordinate and sustain activities and services designed to optimise 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 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, Sports, Arts and Culture.
• Must be available to work overtime/after-hours from time to time and travel to other campuses when operational need arises.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor of Social Work on NQF Level 8 (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.
• Proven knowledge of the scope of practice of a social worker according to SACSSP.

Recommendations:

• A 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 license within one year.
• Excellent communication and language skills in English as well as one of the other official languages within South Africa.
• Professional casework, group work and community work skills and experience as above preferably in a health/wellness or similar tertiary context.
• Experience in developing and presenting/co-facilitating groups/work sessions.
• Experience of rendering professional social work services within a Higher Education environment.
• 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.

Competencies
Required competencies:
Results Orientated:

• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Closing date:24/7/2026