Social Worker (2 Positions)- Pietermaritzburg at Durban University of Technology

• To provide professional psychosocial support, advocacy, and case management services to DUT students to address social, emotional, and financial challenges that impact academic success and wellbeing.
• The role upholds ethical and student-centred social work practice in alignment with statutory frameworks, SACSSP codes of conduct, and DUT’s institutional strategy, fostering inclusivity, resilience, and academic retention.

 Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) (NQF Level 7).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ professional social work experience in counselling or youth development.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Knowledge of POPIA, the Higher Education Act, and the Children’s Act provisions relevant to students.
• Knowledge of social work practice, case management, and psychosocial support.

 Preferred Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Student Development, or a related field (NQF Level 9).
• Five (5) or more years’ experience in higher education or NGO environments supporting vulnerable and at-risk groups.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Knowledge of higher education student welfare frameworks and DHET student support services.
• Experience in youth empowerment, diversity, and transformation programmes.
• Advanced trauma-informed counselling and student risk management techniques
• Knowledge of GBV, disability, and vulnerability frameworks

 Special Requirements

• Willingness to work after hours during crises or awareness campaigns.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to transformation, inclusivity, and student wellbeing.
• Emotional resilience and professional presentation aligned with DUT values.

Note to applicants:
Applicants must clearly demonstrate the following minimum requirements in their CV:

• Knowledge of social work practice, case management, and psychosocial support.
• Crisis intervention and trauma counselling skills.
• Effective communication, mediation, and advocacy skills.
• Administrative, reporting, and record-keeping competence.
• Computer literacy (MS Office Suite)

 Duties

• Provide confidential counselling and holistic case management to students, including intake assessments, intervention planning, crisis response, and ongoing monitoring.
• Maintain ethical, compliant documentation and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated support.
• Promote equitable access to services through advocacy, empowerment initiatives, and awareness programmes.
• Support transformation, inclusivity, and student governance engagement, while identifying and addressing systemic barriers.
• Ensure adherence to SACSSP ethical standards and relevant legislation. Monitor student welfare risks, compile trend and outcome reports, and contribute to audits and regulatory compliance processes.
• Develop and maintain external partnerships, coordinate referral pathways, and manage resource databases to ensure continuity of care.
• Design and implement preventative campaigns and resilience-building programmes, including peer supporter training and orientation initiatives.
• Maintain confidential case records, prepare required statistical and governance reports, and participate in audits and quality assurance reviews.
• Engage in supervision and accredited CPD activities, contribute to policy and programme reviews, and align professional practice with DUT’s strategic objectives and Envision2030 values.

Closing Date 24 April 2026