Field Supervisor- University of the Free State x1
- Employer: University of the Free State
- Department: Department of Social Work
- Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
- Campus: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein
- Job Type: Contract Appointment (10 Months)
- Job ID: 6481
- Closing Date: 14 June 2026
- Salary: R6,000 per month (No additional benefits)
Position Overview
The Department of Social Work is seeking experienced Social Workers to supervise approximately 10 students during their practicum placements. The successful candidate will guide:
- Second-Year Students in Casework during the second semester.
- Third-Year Students in Group Work during the first semester.
The role focuses on helping students bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical social work interventions within schools and community organisations.
Key Responsibilities
Second-Year Casework Supervision
- Supervise students applying the Problem Management Model.
- Guide students in analysing client systems and identifying social challenges.
- Assist with intervention planning and implementation.
- Ensure students apply the Person-in-Environment perspective in practice.
- Support students in integrating social work theories into case assessments.
Third-Year Group Work Supervision
- Guide students in planning and facilitating educational groups for youth.
- Assist students with holistic assessments of group members.
- Promote ethical and non-discriminatory social work practice.
- Support students in implementing group interventions and evaluating outcomes.
Practical Field Supervision
- Accompany students to schools or organisations on Thursdays (usually at 10:00).
- Observe and evaluate student performance in real-life settings.
- Provide professional guidance during practical engagements.
Assessment and Academic Support
- Mark student reports and return them before 12:00 on Wednesdays.
- Provide detailed feedback to ensure students can improve before subsequent sessions.
- Conduct weekly individual supervision sessions (approximately 60 minutes) on Fridays.
- Assist students in reflecting on and conceptualising their learning experiences.
- Maintain detailed assessment records.
- Participate in oral examination panels.
Theory-to-Practice Integration
- Assist students in applying:
- Systems Theory
- Planned Change Process
- Problem Management Model
- Other social work intervention frameworks taught by the Department
- Encourage critical thinking and professional decision-making.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Bachelor of Social Sciences qualification on NQF Level 8.
- Active registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions as a Social Worker (proof required).
- Minimum of three (3) years’ practical experience as a Social Worker.
- Specific expertise in:
- Casework
- Group Work
- Thorough understanding of social work theories taught at UFS, including the Problem Management Model.
Recommended Experience and Skills
Preference may be given to candidates who have:
- Experience supervising social work students.
- Strong knowledge of ethical decision-making in social work practice.
- Excellent report-writing abilities.
- Strong verbal communication and facilitation skills.
- Experience working with youth groups and community interventions.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should:
- Be passionate about mentoring future social workers.
- Have strong supervision and coaching abilities.
- Be organised and capable of meeting strict assessment deadlines.
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and professional skills.
- Be able to connect academic theory with practical fieldwork experiences.
Contract Information
- Contract period: February to October.
- Renewable annually based on performance and departmental requirements.
- Temporary contract appointment.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications.
- SAQA evaluation (for foreign qualifications).
- Copy of South African ID or passport.
- Proof of employment (appointment letter, contract, service certificate, or recent payslip).
- Proof of SACSSP registration.
Application Method
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS careers portal: