Social Worker- University of the Free State (3years)
Job Details
Job Title: Social Worker (30 hours per week)
Employer: University of the Free State (UFS)
Job ID: 6682
Posting Number: 2351
Department: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture – Health and Wellness Centre
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Employment Type: 3-Year Contract
Working Hours: 30 hours per week
Occupational Level: Junior Management (Post Level 9)
Salary: Available on request
Assumption of Duty: 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing Date: 12 November 2026
Job Description
The University of the Free State is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced Social Workers for a three-year contract position at its Health and Wellness Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus.
The successful candidate will provide professional social work services to students experiencing personal and social challenges. The role focuses on promoting student wellbeing through counselling-related support services, psychoeducation, preventative programmes, support groups and community engagement initiatives.
The appointed Social Worker will also assist with identifying financial assistance opportunities for disadvantaged students, coordinating student support activities, maintaining client records and collaborating with university departments and external organisations to improve student support services.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Implementing, monitoring and evaluating social work activities and programmes.
Organising, coordinating and maintaining services designed to improve student wellbeing and functioning.
Planning social work activities in line with the National Health Calendar, UFS Institutional Calendar and Health and Wellness Centre’s operational plan.
Providing professional social work services to students experiencing personal and social problems.
Identifying opportunities to improve social work processes and service delivery.
Establishing and facilitating student support groups.
Developing monitoring and evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness of services.
Researching relevant topics and organising information sessions and awareness events.
Maintaining accurate client records and data.
Supporting financially needy students while encouraging independence and avoiding dependency.
Identifying potential funding opportunities and implementing financial assistance programmes.
Identifying students who qualify for relevant financial assistance initiatives.
Planning, coordinating and implementing community engagement projects.
Developing and implementing preventative programmes.
Participating in professional organisations, boards and institutional forums.
Representing the Health and Wellness Centre at university structures and relevant external forums.
Participating in provincial and community forums, including social work forums.
Compiling reports and performing administrative duties in accordance with SACSSP legislation.
Contributing to the development of the Centre’s annual performance plan.
Attending Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.
Keeping up to date with developments and trends in the social work profession.
Providing support to the Assistant Director: Social Work Services.
Working overtime or after hours when required and travelling to other campuses when operational needs arise.
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at NQF Level 8.
Active registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker for at least two years.
Experience in providing psychoeducation to young adults.
Minimum of two years’ relevant working experience as a registered Social Worker, relating to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Applicants must attach copies of their qualifications and proof of SACSSP registration.
Recommended Requirements
The following qualifications and experience will be advantageous:
Master’s degree in Social Work at NQF Level 9.
Valid driver’s licence, or eligibility to obtain one within one year.
Knowledge of the scope of practice of a Social Worker according to SACSSP.
Professional casework, group work and community work skills and experience.
Experience in a health, wellness or similar tertiary education environment.
Excellent English communication skills and proficiency in at least one additional official South African language.
Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and different stakeholders.
Experience in networking and building relationships with NGOs and other organisations to promote student wellbeing.
Experience providing professional social work services within a higher education environment.
Experience developing, presenting or co-facilitating support groups and work sessions.
Required Skills and Competencies
Ability to adapt to changing environments and evolving situations.
Ability to remain calm and work effectively under pressure.
Strong organisational and multitasking skills.
Creative problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities.
Ability to follow policies, rules and workplace procedures.
Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office.
Leadership skills and the ability to provide direction when necessary.
Good teamwork and collaboration skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Sensitivity, empathy and understanding of other people’s needs and feelings.
Ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: Available on request.
Pension scheme.
Medical aid scheme.
Group life insurance.
Housing allowance.
Annual leave and sick leave.
Service bonus.
Study benefits.