Correctional Services DIRECTOR: SOCIAL WORK SERVICES Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Correctional Services is seeking a dedicated professional for the position of Director: Social Work Services at its National Head Office in Pretoria. This is a key leadership role within the department, focusing on the strategic management and development of social work programmes.

This opportunity offers a chance to contribute to the South African criminal justice system by overseeing critical social support services and programmes for inmates. The successful candidate will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and evaluating services that align with relevant legislation and departmental policies.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this Director position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate qualification (NQF level 7) in Social Work or an equivalent qualification recognized by SAQA.
• Five (5) years of experience at a middle or senior managerial level in a similar environment.
• Registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker.
• A compulsory certificate for entry into the Senior Management Services (SMS) obtained from the National School of Government (NSG) (required prior to appointment).
• Computer literate.
• Possession of a valid driver’s licence.
• Knowledge and understanding of the South African Criminal Justice System and the Correctional Services architecture.
• Understanding of public service policy and related legislative frameworks, including the Public Service Act and Regulations, Public Finance Management Act, and the Correctional Service Act 111 of 1998 (as amended).

Key Responsibilities

The Director: Social Work Services will be responsible for a range of strategic and operational duties, including:

• Managing, developing, designing, implementing, administering, and evaluating social work services and programmes in line with relevant legislation, regulations, frameworks, and departmental policies.
• Managing social support services within the department.
• Managing and monitoring the coordination of special categories for inmates.
• Ensuring the coordination of outreach programmes to educate others about psychosocial-related problems.
• Planning and ensuring that social work research is undertaken.
• Liaising and attending meetings with external stakeholders as part of stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Managing human resources, finances, assets, and performance information for the unit.