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Company: Department of Social Development
Location: Eastern Cape
Closing Date: 13 November 2026
The Department of Social Development has officially opened applications for a permanent Child & Youth Care Worker Grade 1 position based in Alfred Nzo Maluti for 2026. This opportunity offers a competitive annual salary ranging from R191,694 to R215,073, with zero years of prior experience required. Interested candidates must submit their applications before the closing date on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Candidates who match the EE Target for an African Male are particularly encouraged to apply as part of the department’s employment equity goals. The role focuses on supporting children and youth development within a structured institutional environment.
Company Overview
The position is offered within the Department of Social Development, part of the Province of the Eastern Cape Republic of South Africa. The department operates under regional governance structures, including the Alfred Nzo District and the ISS Chief Directorate, focusing on community welfare, child protection, and social upliftment programs.
Job Overview
- Title: Child & Youth Care Worker Grade 1 (EE Target: African Male)
- Company: Department of Social Development (Province of the Eastern Cape)
- Location: Alfred Nzo Maluti, South Africa
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: Friday, November 13, 2026 (at 23:59)
- Salary: R191,694 – R215,073 per annum (OSD Salary Level)
Source: official job advertisement. Last verified: October 31, 2026.
Job Purpose / Role Summary
The role is structured under Programme 2 to provide essential care and developmental support to children and youth. Professionals in this position assist with the implementation of planned developmental programs, ensuring that the physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and social needs of youth are met according to professional standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Care and Development: Understand and provide direct care and development support for children and youth, focusing on physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and social needs.
- Programme Implementation: Assist with implementing planned programs and activities tailored to the identified developmental needs of the children and youth.
- Role Modelling: Identify, allocate, and participate in practical activities to transfer vital life skills to youth.
- Administration: Manage necessary administrative duties, including maintaining logbooks, incident reports, and other official records.
- Children’s Rights: Promote and uphold the rights of children and youth while enforcing the rules and procedures of the care centre.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: National Senior Certificate.
- Experience: 0 years of prior experience required (though appropriate and recognizable Child and Youth Care experience gained after obtaining the required qualification will be considered).
- Competencies: Communication skills (ability to convey clear, simple messages to children and youth); trustworthiness and building relationships of trust; honesty and principled conduct; teamwork and collaboration; understanding of child and youth care principles; and computer literacy.
- Driver’s Licence Note: Successful candidates who do not possess a driver’s licence will be required to submit proof of obtaining one within six months from the date of assumption of duty.
Salary & Benefits
The remuneration for this role is set between R191,694 and R215,073 per annum under the OSD salary level structure.
Location & Work Arrangement
This is a permanent, on-site role located within the Alfred Nzo Maluti region of the Eastern Cape.
How to Apply for Child & Youth Care Worker at Department of Social Development
- Access the official provincial e-Recruitment system via www.ecprov.gov.za, https://www.ecprov.gov.za, or https://ereruitment.ecotp.gov.za (under Careers).
- Register or log into your profile. The system is available 24/7 until the closing time.
- Complete a newly formatted Z83 form (effective from 01 January 2021). Note that the e-Recruitment system automatically generates a Z83 when you press apply.
- Upload your detailed Curriculum Vitae along with your application on the portal.
Required Documents
- Fully completed Z83 form (generated via e-Recruitment system or submitted manually if applicable).
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
- Note: Applicants are not required to submit copies of qualifications and other relevant documents upon initial application, but must provide them if shortlisted or requested prior to the interview.
Important Notes & Deadlines
Closing Date: Friday, November 13, 2026, at 23:59.
- Applications received after the closing date or submitted directly via email to [email protected] (unless specifically instructed for technical queries) will be regarded as lost and will not be considered.
- Because of austerity measures, the department will not carry any related costs (such as transport, accommodation, or meals) for candidates attending pre-selection assessments or interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is prior experience required for this Child & Youth Care Worker role? No, the posting specifies 0 years of experience required, making it accessible to qualified entry-level applicants.
- What is the salary for the Child & Youth Care Worker position in 2026? The annual salary ranges from R191,694 to R215,073 per annum under the OSD structure.
- How do I submit my application? You must apply exclusively through the provincial e-Recruitment system online. Manual submissions or emailing CVs directly to general inboxes will result in disqualification.
- Do I need to attach certified copies of my certificates right away? No, initial applications only require a completed Z83 and a detailed CV; certified documents are only requested from shortlisted candidates.
- What happens if I experience technical issues on the e-Recruitment portal? You should send an email with your ID number, profile email address, and details of the issue to [email protected] (technical glitches only, no CVs).
- How will I know if my application was successful? Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within six months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. (General advice: Keep track of your application confirmation number on the portal and check your profile status periodically).
Conclusion + CTA
Securing a stable government role in social development offers a meaningful pathway to community impact. Review the eligibility criteria and submit your profile before the deadline.
