Hiring Now | Family Counsellor / Social Worker (Grade 1–4) | North West Province | Permanent Government Position Available
The Office of the Family Advocate, North West, is hiring a Family Counsellor / Social Worker (Grade 1–4). If you are looking for a meaningful government social work career with a competitive OSD salary and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families, this is your chance to join the Office of the Family Advocate and build a long-term career in family law social work and mediation.
👨👩👧 Don’t miss this opportunity — apply today.
Family Counsellor / Social Worker Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Family Counsellor / Social Worker: Grade 1–4 |
| Reference Number | 26/VA16/NW |
| Department | Office of the Family Advocate – North West |
| Location | North West Province |
| Salary | R325 200 – R725 754 per annum (OSD determination) |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Positions Available | 1 |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Accepting Applications Now |
What Does a Family Counsellor / Social Worker Do at the Office of the Family Advocate?
Family Counsellors and Social Workers at the Office of the Family Advocate play a critical role in protecting the best interests of minor children involved in family law disputes. In this role, you will conduct inquiries through mediation and evaluation, compile forensic court reports, act as an expert witness for the Family Advocate, and travel to townships and rural communities across the North West Province to interview parties and source references in Family Law matters.
This is a specialist, legally grounded social work role that requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, SACSSP registration, experience in mediation and court processes, and a thorough knowledge of Family Law legislation including the Children’s Act, Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, Maintenance Act, Domestic Violence Act, and the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.
Key Responsibilities of a Family Counsellor / Social Worker
Inquiry & Mediation
- Conduct inquiries to ascertain the best interests of minor children involved in family law disputes by means of mediation and/or evaluation in accordance with relevant legislation.
- Facilitate mediation processes between disputing parties to reach child-centred and legally sound outcomes.
- Apply knowledge of the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, Children’s Act, Maintenance Act, Domestic Violence Act, and the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction throughout all inquiry and mediation processes.
Forensic Court Report Compilation
- Evaluate information gathered during inquiries and compile comprehensive forensic court reports for the Family Advocate.
- Ensure all forensic reports are evidence-based, clearly written, legally sound, and submitted within the required timeframes.
- Maintain accurate case records and supporting documentation for all matters handled.
Expert Witness Testimony
- Act as an expert witness on behalf of the Family Advocate in court proceedings related to family law disputes.
- Present forensic evaluation findings clearly and confidently in court, withstanding cross-examination by legal representatives.
- Maintain professional credibility and objectivity as an expert witness in all court appearances.
Case Flow Administration
- Ensure proper case flow administration for all allocated family law matters.
- Track case progress from inquiry through mediation, report compilation, and court appearance.
- Maintain organised and auditable case files in accordance with departmental requirements and legal obligations.
Community Outreach & Field Work
- Travel extensively throughout the North West Province — including townships and rural areas — to conduct inquiries, interview parties, and source references in family law disputes.
- Engage sensitively and professionally with families, children, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
- Apply cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness in all community-based interactions and investigations.
Departmental Values & Culture
- Uphold and promote the values and professional standards of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development / Office of the Family Advocate.
- Sign and fulfil a performance agreement in accordance with departmental performance management requirements.
- Maintain SACSSP registration and comply with all professional ethics, continuing professional development requirements, and social work standards.
Minimum Requirements – Family Counsellor / Social Worker
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification — essential
Professional Registration:
- Current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) — essential
Experience:
- Appropriate experience in Social Work after registration as a Social Worker with the SACSSP
- Experience in mediation in a family law or social work context
- Court experience in rendering expert evidence — essential
Knowledge Requirements:
- Knowledge and application of Family Law including the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act
- Children’s Act, Maintenance Act, and Domestic Violence Act
- Hague Convention on International Child Abduction
- Knowledge of forensic evaluation and report writing in a family law context
Licence & Travel Requirements:
- Valid driver’s licence — essential
- Willingness to travel extensively within the North West Province — essential
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Computer literacy — MS Word essential
- Mediation and interviewing skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Evaluation and forensic report writing skills
- Diversity awareness and attention to detail
Legal Requirements:
- Valid South African ID Document
- A performance agreement will be required upon appointment
Core Values We Look For in a Family Counsellor / Social Worker
✅ Child-Centred Practice
Every inquiry, mediation, and forensic report in this role must be guided by one principle — the best interests of the child. We value social workers who place children at the centre of every decision and every intervention.
✅ Professional Integrity & Objectivity
Forensic court reports and expert witness testimony carry significant legal weight. We value Family Counsellors who conduct evaluations objectively, report findings honestly, and maintain their professional credibility under cross-examination.
✅ Resilience & Emotional Intelligence
Working with families in conflict, children in distress, and complex legal proceedings requires emotional resilience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
✅ Communication & Mediation
The ability to facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties, interview children and adults sensitively, and present complex findings clearly — in reports and in court — is at the heart of this role.
✅ Cultural Sensitivity & Community Engagement
Work in townships and rural communities across North West requires genuine respect for diversity, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to build trust with families from varied cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Career Growth Opportunities in Government Social Work
The OSD (Occupational Specific Dispensation) salary structure for Social Workers offers structured progression from Grade 1 through to Grade 4 based on experience and performance:
- Social Worker Grade 1 → Grade 2 (progression based on years of experience)
- Social Worker Grade 2 → Grade 3
- Social Worker Grade 3 → Grade 4
- Senior Social Worker / Specialist → Assistant Director: Social Work Services
The salary range of R325 200 – R725 754 per annum reflects the full Grade 1–4 spectrum. The public service also offers GEPF pension benefits, GEMS medical aid, housing allowance eligibility, and structured OSD salary progression.
Frequently Asked Questions – Family Counsellor / Social Worker Jobs
What is the OSD salary determination? OSD (Occupational Specific Dispensation) is a government salary framework designed specifically for professional occupations — including social workers — that provides structured salary progression based on qualifications, registration, and years of experience. The R325 200 – R725 754 range covers Social Worker Grade 1 through Grade 4.
Is SACSSP registration essential? Yes. Current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) is a non-negotiable requirement. Applicants who are not registered with SACSSP will not be considered.
Is court experience required? Yes. Experience in rendering expert evidence in court is listed as an essential requirement. Candidates with mediation and forensic report writing experience will be strongly preferred.
What legislation must I know? Key legislation includes the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, Children’s Act, Maintenance Act, Domestic Violence Act, and the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. Thorough knowledge and practical application of these acts is essential.
Will I need to travel? Yes. This role requires extensive travel across the North West Province — including to townships and rural areas — to conduct inquiries and interviews. A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel are non-negotiable requirements.
How do I apply? Applications can be submitted in one of three ways — by post, hand delivery, or online. Quote reference number 26/VA16/NW on all applications.
Who do I contact for enquiries? Contact Ms L Shoai at Tel: (018) 397 7088.
How to Apply for This Family Counsellor / Social Worker Job
Ready to make a difference in the lives of children and families across North West Province? Apply now.
👉 Apply for Family Counsellor / Social Worker Position
By post: The Provincial Head, Private Bag X2033, Mmabatho, 2735
By hand delivery: 22 Molopo Road, Ayob Gardens, Mafikeng, 2745
Online: https://forms.office.com/r/X2XaVPasWu
Quote reference number 26/VA16/NW on your application. Include a comprehensive CV and all required supporting documents.
For enquiries: Ms L Shoai | Tel: (018) 397 7088
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