Vacancy: Social Worker Grade I (Intake)

Advertiser: Gauteng Provincial Government / Department of Social Development

REF NO: 04607

Directorate: Regions and Institutions

SALARY: R 183 495 per annum (plus benefits)

CENTRE: Westrand Region

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, a minimum 10 years appropriate experience in Social Work Policy Management environment, after registration as Social Work with the South African Council for Social Services Professions. Knowledge and understanding of Social Work dynamics, human behaviour, social system, Social legislation, policies and policies governing the promotion of social protection to vulnerable groups. Knowledge of Social Work approaches and interventions. Sound communication, resolve conflict, Problem solving, planning and organising, project management networking, research, inter-personal and report writing skills. Non-judgemental, understanding, assertive caring, creative, professional, innovative, ability to general practices ideas and solution and ability to apply critical thinking. Valid driver’s license.

DUTIES: Screening of beneficiaries: conduct an interview with new beneficiaries and process the referral and maintain statistics .Responsible for rendering of integrated Social Services to vulnerable persons, groups and communities through all social work methods with strong emphasis on development and outcome based programmes. Attendance to immediate and short term cases and prepare reports, monitor and close files. Identify social Work information needs of communities and relevant stakeholders. Plan and conduct visits to communities for promotion of Social work services. Implementation of the department’s policies on operational level. Supervision and allocation of work to Social auxiliary Workers. Organise own workload according to office objectives. Assessment, referral and counselling where necessary. Attend to Ministerial enquiries. Prepare for and attend panel discussions.

ENQUIRIES: Mr P Sambo Tel: (011) 355 - 7701

NOTE: ERRORS & OMISSIONS EXPECTED Applicants registered with Professional Bodies are requested to attach the necessary certification with the applicable council. (First and current registration only).

APPLICATIONS: Please forward applications, quoting the relevant reference number to – The Gauteng Department of Social Development, 69 Commissioner Street, Thusanong Building, Johannesburg or posted to- Private Bag X35, Johannesburg, 2000

FOR ATTENTION: Ms N Ncanywa, Tel- (011) 227 0074

CLOSING DATE: 15 August 2014

NOTE: Errors & Omissions expected: The department reserves the right to fill or not to fill these position(s). These appointments are subject to the signing of an employment contract and performance contract On SMS posts a competency assessment must be undergone and successful candidates will be required to disclose their financial interests in accordance with the prescribed regulations. Their character should be beyond reproach. Applications should be submitted on Z83 form obtainable at any Public Service Department, accompanied by a CV and certified copies of qualifications, ID and Driving license Successful candidates will have to undergo security vetting, screening and appointment is subject to verification of qualifications. If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful, as correspondence will be limited into shortlisted candidates only. Any appointment outside the Public Service is subject to a Probation Period of 12 Months that can be extended.



Interview Hints and Tips

Arrive on time for the interview. Plan your trip and leave early if you have to or if you are unfamiliar with the area. Give yourself enough time to find the building as well as parking. You also need keep your diary open after the interview. Your interview might be running longer than anticipated.

Remember to take a few extra copies of your CV with you. One copy is for you should you have to refresh your memory. The other copies are for the interviewer and anyone else sitting in on the interview. You only need to produce these if there is a need for them.

Be careful not to over- or under-dress for an interview. The golden rule is to look professional and smart even if everyone else at the company is wearing jeans. Speak to your employment agency for guidance with specific acompanies.

Women:
- More conservative outfit and coordinate all the colours
- Moderate shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too muck make-up and perfume
- Nails must be neat and clean

Men:
- Conservative suit with a white long sleeve shirt
- Conservative tie (no cartoon characters)
- Dark socks, professional shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too much aftershave
- Nails must be neat and clean
The interviewer will be judging the effect of your appearance on customers as well as staff. Your "look" must project the fact that you are the perfect '"fit" for that specific position and company.

Get rid of chewing gum and check your overall appearance before walking into the organisation's premises.

Switch your cellphone off once the interviewer knows that you have arrived for the interview - never, ever take a call during an interview. If there is a medical emergency in your family and your phone needs to be on then inform the interviewer and ask for permission to leave your phone on. In most cases the person will agree to it.

Remember to take a file with pen paper with you to the interview. This will assist you in making notes and to write down questions you might want to ask later.

The interview starts when the first question is asked. Right? Wrong. The interview starts the minute you arrive at the company and you will be under scrutiny by everyone who knows that interviews are being held. Be friendly with cleaning staff, secretaries and everyone else you encounter on your way to the interview. This will make you feel more positive as well as leave positive people in your wake. The last thing you need is for a staff member to mention how rude you were before the interview. Or for the secretaries to tell the manager that you had an attitude with them and you thought you were important!

Studies have shown that most interviewers make up their mind within the first few minutes. You therefore need to greet your interviewer by making comfortable eye contact, shaking hands firmly and introducing yourself in a confident manner.

Make a connection and build a relationship with the interviewer. Remember that they are already happy with your CV and now wants to check you out. Your attitude will be more important than most of your answers.

Only sit down when offered a chair.

If you are offered any coffee or tea you have three choices: Coffee, tea or nothing. Do not go and ask for something not offered - the organisation might not have it on the premises and the interviewer could feel embarrassed.

Keep an eye on your body language and avoid fidgeting, biting your nails, playing with your car keys, etc.