About the role
The South African Police Service is recruiting a Social Worker to serve at the rank of Warrant Officer within its Social Work Services division, based at SAPS Head Office in Pretoria. This is a specialised civilian professional role within SAPS, distinct from operational policing positions, aimed at qualified social workers who want to apply their profession within a law enforcement and public service context.
SAPS is South Africa's national police force, responsible for crime prevention, investigation, and public safety across the entire country. Beyond frontline policing, SAPS employs a range of professional and support staff, including psychologists, forensic specialists, and social workers, who provide services to both SAPS members and the communities the organisation serves. The Social Work Services division specifically focuses on the wellbeing and social support needs connected to policing work, an area that carries real weight given the demanding nature of police service.
While the specific day to day duties of the post were not detailed in the original advertisement, roles of this kind within SAPS Social Work Services typically involve providing professional social work support and intervention services, working within SAPS's internal welfare and support structures, and applying social work principles within a structured government and law enforcement environment.
The requirements for this post are specific and non negotiable given its professional nature. Applicants need a Grade 12 certificate, specifically a Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate, or National Certificate Vocational recorded on the National Learner Record Database at NQF Level 4. Beyond that, a four year Social Work degree accredited by SAQA at NQF Level 7 or higher is required, along with current registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions, and proof of valid registration specifically for the 2026/2027 financial year. A valid driver's licence is required, as is South African citizenship. Applicants must also have no criminal record and no pending criminal, departmental, or civil cases, standard but firmly enforced requirements for any SAPS position, civilian or operational.
This role is well suited to qualified, SACSSP registered social workers who are drawn specifically to working within a government and law enforcement context rather than traditional NGO, hospital, or private practice settings. It offers the structure and stability of a government post, at Warrant Officer rank, combined with the opportunity to apply social work skills in a setting with distinct challenges and a genuinely important internal welfare function within one of the country's largest public institutions.
Applications close on 7 August 2026, so candidates need to move relatively quickly if they intend to apply. All applications must be submitted through the official SAPS careers platform, and given the professional registration and qualification requirements involved, applicants should have certified copies of their degree, SACSSP registration, and identity documents ready before starting the online application. SAPS has publicly warned about bogus advertisements circulating for its vacancies, so applicants should apply only through the verified SAPS careers page and treat any request for payment as fraudulent.
Requirements
- Grade 12 (NQF Level 4)
- Four year SAQA accredited Social Work degree, NQF Level 7 or higher
- Current SACSSP registration, valid for 2026/2027
- Valid driver's licence
- South African citizenship
- No criminal record or pending criminal, departmental or civil cases
How to apply
Applications are handled by South African Police Service (SAPS) on their own site. Careers360 does not collect your documents and never charges a fee to apply.