Social & Community Services
Social Worker
You protect vulnerable people and help families through crisis.
- Starting salary
- R16 000 – R25 000
- Job demand
- Always needed
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, English
What do they do?
You protect vulnerable people and help families through crisis.
A day in the life
You visit homes, assess cases, connect families to support, write reports and appear in court.
Skills you need
- Empathy
- Resilience
- Report writing
- Advocacy
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- English
- Life Orientation
- History
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2Bachelor of Social Work (4 yrs)
- 3SACSSP registration
- 4Social worker
Ways in: University degree · Government bursary (DSD). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of South Africa
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Western Cape
- North-West University
- Walter Sisulu University
- University of Venda
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R16 000 – R25 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R26 000 – R40 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R42 000 – R70 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Volunteer with a local NGO
- • Be a peer supporter
- • Learn about child protection rights
Try this career
Map the support services in your community and make a helpline poster.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.