Occupational Certificate: Social Auxiliary Worker

Course Description
The Occupational Certificate: Social Auxiliary Worker (SAQA ID 98890) is a registered NQF Level 5 qualification designed to prepare learners to work as Social Auxiliary Workers within the social development and welfare sector. The qualification equips learners with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience required to support professional social workers in delivering social services to individuals, families, groups, and communities.

The qualification is registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework (OQSF) and carries a total of 129 credits. It is structured to provide an integrated combination of knowledge modules, practical skills training, and workplace experience. The programme generally takes between 12 and 18 months to complete.

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners to assist in the provision of social welfare and community development services under the supervision of a registered social worker. Social Auxiliary Workers provide supportive and complementary services within various social service settings, including non-governmental organisations, schools, healthcare facilities, child and youth care programmes, rehabilitation centres, and community-based organisations.
The qualification covers key areas such as:
Social welfare and social development within the South African context;
– Human behaviour and social issues;
– Communication and life skills;
– Basic counselling and support services;
– Casework support with individuals and families;
– Group work facilitation and support programmes;
– Community development processes;
– Referral systems and resource networking;
– Administrative and record-keeping functions; and
– Ethical and professional practice in social services.

Learners are trained to provide non-therapeutic support services, conduct basic screenings and referrals, facilitate educational and life-skills programmes, assist with community interventions, and support social workers in implementing intervention plans. The programme also develops competencies in maintaining professional relationships, promoting human rights and social justice, and adhering to relevant legislation and ethical standards governing social service professions in South Africa.

The qualification includes compulsory workplace experience modules that expose learners to counselling processes, group facilitation, community development activities, and social work administration. This practical component ensures that learners gain hands-on experience within supervised social service environments.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners may register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as Social Auxiliary Workers in accordance with the Social Service Professions Act. The qualification also provides articulation opportunities into further studies, including higher certificates, diplomas, and social work qualifications

For registrations and payment arrangements, prospective students can contact:
📧 training@hivsa.com