Social Services Manager Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Plans, organises, directs, controls, leads, manages and coordinates a centre, program or project concerned with social services.
What does a Social Services Manager do?
A Social Services Manager oversees a centre, programme or project that delivers social services. The role involves turning service goals into organised activities, coordinating people and resources, leading implementation, monitoring operations and taking responsibility for the effective management of social-service work. Related roles include Child and Youth Care Services Manager, Social Services Centre Manager, Social Services Project Manager and Social Work Manager.
Specialisations
How to become a Social Services Manager in South Africa
- Learn about the different settings in which social-services managers work, such as centres, programmes and projects.
- Consider relevant education, including the National Certificate: Health Sciences and Social Services: Development Services, the National Certificate: N2 Social Services, the National Certificate: N3 Social Services or the National Certificate: Financial Services Management.
- Develop experience in social-services environments and take on increasing responsibility for planning, coordination and service delivery.
- Build management capability through workplace progression, responsibility and practical involvement in leading or coordinating social-service activities.
- Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA or an appropriate accredited provider before enrolling.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Relevant education can support preparation for this career, but management roles commonly also involve workplace progression and increasing responsibility. Because the mapped pathways cover social services and financial services management, compare the content of each option with the type of social-services centre, programme or project you want to manage.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Business Studies
- Life Sciences
Skills that may help
- Planning
- Organisation
- Leadership
- Management
- Coordination
- Direction and supervision
- Operational control