If you are passionate about helping people and making a difference in your community, becoming a Social Auxiliary Worker could be the perfect career choice for you.
Social Auxiliary Workers help those who may be struggling with difficult situations. They work with children, families, the elderly and communities. They also support people struggling in poverty, unemployment, family problems or other social challenges.
Becoming a Social Auxiliary Worker requires proper training and professional registration. Here is what you need to know before starting your journey.
A Social Auxiliary Worker is a trained professional who supports and assists a registered Social Worker. They do not work independently, they work under the guidance and control of the Social Worker.
Their main purpose is to help provide social services to individuals, families, groups and communities.
The duties of a Social Auxiliary Worker entirely depends on the requirements of the organisation where they work.
Some common duties include:
Good communication and listening skills are essential because a Social Auxiliary Worker often works with people who are going through challenges.
To become a Social Auxiliary Worker, you are required to complete a recognised qualification.
At AEI, we offer the Occupational Certificate: Social Auxiliary Worker NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 98890. This qualification carries 129 credits.
This qualification equips you with the basic knowledge and skills needed to work in social services. Students may learn about social welfare services, communication, life skills, community development, working with families, as well as professional conduct.
Practical skills are important. Becoming a Social Auxiliary Worker involves more than just reading textbooks and doing assignments. Students need practical training as well.
During your studies, you will gain the skills to communicate with clients, support individuals and families, facilitate groups, assist with community projects and keep professional records.
These practical activities will help you understand how to use what you have learned in real-life situations.
Gaining workplace experience is another essential part of the occupational qualification. Students will need an opportunity to gain experience in a suitable social service environment.
This could include:
Students will work under appropriate supervision while completing their required workplace activities, which gives them real-life experience in social services. This experience helps you gain the confidence and properly understand the daily responsibilities of someone working in social services.
Registering with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) is strictly and legally required to practice as a social auxiliary worker in South Africa. It is the law. Practicing without registration is a criminal offense that can lead to fines or even imprisonment. Employers will face legal action if they have hired an unregistered social auxiliary worker.
The SACSSP regulates Social Workers and Social Auxiliary Workers in South Africa. Students studying Social Auxiliary Work must meet the requirements of the SACSSP for registration in the necessary student category.
It is important to ask your training provider about these processes once you start studying. Do not wait until you have completed your qualification before asking about professional registration. Ask in advance.
After completing the qualification and required assessments, the graduate must meet the requirements to register professionally as a Social Auxiliary Worker.
You will be required to provide documents such as your identification, academic reports and proof of qualification. Registration fees will also be required.
Requirements could change over time, so you need to always follow up for the latest information directly with the SACSSP.
Professional registration is essential for Social Auxiliary Work, because it is a regulated profession.
Once your studies have been completed and you’ve met the professional registration requirements, you can then start looking for employment opportunities available to you.
Social Auxiliary Workers may find opportunities in:
Available jobs will depend on your location, experience and current vacancies.
Although Social Auxiliary Work can be a rewarding career, it can also be challenging in a way. You need patience, empathy and good communication skills, because you will be working with people who are going through very difficult life experiences.
A good Social Auxiliary Worker is required to be respectful, responsible, caring and able to work well with others. You need to really be ‘people’s person’. You are also required to understand how important confidentiality is and have professional behaviour.
If you are passionate about helping people and want to contribute to your community, then this career will be the perfect option for you.
Adult Education Institute offers the Occupational Certificate: Social Auxiliary Worker for people who want to develop the necessary skills to enter the social services field.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us to learn more about admission requirements, course fees, as well as study options.
The passion you have for helping people could become a meaningful career that makes a real difference in the community. Take the next step towards a rewarding career. Enrol today!
