SAPS Free State Recruitment 2026: Social Work, Psychological Services and Mechanical Artisan Vacancies Now Open
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Free State Province has announced multiple vacancies for Forensic Social Workers, Social Workers, Counsellors, Psychometrists, and Mechanical Artisans. Applications close on 13 July 2026.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced a new round of recruitment opportunities in the Free State Province, offering positions across social work, psychological services, and technical support functions. The vacancies provide an opportunity for qualified professionals to contribute to public safety, victim support services, employee wellness initiatives, and fleet maintenance operations within one of South Africa’s most important law enforcement institutions.
The advertised posts are spread across various locations in the Free State and are aimed at experienced professionals as well as qualified artisans seeking stable employment within the public sector.
With application submissions closing on 13 July 2026 at 16:00, interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance and ensure all required documentation is included.
SAPS Continues Strengthening Professional Support Services
Modern policing extends far beyond traditional law enforcement duties. Today, police services rely heavily on specialists such as social workers, psychologists, counsellors, and technical experts to support investigations, protect vulnerable victims, improve employee wellbeing, and maintain operational resources.
The latest recruitment drive demonstrates SAPS’ continued commitment to strengthening these support functions within the Free State Province.
The available positions are primarily concentrated within Crime Detection units, Psychological Services divisions, and Mechanical Services departments, reflecting the diverse professional expertise required to support effective policing.
Forensic Social Worker Vacancies
Among the most significant opportunities advertised are three Forensic Social Worker positions at Captain level.
These professionals play a critical role in supporting investigations involving vulnerable victims, particularly children and survivors of trauma. They often assist detectives by conducting forensic assessments, preparing reports, and providing expert testimony where necessary.
Available Positions
Kroonstad
- Position: Forensic Social Worker (Captain)
- Reference Number: FS 01/06/2026
- Salary: R480,144 per annum
Phuthaditjhaba
- Position: Forensic Social Worker (Captain)
- Reference Number: FS 02/06/2026
- Salary: R480,144 per annum
Parkroad
- Position: Forensic Social Worker (Captain)
- Reference Number: FS 03/06/2026
- Salary: R480,144 per annum
Successful candidates in these roles will contribute to victim-centred investigations and provide specialised support that strengthens the quality of evidence gathering in sensitive cases.
Forensic Principal Social Worker Opportunity
A senior-level vacancy is also available for a Forensic Principal Social Worker at Captain level.
Mangaung
- Position: Forensic Principal Social Worker (Captain)
- Reference Number: FS 04/06/2026
- Salary: R480,144 per annum
This role is expected to involve leadership responsibilities, professional oversight, mentorship of social work practitioners, and coordination of specialised forensic social work services.
The position offers an excellent opportunity for experienced social work professionals seeking greater responsibility within a law enforcement environment.
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Counsellor / Psychometrist Vacancy
The SAPS is also recruiting a Counsellor or Psychometrist at Warrant Officer level.
Provincial Personnel Management: Psychological Services
- Position: Counsellor/Psychometrist (Warrant Officer)
- Reference Number: FS 05/06/2026
- Salary: R385,740 per annum
Psychological Services units play a crucial role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of SAPS employees.
Professionals in these roles may be involved in:
- Psychological assessments
- Counselling interventions
- Employee wellness programmes
- Trauma support services
- Organisational wellbeing initiatives
- Career and occupational assessments
The position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to employee resilience and mental health within the policing environment.
Social Worker Vacancy
Another professional opportunity exists for a qualified Social Worker within Psychological Services.
Selosesha
- Position: Social Worker (Warrant Officer)
- Reference Number: FS 06/06/2026
- Salary: R385,740 per annum
Social workers within SAPS often provide psychosocial support to employees and their families, assist with workplace wellness programmes, and contribute to interventions aimed at addressing personal, family, and occupational challenges.
The role requires strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to supporting the wellbeing of personnel operating in demanding environments.
Mechanical Artisan Vacancies
In addition to professional support services, SAPS is seeking qualified Mechanical Artisans to assist in maintaining operational vehicle fleets and mechanical equipment.
These positions are offered at Constable level and provide opportunities for technically skilled professionals to support policing operations through vehicle maintenance and repair services.
Available Mechanical Artisan Posts
Phuthaditjhaba
- Position: Artisan (Mechanical) – Constable
- Reference Number: FS 07/06/2026
- Salary: R248,175 per annum
Philipolis
- Position: Artisan (Mechanical) – Constable
- Reference Number: FS 08/06/2026
- Salary: R248,175 per annum
Ladybrand
- Position: Artisan (Mechanical) – Constable
- Reference Number: FS 09/06/2026
- Salary: R248,175 per annum
Sasolburg
- Position: Artisan (Mechanical) – Constable
- Reference Number: FS 10/06/2026
- Salary: R248,175 per annum
Mechanical Services divisions are essential for ensuring that SAPS vehicles remain roadworthy, reliable, and available for operational deployment. Qualified artisans contribute directly to the effectiveness and readiness of policing activities across the province.
Why These Opportunities Matter
These vacancies highlight the growing importance of multidisciplinary expertise within modern policing.
While police officers remain at the forefront of law enforcement, specialists such as social workers, counsellors, psychometrists, and artisans provide vital support services that enhance operational effectiveness and community safety.
For social work and psychological professionals, SAPS offers a unique environment where specialist skills can directly contribute to investigations, victim support, employee wellness, and public service delivery.
For artisans, the positions provide stable public-sector employment while supporting critical operational infrastructure.
Application Process
Candidates interested in applying for any of the advertised positions must obtain the official SAPS application forms and carefully review the detailed vacancy requirements.
The comprehensive advertisement, including qualification requirements, submission instructions, and designated application addresses, is available through the official SAPS recruitment platform.
Applicants are required to submit completed application forms together with all supporting documentation specified in the official advertisement.
Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Closing Date
The closing date for all applications is:
13 July 2026 at 16:00
SAPS has indicated that late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. Prospective applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their documentation as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Conclusion
The 2026 SAPS Free State recruitment campaign offers a diverse range of career opportunities for professionals in social work, psychological services, and mechanical trades. With vacancies located in Kroonstad, Phuthaditjhaba, Parkroad, Mangaung, Selosesha, Philipolis, Ladybrand, and Sasolburg, the recruitment drive presents a valuable opportunity for qualified individuals to build meaningful careers within South Africa’s policing environment.
Whether supporting vulnerable victims through forensic social work, strengthening employee wellbeing through psychological services, or maintaining essential operational vehicles, successful candidates will play an important role in advancing the mission and effectiveness of the South African Police Service.
https://www.saps.gov.za.
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