SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Social Security Assessor 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105028  Occupational Certificate: Social Security Assessor 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - HWSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  192  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-12-07  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Social Security Assessor.

A Social Security Assessor assesses:
  • Social welfare claims and entitlements under government legislation.
  • Identifies possible fraud and suspected breaches of legislation.
  • Carries out administrative, supervisory and management duties, functions, processes and procedures.

    A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Carry out coordination operations.
  • Carry out social security assessor operations.

    Rationale:
    The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states that everyone has the 'right of access to social security, including appropriate social assistance if they are unable to support themselves and their dependants'. The South African Social Security Act provides for the establishment of the South African Social Security Agency as an agent for the administration and payment of social assistance; to provide for the prospective administration and payment of social security by the Agency and of services or matters related thereto.

    In order to provide for the requirements of the legislation, it is essential to provide for training and development of Social Security Administrators, Coordinators and Assessors. This qualification aims to provide Social Security Assessors with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to perform professionally and effectively in the delivery of service excellence.

    It is also the building block to advance horizontally and vertically into the Social Grant Coordinator, Social Security Administrator, Public Administration and any future related Social Security Qualifications.

    This occupational qualification is intended to enhance the provision of service within the field of Social Security Coordination and Assessments within the public sector.

    The Qualification ensures progression of learning, enabling the learner to meet standards of service excellence required within the Social Grant Assessment and Coordination field through building skills as well as operational competencies required within the public sector. It will provide the broad knowledge; skills and values needed in the Social Security Grant and Assessment field for the Public Sector and will facilitate access to, mobility and progression in the Public Sector.

    Qualifying learners could pursue a career in:
  • Public Service Administration and Supervision.
  • Technical assistance.
  • Data capturing.
  • Relationship management.
  • Project coordination.
  • Customer liaison within the public sector.
  • Social Security Administration Supervision.

    The qualification should provide the means for current workers to receive recognition of prior learning, to upgrade their skills and achieve a nationally recognised qualification. It should also assist new entrants to the Public Sector by ensuring that the quality of education and training in Social Security Administration and Coordination is enhanced and is of an excellent standard. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    National Certificate: Social Security Administrator, NQF Level 4. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 335301-000-00-00-KM-01, Social, Labour, Public Service and Finance Law (Intermediate), Level 5, 32 Credits.
  • 335301-000-00-00-KM-02, Social, Labour, Public Service and Finance Law (Advanced), Level 6, 32 Credits.
  • 335301-000-00-00-KM-03, Business Administration (Intermediate), Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 335301-000-00-00-KM-04, Business Administration (Advanced), Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • 335301-000-00-00-KM-05, Team Leadership, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 335301-000-00-00-KM-06, Supervision and management, Level 6, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 112.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 335301-000-00-00-PM-01, Carry out social security coordinator operations, Level 5,
  • 20 Credits.
  • 335301-000-00-00-PM-02, Carry out social security assessor operations, Level 6, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 40.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 335301-000-00-00-WM-01, Social security coordinator operations, Level 5, 20 Credits.
  • 335301-000-00-00-WM-02, Social security assessor operations, Level 6, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct Social Security application processes, functions and duties.
    2. Manage Social Security processes, functions and duties in the organisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Correctly identify and comply with the social security regulatory requirements and ethical principles when completing applications.
  • Collect and capture client information in an appropriate format for analysis.
  • Analyse, compare and evaluate means tests according to specifications.
  • Analyse and interpret client information to make decisions on applications.
  • Develop and communicate appropriate recommendations according to organisational processes and procedures.
  • Record accurate advice, instructions, and actions to legal requirements.
  • Conduct quality control, monitoring and evaluation of the application processing in accordance with operating requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Prepare clearly-formulated application processes, documentation and correspondence to enhance monitoring and control of applications.
  • Monitor and control staff performance in accordance with operating requirements.
  • Plan, organise, implement and assess operational and management functions and make recommendations to improve the assessor functions and efficiency.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    An external Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Many countries have well-established social security/welfare programmes; and occupational/vocational training programmes, but occupational programmes in social/welfare administration were not found.

    However, occupational programmes in public administration/government are extensively developed in many countries.

    Australia:
    The Australian Security Academy offers the following qualifications:

    PSP40116-Certificate IV in Government.
    The certificate includes units of competency in:
  • Uphold the values and principles of public service.
  • Conduct initial claim assessments.
  • Process claims.
  • Apply government processes.
  • Assess applications for grants, subsidies and rebates.
  • Use public sector financial processes.
  • Make claim determinations.
  • Conduct government service delivery interviews.
  • Administer delivery of financial and other benefit.
  • Deliver and monitor service to clients.
  • Contribute to health and safety of self and others.
  • Maintain workplace safety.
  • Manage personal work priorities and professional development.
  • Support employee and industrial relations procedures.
  • Use resources to achieve work unit goals.
  • Develop and implement work.
  • Deal with conflict.
  • Facilitate participation in government service delivery.
  • Assist self-management of government service offers.
  • Manage information.

    PSP5011-Diploma of Government.

    The diploma includes units of competency in:
  • Develop and use emotional intelligence.
  • Maintain workplace safety.
  • Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs to meet legislative requirements; Promote the values and ethos of public service.
  • Develop client services.
  • Coordinate resource allocation and usage.
  • Undertake research and analysis.
  • Promote diversity.
  • Support workplace coaching and mentoring.

    PSP60116 - Advanced Diploma of Government offered by the:

    The diploma includes units of competency in:
  • Influence and shape diversity management.
  • Lead and influence change.
  • Ensure a safe workplace.
  • Apply legislative frameworks for WHS.
  • Coordinate multi-agency investigations.
  • Manage operations.
  • Maintain and enhance confidence in public service.
  • Lead and influence ethical practice in the public sector.
  • Anticipate and detect possible fraud activity.
    These are all components of the curriculum of this qualification.

    United Kingdom:
    The Extended Diploma in Management, is offered by The London Business and Management School is a Level 6 qualification with 120 credits. To achieve this qualification, all learners must complete the four core units totalling 60 credits. Learners then select the unendorsed route or one of four pathways; Finance, Operations Management, Managing People or Sales and Marketing.

    Core Units:
  • Leadership and Management
  • Research Project
  • Managing Quality and Service Delivery
  • Personal Leadership and Management Development

    Optional units
  • Financial Decision Making for Managers
  • Accounting
  • Managing Finance in the Public Sector
  • Economics for Business
  • Factors determining Marketing Strategies
  • Marketing Communications
  • Sales
  • Branding
  • Information Systems
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Managing Change
  • Risk Management
  • Project Management
  • Human Resource Management

    The qualification offers opportunities for learners to acquire knowledge and understanding and develop a range of skills, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life, specialisations that are directly related to learners' current responsibilities or that meet a particular interest and support career development

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares well with the above international qualifications in terms of learning areas and level of complexity and the competencies required in government and public service administration to offer learners the opportunity to acquire a broader range of knowledge and understanding and to develop the skills they require to work in the field of management in any sector. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • Diploma: Business Administration Management; Level 6.
  • Diploma: Public Administration and Management, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Administration in Public Management; Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Management; Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is:
  • Social Security Assessor: 335301-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD):
    This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
    Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA).

    Part qualifications:
    None. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.