Company: Department of Employment and Labour
Industry: Government / Public Service
Job Category: UIF Claims Officer
Location: Labour Centres across Mpumalanga, South Africa
Contract Type: Permanent (subject to standard government employment terms)
Remuneration: R269,499 per annum (Level 7, as per DPSA salary scale)
EE Position: Open to all South African citizens (preference may be given to Employment Equity candidates)
Closing Date: 8 August 2025 (16:00 for walk-ins, 00:00 for online submissions)
Introduction
The Department of Employment and Labour is actively seeking to fill 220 UIF Claims Officer vacancies across Mpumalanga Province. These roles are part of a major recruitment drive to improve service delivery at the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). If you’re an unemployed graduate or job seeker with strong administrative skills and a passion for public service, this is your opportunity to contribute meaningfully while gaining valuable government work experience.
The UIF is a vital component of South Africa’s social protection system. These Claims Officer positions will support the smooth processing of benefit claims, employer services, and assessments—ensuring citizens receive timely, efficient service. The programme also provides a clear entry point into a public sector career for capable and committed individuals.
Job Description:
The 220 UIF Claims Officer positions are divided across three main operational areas:
- Paymaster Unit (Ref. No. HR4/4/7/51) – 68 positions
- Assessment Unit (Ref. No. HR4/4/7/52) – 72 positions
- Employer Services Unit (Ref. No. HR4/4/7/53) – 80 positions
Successful candidates will assist with processing UIF benefit claims, screening applications, managing client queries, and supporting employer-related UIF functions. These are office-based roles that require accurate data capturing, efficient customer service, and familiarity with UIF procedures and legislation.
Applicants will be placed at various labour centres across Mpumalanga, including Emalahleni, Mbombela, Middelburg, and others, depending on organisational needs.
Ideal Candidate:
This opportunity is ideal for young South Africans with a passion for public administration and social development. While prior experience is not required, applicants should be diligent, eager to learn, and confident in client-facing roles.
To be considered, candidates must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Possess 0–6 months relevant experience (internships and volunteer experience may count)
- Have a Grade 12 / Matric certificate or higher qualification (post-matric qualifications are advantageous)
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the following:
- UIF Act & Contributions Act
- POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act)
- PFMA (Public Finance Management Act)
- Treasury Regulations
- Public service principles (e.g. Batho Pele)
- Be proficient in basic computer functions
- Not currently employed in any government department unless applying through proper internal processes
Role Responsibility:
Duties vary slightly depending on the allocated unit, but all Claims Officers will contribute to providing citizen-focused UIF services. Responsibilities include:
- Client Service Support:
- Welcome and assist clients at labour centre reception areas
- Provide accurate information on UIF benefits and eligibility
- Respond to general queries and redirect complex queries to supervisors
- Claims Processing:
- Verify documentation and assess the completeness of claim forms
- Capture UIF claims for various benefits including unemployment, maternity, illness, and adoption
- Handle continuation of payment forms and related follow-up services
- Administrative Support:
- Maintain accurate records for audits and reviews
- Support the unit with filing, scanning, and processing related forms
- Ensure compliance with UIF internal procedures and policies
- Employer Services Support (for Employer Services unit):
- Assist employers with declarations and registration queries
- Update employer information on UIF systems
- Resolve employer-related discrepancies in claims
Skills and Attributes:
To succeed in this role, candidates should possess a combination of communication, customer service, and administrative capabilities.
Key competencies include:
- Good verbal and written communication in at least two South African languages
- Telephone and email etiquette
- Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
- Customer service orientation with a helpful attitude
- Attention to detail in data capturing
- Basic computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Time management and task prioritisation
- Knowledge of UIF claims processes and relevant legislation (can be trained on)
- Ability to remain professional under pressure
- Respect for public service values and confidentiality
Position Summary
This UIF Claims Officer hiring initiative offers 220 unemployed individuals the chance to kickstart a career in the public service. The roles are strategically placed within various Labour Centres in Mpumalanga, ensuring that service delivery is decentralised and accessible to all communities in the province.
Whether you’re supporting unemployed citizens with their claims, assisting employers with declarations, or ensuring that benefit payments are processed timeously, your contribution will have a direct, meaningful impact. These positions are part of the Department’s broader strategy to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and uphold the principles of Batho Pele in all service channels.
Furthermore, this opportunity serves as a stepping stone for career growth. Entry-level officials in government are often exposed to training, cross-functional tasks, and internal promotion pathways. If you are passionate about public service, have a customer-first mindset, and are eager to build your experience, this is the opportunity for you.
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How to Apply
You can apply via email or by delivering your application in person. Applications must include:
- A signed Z83 Application Form (available at www.dpsa.gov.za)
- A detailed CV including contactable references
- Certified copies of your ID and qualifications
Use the correct reference and email address when applying:
- UIF Claims Officer – Paymaster
- Ref: HR4/4/7/51
- Email: Jobs-MPU-PAYM@labour.gov.za
- UIF Claims Officer – Assessment
- Ref: HR4/4/7/52
- Email: Jobs-MPU-ASSESS@labour.gov.za
- UIF Claims Officer – Employer Services
- Ref: HR4/4/7/53
- Email: Jobs-MPU-EMPLOYER-SERV@labour.gov.za
Or deliver by hand to:
Chief Director: Provincial Operations
Department of Employment and Labour
Labour Building, Corner Hofmeyer & Beatty Avenue
Emalahleni, Mpumalanga
Postal Address:
Private Bag X7263, Emalahleni, 1035
For enquiries:
Ms E Baholo – Tel: (013) 655 8700
Download Full Job Details:
Visit DPSA Circular 26 of 2025 to download the official PDF
