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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Further Education and Training Certificate: Social Security Administration

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
48960	Further Education and Training Certificate: Social Security Administration
ORIGINATOR
SGB Administration
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
HW SETA - Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Public Administration
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	140	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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

This Qualification is for any individual who is or wishes to be involved in the Administration function within the Social Security sector.

The Core Component of the Qualification offers the learner knowledge and skills in Ethics within the Social Security context, the application of the legislative framework in the administration of Social Security, the application of Public Sector Policies and Procedures, the administration of beneficiary enquiries, the processing of beneficiary applications and the utilization of systems in administering Social Security. The Qualification through its Elective Component enables the learner to specialize in areas of Social Security such as Ethics, Supervision and Policy and Sector Awareness.

It is also the building block to advance the learner into the National Certificate in Business Administration Services: NQF Level 5, or the National Certificate in Public Administration: Level 5, and any future related Social Security Administration Qualifications at NQF Level 5 that may be generated at a future date.

Learners working towards this Qualification will find that the acquisition of competence in the Unit Standards, which make up the Qualification, will add value to their jobs. This Qualification is intended to enhance the provision of service within the field of Social Security Administration within the public sector. The Qualification ensures progression of learning, enabling the learner to meet standards of service excellence required within the Administration field of learning, through building day-to-day Administration 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 Administration field for the public sector and will facilitate access to, and mobility and progression within, education and training.

Qualifying learners could follow 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

Rationale:

The FETC in Social Security Administration: NQF Level 4 is designed to meet the needs of those learners both employed or unemployed, who are already involved or wish to become involved in the field of Administration within the Social Security Sector. Social Security Administration is an essential field of learning with the Social Security Sector. This means that there is an on-going need for skilled Administrative people to carry out these functions in the public sector. There is also a need to develop career paths in this field so as to offer people involved in Social Security Administration the opportunity to continue with a programme of life-long learning, which will make them knowledgeable and skilled employees with enhanced employment opportunities.

The FETC in Social Security Administration: Level 4 is a specialised Qualification which offers Administrative knowledge and skills to learners who:

Have attained the National Certificate in Business Administration: Level 3 and wish to continue on a path of life-long learning within the Social Security Sector

Were previously disadvantaged or who were unable to complete their schooling and were therefore denied access to Further Education and Training

Have worked in Administration, Public Administration or Social Security Administration for many years, but have no formal Qualifications in their area of expertise

Wish to extend their range of skills and knowledge of Administration so that they can become knowledge workers

Are contracted in a learnership agreement

Have recently taken up a position in Social Security Administration

Have not yet acquired the skills and competencies required for learning in Social Security Administration or Generic Administration at NQF level 5.

The skills, knowledge, values and attitudes reflected in the Qualification are building blocks that will be developed further in Level 5. The intention is:

To promote the development of knowledge and skills that are required for the efficient performance of Social Security Administrative functions in the Public Sector

To release the potential of people.

The FETC in Social Security Administration: Level 4 should produce knowledgeable, multi-skilled workers who are able to contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within the public sector. It 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.

It will ensure that the quality of education and training in Social Security Administration is enhanced and of a world-class standard.

The FETC in Social Security Administration at NQF Level 4 allows the learner to work towards a nationally recognised qualification. The qualification will allow both those in formal education and those already employed in organisations in the Administration field of learning in any business sector access to a Qualification that can be used as a benchmark to gauge their competence against local and international standards.

The FETC Certificate in Social Security Administration builds on the knowledge and skills already obtained in the Level 3 Certificate in Business Administration.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners accessing this Qualification should be competent in:

Communication at NQF level 3

Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 3

Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The structure of this Unit Standard based Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Learner and Assessor will jointly decide on methods to determine prior learning and competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the Qualification and the associated Unit Standards. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for:

Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF

Gaining of credits towards Unit Standards in this Qualification

Obtaining this Qualification in whole or in part.

All recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 140 credits as detailed below.

Fundamental Component:

The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:

Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.

Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.

Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

Core Component:

The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 71 credits all of which are compulsory.

Elective Component:

The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 43 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 13 credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

On achieving this Qualification, the learner will:

1. Work knowledgably in the social security context.
2. Handle applications and enquiries from Beneficiaries according to departmental policy.
3. Utilise Social Security Administration System to process, store, retrieve and distribute data.
4. Monitor and Supervise Social Security Administration.
5. Communicate effectively with internal and external clients in at least two languages.
6. Use mathematics correctly in work and personal situations.

In particular, assessors should check that the learner can demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about the knowledge and skills demonstrated above so that the best option is chosen.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The necessary legislation, related policy and regulations are applied to own Social Security work context.

Relevant associations and regulatory authorities affecting the Social Security work context are communicated with effectively about Social Security issues.

Behaviour is consistent with the Code of Conduct applicable in the department.

Batho Pele principles are applied in work context at all times.

2.

The Social Security needs of beneficiaries are met effectively according to work performance standards and Departmental expectations.

First-time and existing beneficiary enquiries are processed according to Departmental policy and procedures.

Cards for beneficiaries to obtain payment are processed correctly.

Complaints are effectively processed according to Departmental policy and procedure.

Cultural differences are taken into account when dealing with Beneficiaries.

Problems in the processing of beneficiary payments are referred to the appropriate authority according to Departmental policy.

3.

Information is captured on the system for record keeping purposes using Departmental systems and procedures.

Errors in the maintenance of beneficiary records are eliminated according to Departmental procedures.

4.

The operation of Social Security Administration is streamlined to eliminate delays in payment.

Monthly statistics are compiled timeously.

Applications are processed according to Departmental procedures and policy.

Applications are referred to appropriate sections for further handling.

5.

Internal and external clients are communicated with orally using sound listening techniques and using appropriate language, tone, volume and register.

Written communication in the form of letters, reports, memorandums etc. are compiled using formal language that is appropriate for the audience and purpose.

Written texts are correctly interpreted and their relevance for the learner understood and applied correctly where necessary.

6.

Mathematical calculations are correctly done using the appropriate formulae.

Computations are correctly done in personal life mentally or by using a calculator.

Integrated Assessment

Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification.

Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably lined. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the unit standards should be integrated.

Assessment of the communication, language, literacy and numeracy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic Social Security Administration contexts wherever possible.

A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Benchmarking was done by comparison to Unit Standards/Outcomes of learning against the Standards for Social Security Administration in:

Australia

New Zealand

Ireland

United Kingdom

Scotland

Belgium

Wales

A search of the qualifications and standards available from the above bodies revealed whilst there were many standards relating to Social Welfare and the activities related thereto, there was nothing that was specifically for the Administration of Social Security or even Welfare. The closest qualification, in comparing our Social Welfare processes, is found in New Zealand, but even here, only Social Welfare specific standards are listed.

There are standards on policy frameworks and the application thereof, but even here, they are prescriptive to the New Zealand scenario. This does, however, reiterate our need to be more prescriptive in our standards on policy framework and public sector legislation and its application to specific public sector tasks.

The abovementioned websites were explored to ascertain what standards have been developed in the Public Sector, Administration, Public Sector Administration and Social Security/Welfare. Obviously we could draw some parallels with Generic Administration unit standards, but we have already drawn parallels with international Generic Administration unit standards in formulating our South African Generic Administration Qualifications, and these were reviewed throughout the process of putting together the Social Security Administration Qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This Qualification articulates horizontally with the following Qualifications:

The National Certificate in Administration: Level 4

Vertical articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:

National Diploma in Payroll Administration: Level 5

National Diploma in Administration: Level 5

National Certificate in Public Administration: Level 5

MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Services ETQA.

Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Services ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.

Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.

Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:

A minimum of 2 (two) years' practical, relevant occupational experience in Administration

To be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

To be in possession of a Qualification in Administration, Public Administration or Management at NQF Level 5 or higher.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	113967	Apply public sector policies and procedures to achieve administration objectives	Level 3	NQF Level 03	12
Core	113955	Apply the Batho Pele principles to own work role and context	Level 3	NQF Level 03	4
Core	113956	Demonstrate knowledge of and apply the Public Sector Code of Conduct in own work roles and context	Level 3	NQF Level 03	4
Core	110021	Achieve personal effectiveness in business environment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Core	116251	Administer beneficiary enquiries	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8
Core	116247	Demonstrate an understanding of a social security work context	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8
Core	113960	Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the ethical standards in the Public Sector	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	13940	Demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical conduct in a business environment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	7791	Display cultural awareness in dealing with customers and colleagues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	116250	Gather and verify application information	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8
Core	116252	Monitor social security administration and provide support services in the administration of beneficiary payments	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	116248	Utilise social security administration system to process, store, retrieve and distribute data	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8968	Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8972	Interpret a variety of literary texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8969	Interpret and use information from texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8970	Write texts for a range of communicative contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	9015	Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8974	Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	12417	Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Fundamental	8975	Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	7468	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	12153	Use the writing process to compose texts required in the business environment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8976	Write for a wide range of contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	14665	Interpret current affairs related to a specific business sector	Level 3	NQF Level 03	10
Elective	110026	Describe and assist in the control of fraud in an office environment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Elective	10026	Identify expertise and resources	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Elective	110009	Manage administration records	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Elective	109999	Manage service providers in a selected organisation	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	116249	Supervise social security administration	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8
Elective	15234	Apply efficient time management to the work of a department/division/section	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	4
Elective	14525	Present an informed argument on a current issue in a business sector	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	5

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.

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