Seeking advice re: Social Workers in OZ
 

My cousin is seeking advice re: moving to Oz, particularly Melbourne. She is a social worker (Adult SW) and was asking me about the prospect of finding a job; the pay range and the migration process, which I haven't got a clue.

How is life down under for prospective social workers?

Re: Seeking advice re: Social Workers in OZ
 

My partner is one. Not a great field in Australia. Work tends to be in either hospitals or non profit agencies at rather low pay rates.
Plenty of work in child protection but bit of a revolving door generally. Somewhat displaced by other professions.

More choice and variety in UK I hear so tell your friend to research well.

Re: Seeking advice re: Social Workers in OZ
 

There's about half a dozen social worker roles here to give you a taste of the kinds of positions and salaries available.

Yes, there's lots of work in child protection here in Australia. A tough environment though, and with not particularly good wages and a high burnout rate. I'm sure it's all pretty much the same throughout the first world. But from my own observations here, the funding and supports provided to help do the job is excellent.

What do you mean by somewhat displaced by other professions?

Re: Seeking advice re: Social Workers in OZ
 

Feedback from a few SW especially those in CP is that Aus is well behind the times and workplace cultures, existing practices, resources and caseloads are not great hence very high turnover.

Re: Seeking advice re: Social Workers in OZ
 

It's not without it's frustrations