Social Work in Australia
Jul 22nd 2017, 10:15 pm
#31
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 19
Re: Social Work in Australia
Hello Jacko86. I am more or less in the same situation as you. I am looking at applying as a social worker and have a few questions. Did you fill the form "Application for assessment of post qualifying
social work experience", which states one needs to have a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience?. The top of the form however states
"after having a positive migration skills assessment completed by the AASW)". What does this mean please or just filling out this form is enough please?
social work experience", which states one needs to have a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience?. The top of the form however states
"after having a positive migration skills assessment completed by the AASW)". What does this mean please or just filling out this form is enough please?
Jul 23rd 2017, 1:57 am
#32
MODERATOR
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 29,872
Re: Social Work in Australia
Hello Jacko86. I am more or less in the same situation as you. I am looking at applying as a social worker and have a few questions. Did you fill the form "Application for assessment of post qualifying
social work experience", which states one needs to have a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience?. The top of the form however states
"after having a positive migration skills assessment completed by the AASW)". What does this mean please or just filling out this form is enough please?
social work experience", which states one needs to have a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience?. The top of the form however states
"after having a positive migration skills assessment completed by the AASW)". What does this mean please or just filling out this form is enough please?
Jul 23rd 2017, 5:39 am
#33
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 19
Re: Social Work in Australia
Are you looking here - https://www.aasw.asn.au/careers-stud...yment-purposes
Jul 23rd 2017, 5:44 am
#34
MODERATOR
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 29,872
Re: Social Work in Australia
That link is what I have probably been looking for all this time, many thanks. I didn't realise the cost is $900, but it's got to be done. So completing the skills assessment section page 19 and paying an additional $250 is optional to get extra points? And how many extra points will these be. At the moment am looking at 25 for age, 15 for qualifications and possibly 20 for ilets. Anyone recommend a reputable website for completing ilets? Also just a thought I have my English Cambridge o,level certificate which I completed in 1996 and passed with an A would this stand for anything?
Old O and A levels won't count for points or assessment.
Jul 23rd 2017, 7:03 am
#35
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 57
Re: Social Work in Australia
Hello Jacko86. I am more or less in the same situation as you. I am looking at applying as a social worker and have a few questions. Did you fill the form "Application for assessment of post qualifying
social work experience", which states one needs to have a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience?. The top of the form however states
"after having a positive migration skills assessment completed by the AASW)". What does this mean please or just filling out this form is enough please?
social work experience", which states one needs to have a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience?. The top of the form however states
"after having a positive migration skills assessment completed by the AASW)". What does this mean please or just filling out this form is enough please?
I didn't do the "assessment of post qualifying social work experience" for two reasons. Firstly, I didn't have three years experience and secondly, I had enough points to apply for visa without the additional 5 points that I would get for 3-5 years post qualifying experience.
My points breakdown was similar what it seems yours will be: 30 for age, 15 for qualification and 20 for IELTS. 65 points. With 25 for age you'll still have enough for the 60 points as long as you get superior English (scores of 8 in each section for IELTS).
If you read the form carefully (I read it over and over again!) it will explain. It does highlight that the skilled employment assessment is optional.
Depending on how much experience you have it might be worth doing the skilled employment assessment though to get additional points. My understanding is that you'll have to evidence all claimed skilled employment though (contracts, payslips, references etc).
Last edited by Jacko86; Jul 23rd 2017 at 7:06 am.
Jul 27th 2017, 1:06 am
#36
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Re: Social Work in Australia
I've got all my bits sorted for the AASW Skills Assessment ready to send off next week, including the certified documents 
.
Also got an IELTS test booked for 21st January to hopefully get the extra 20 points.
If all goes according to plan should have positive skills assessment by April and be able to complete an EOI. We're looking at bringing things forward a bit and leaving early 2018.
. Also got an IELTS test booked for 21st January to hopefully get the extra 20 points.
If all goes according to plan should have positive skills assessment by April and be able to complete an EOI. We're looking at bringing things forward a bit and leaving early 2018.
What was the outcome of your assessment? Have you put in your EOI?
Jul 27th 2017, 1:08 am
#37
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Re: Social Work in Australia
Hi.
I didn't do the "assessment of post qualifying social work experience" for two reasons. Firstly, I didn't have three years experience and secondly, I had enough points to apply for visa without the additional 5 points that I would get for 3-5 years post qualifying experience.
My points breakdown was similar what it seems yours will be: 30 for age, 15 for qualification and 20 for IELTS. 65 points. With 25 for age you'll still have enough for the 60 points as long as you get superior English (scores of 8 in each section for IELTS).
If you read the form carefully (I read it over and over again!) it will explain. It does highlight that the skilled employment assessment is optional.
Depending on how much experience you have it might be worth doing the skilled employment assessment though to get additional points. My understanding is that you'll have to evidence all claimed skilled employment though (contracts, payslips, references etc).
I didn't do the "assessment of post qualifying social work experience" for two reasons. Firstly, I didn't have three years experience and secondly, I had enough points to apply for visa without the additional 5 points that I would get for 3-5 years post qualifying experience.
My points breakdown was similar what it seems yours will be: 30 for age, 15 for qualification and 20 for IELTS. 65 points. With 25 for age you'll still have enough for the 60 points as long as you get superior English (scores of 8 in each section for IELTS).
If you read the form carefully (I read it over and over again!) it will explain. It does highlight that the skilled employment assessment is optional.
Depending on how much experience you have it might be worth doing the skilled employment assessment though to get additional points. My understanding is that you'll have to evidence all claimed skilled employment though (contracts, payslips, references etc).
We went to a lawyer who kept telling us we can't apply for the 189 visa without work experience.
Jul 27th 2017, 1:11 am
#38
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Re: Social Work in Australia
I sent my documents off in a big file and I got an email response acknowledging receipt around 2 weeks later. The email also said it will take 14-16 weeks though to have the result of the assessment back. So now I'm waiting until middle of May before being able to do anything else. I passed by IELTS for the 20 points a few weeks ago though as well.
I'm not sure how long AASW membership is valid for. I do know that you don't have to have it to practice though. Social work isn't yet a registered profession in Australia. However, most employers seem to ask for evidence that you are eligible for membership of the AASW. So it's probably a good idea to be a member anyway. As part of the skills assessment you can also ask for a free assessment for eligibility for AASW.
Hope this makes sense!
I'm not sure how long AASW membership is valid for. I do know that you don't have to have it to practice though. Social work isn't yet a registered profession in Australia. However, most employers seem to ask for evidence that you are eligible for membership of the AASW. So it's probably a good idea to be a member anyway. As part of the skills assessment you can also ask for a free assessment for eligibility for AASW.
Hope this makes sense!
Did you receive a positive assessment?
Jul 27th 2017, 9:38 am
#39
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 57
Re: Social Work in Australia
I've lodged my visa application now after being invited to apply a few days after submitting my EOI. I've got my medical to complete next week and police certificate to upload then it'll be a case of waiting. So it hasn't been granted yet but unless they change the rules it should be granted when they get round to assessing it as all evidence has been provided.
You don't need experience to apply for a 189 unless you're claiming points. For some skills assessments you need some experience (I think for nursing and maybe some others) but not for social work. It's purely a case of assessing your qualification.
For example, I have 65 points without claiming additional points for experience so I'm not claiming any additional points. I've been employed for less than 3 years anyway so wouldn't be eligible for the extra points.
If you do want to claim points you need to have an additional assessment from AASW for them to assess how many years of experience you can claim.
If you need professional advice I would consult a MARA registered agent rather than a lawyer who may or may not have specialist knowledge of Australian visa requirements.
Last edited by Jacko86; Jul 27th 2017 at 9:41 am.
Jul 27th 2017, 2:59 pm
#40
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 79
Re: Social Work in Australia
Can anyone recommend the best State for well paid social work jobs?
Thanks
Thanks
Aug 24th 2017, 10:07 am
#41
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2
Re: Social Work in Australia
Application for 189 visa
Hi I'm about to apply to have my assessment done with the aasw, however does anyone know which assessment I need? Is it an assessment of overseas qualifications or do I also need the optional skilled employment assessment? I can't see an answer to this anywhere with immigration.
If I also need the latter does it award additional points
My points so far are
Age: 25 points
Skilled employment : 20 points
Degree 15
Total 60
I know the aasw will deem me competent in English with evidence of secondary education and degree, which is the minimum, and given that I have the 60 would I still need to do an ielts??
Any advice would be appreciated? Thanks
Tracy
Hi I'm about to apply to have my assessment done with the aasw, however does anyone know which assessment I need? Is it an assessment of overseas qualifications or do I also need the optional skilled employment assessment? I can't see an answer to this anywhere with immigration.
If I also need the latter does it award additional points
My points so far are
Age: 25 points
Skilled employment : 20 points
Degree 15
Total 60
I know the aasw will deem me competent in English with evidence of secondary education and degree, which is the minimum, and given that I have the 60 would I still need to do an ielts??
Any advice would be appreciated? Thanks
Tracy
Aug 24th 2017, 3:03 pm
#43
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 57
Re: Social Work in Australia
Application for 189 visa
Hi I'm about to apply to have my assessment done with the aasw, however does anyone know which assessment I need? Is it an assessment of overseas qualifications or do I also need the optional skilled employment assessment? I can't see an answer to this anywhere with immigration.
If I also need the latter does it award additional points
My points so far are
Age: 25 points
Skilled employment : 20 points
Degree 15
Total 60
I know the aasw will deem me competent in English with evidence of secondary education and degree, which is the minimum, and given that I have the 60 would I still need to do an ielts??
Any advice would be appreciated? Thanks
Tracy
Hi I'm about to apply to have my assessment done with the aasw, however does anyone know which assessment I need? Is it an assessment of overseas qualifications or do I also need the optional skilled employment assessment? I can't see an answer to this anywhere with immigration.
If I also need the latter does it award additional points
My points so far are
Age: 25 points
Skilled employment : 20 points
Degree 15
Total 60
I know the aasw will deem me competent in English with evidence of secondary education and degree, which is the minimum, and given that I have the 60 would I still need to do an ielts??
Any advice would be appreciated? Thanks
Tracy
If you read up a bit you might find some advice that might help.
How many years have you been working as a social worker since getting your qualification?
Everyone needs the assessment of overseas qualifications to be able to apply for a skilled visa. The skilled employment assessment is what you need to get if you want to claim points for experience. So if you're claiming 5 points for 3-4 years you need the additional assessment to verify that.
You say you're claiming 20 points for skilled employment. How are you working that out? You can only get 15 points for skilled employment outside Australia which is for 8+ years. To get that you would need to get the additional assessment from AASW. It has to be employment from after you qualified as a social worker as well. It can't be other unqualified work in the same sector. That's what the additional assessment is for.
That's why the majority of people end up having to do an English test to boost points. It's a relatively straightforward way to get a lot of points.
This is all for the 189 visa by the way and is only from my own research. I haven't had my visa granted yet! And haven't used an agent.
Aug 24th 2017, 3:13 pm
#44
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2
Re: Social Work in Australia
Hi Tracy.
If you read up a bit you might find some advice that might help.
How many years have you been working as a social worker since getting your qualification?
Everyone needs the assessment of overseas qualifications to be able to apply for a skilled visa. The skilled employment assessment is what you need to get if you want to claim points for experience. So if you're claiming 5 points for 3-4 years you need the additional assessment to verify that.
You say you're claiming 20 points for skilled employment. How are you working that out? You can only get 15 points for skilled employment outside Australia which is for 8+ years. To get that you would need to get the additional assessment from AASW. It has to be employment from after you qualified as a social worker as well. It can't be other unqualified work in the same sector. That's what the additional assessment is for.
That's why the majority of people end up having to do an English test to boost points. It's a relatively straightforward way to get a lot of points.
This is all for the 189 visa by the way and is only from my own research. I haven't had my visa granted yet! And haven't used an agent.
If you read up a bit you might find some advice that might help.
How many years have you been working as a social worker since getting your qualification?
Everyone needs the assessment of overseas qualifications to be able to apply for a skilled visa. The skilled employment assessment is what you need to get if you want to claim points for experience. So if you're claiming 5 points for 3-4 years you need the additional assessment to verify that.
You say you're claiming 20 points for skilled employment. How are you working that out? You can only get 15 points for skilled employment outside Australia which is for 8+ years. To get that you would need to get the additional assessment from AASW. It has to be employment from after you qualified as a social worker as well. It can't be other unqualified work in the same sector. That's what the additional assessment is for.
That's why the majority of people end up having to do an English test to boost points. It's a relatively straightforward way to get a lot of points.
This is all for the 189 visa by the way and is only from my own research. I haven't had my visa granted yet! And haven't used an agent.
I've been qualified and working as a sw for 9 years in the uk, split between cp and mental health, some of it with supervisory responsibility. Looks like it would be easier just to sit the ielts. Just in the process of getting all my transcripts from university for the aasw. But thanks for your help!
Aug 24th 2017, 3:19 pm
#45
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 57
Re: Social Work in Australia
Ah yes your totally right I was looking at the Australian section which would award 20 for inside Australia. So i am 5 points short
I've been qualified and working as a sw for 9 years in the uk, split between cp and mental health, some of it with supervisory responsibility. Looks like it would be easier just to sit the ielts. Just in the process of getting all my transcripts from university for the aasw. But thanks for your help!
I've been qualified and working as a sw for 9 years in the uk, split between cp and mental health, some of it with supervisory responsibility. Looks like it would be easier just to sit the ielts. Just in the process of getting all my transcripts from university for the aasw. But thanks for your help!
Age - 25
Experience - 15
Qualification - 15
The IELTS really is fine if you do some revision and you'll only need 7s to get 10 visa points.
Not sure about your timescales but the AASW is taking more than 20 weeks to return an assessment at the moment! So best to get it in as soon as you can then you've got the assessment for when you need it and want to apply for the visa.
Good luck with it.