Ian_H

My partner and I are due to move to Oz in July. I am a qualified social worker, and therefore constantly looking at job vacanies. However, there doesn't seem to be much work out there for social workers!!!

Does anybody know the best sites in relation to social work employment? In the Uk they are advertised on the government websites, this is not the case in Oz!!! Any clues would be appreciative

desperate2go

Depends where you are heading - but in Queensland the site is http://www.jobs.qld.gov.au/occupation/default.asp then just click on counselling/social work. Seek.com also covers that kind of work and careersone.
Good luck

Dave, Tracy & Emily

Hi Ian,
I to am a social worker, in the field of children and families. What part of Oz are you going to and what field of SW are you in. We normally live in Brisbane. We are due to go back soon, I will be applying to the department of child safety. They do recruitment twice a year, may and november. You send in your application and selection critirea to personel, they keep it on file until they do a recreitment drive or a locum post becomes available. Their website is www.childsafty.qld.gov.au Most social workers start of in Locum posts. Hope this helps.
Tracy

Ian_H

Thanks - will access the site, fingers crossed. I realise it's early days but no harm in looking

Ian_H

Hi Tracy, I also specialise in children and families so will access this site thanks. Initially we are hoping to move to the Sunshine coast, as we have friends there but later we will move to where employment takes us.

Have you practised in Oz? If so is their practise laws different to that of the UK? I have only recently started researching, so again I would appreciate any info!!

Can you explain what Locum refers to?

tiredwithtwins

hello,
im not a social worker, (nurse for my sins) but last year there was a lovely lass on this site (who was a SW) and her hubby who went to WA (i think?) and had horrendous problems finding work. I cant remember what their usernames were - some of the old crowd might remember (pollyana might remember - shes been around as long as me!!!!! ).
anyway, they had horrendous problems finding work, and i think they ended up doing a long drive round aus before heading back to the uk.

EEEK!! that sounds horrendous - im sorry, i dont mean to put a downer on your plans!
perhaps what i should have said is do your research and if you can secure work before you travel then grab it with both hands - she was very experienced, but found there was very little work.

if i can get my brain to remember i will post her username so you can search her posts. this was last year, so maybe the job availability has changed.

good luck with your plans!

sue

Dave, Tracy & Emily

I worked for a charity there but worked with the same legislation, they work under The Child Protection Act 1999, this has recently had some amendments, haven't read them yet. Another thing to read is the recent report by the crimes and misconduct commission into recent allegation of abuse in foster care. This has resulted in some big changes. Locum means a temp post for a certain period. It appears that the next locum on the list gets the next permenant varcency. I have a friend who hasj ust started with the department and she is loving it, currently doing 10 weeks child protection training. I will be sending in my application in the next couple of weeks. Have you checked you eligibility to register with the AASW. when I first moved over I had Dipsw and had to do a bridging course to gain their degree. Not sure if this has changed.

Dave, Tracy & Emily

Did say, legislation is very similiar

Ian_H

Hi Sue, thanks for your reply I won't be put off as I am quite flexiable. I am not expecting to go out to Oz landing a social work position striaght away, I will do anything. I will if necessary do further training, as this will help in meeting new people. I will continue to look though, but will appreciate further info!

sula

Hi Ian,
You have to be eligible for membership of AASW (equivalent of GSCC in UK)for many social work jobs in Oz. Check out their website:www.aasw.asn.au

Victoria and Canberra governments were recruiting British social workers last year to work in child protection. They both offered good salaries and relocation expenses.They do advertise on their websites: www.dhs.vic.gov.au
www.decs.act.gov.au/services/ocyfs
Banardos Australia have a social work job agency: www.socialworks.org.au
Careerone is very good for social work jobs: www.careerone.com.au

From my own experience many sw jobs are part time, temporary and poorly paid. The best jobs are the government jobs, if you can get one!

Good luck!
Sula

Ian_H

Hi Tracy, i have checked my eligibility with AASW they seemed to be more concerned with my experience. I am applying for emigration as a independent skilled worker, with the AASW and they have been quite helpful.

How long was the bridging course, and was it expensive? It would be beneficial to do this to gain further understanding of practice in Oz.

Would you recommend that I join an agency? Again any info appreciative

Ian_H

Hi Sula, thanks for all the useful sites, which I will definately access much appreciated

Dave, Tracy & Emily

Bridging course took about 2 years as I did most part-time (distance) whilst working. Basically I had to do 11 modules (standard 4 bridging course) to get there degree, but got credit for about 16 modules. I did feel that I was repeating a lot I had already done. course cost about $300 per subject, as I was working and it was connected to the work I did, I could claim most on tax.

Regarding employment agencies, as you will be a resident who can't claim benefits, they can't claim a payment if they get you a job, therefore they are not that helpful. Saying that though, when I arrive I went round all the employment agencies, when I went into Mission Australia they look at my CV and said that the compaany would be advtising for staff in the area of counselling type work, I applied and got. My first job there was with adults eventhough my experience is children. Second job was with same company and with families.

If AASW don't accept you, they will pass you details to Aus. Ass. of community and welfare workers, you should pass with them and it is the same amounts of points.

Dave, Tracy & Emily

Another recommendation is to spread your wings, dont just stick to department. Social workers are found in a much wider field of work than in the UK.

Ian_H

Hi Tracy, cheers for your advice Again I will take this on board!! You never know our paths may cross in a few months, hope the move goes well for you