Social Workers applying for Child Protection Posts in WA

[livethedream]

Are there any social workers out there applying for sponsored Child Protection posts advertised for WA? Would be great to share experiences. I am awaiting my police check to come back so I can submit my application. They are sponsoring for a 457 visa. Anyone out there have experience of social work in WA. Also, what are the downfalls of a 457 visa and how much would it cost for schooling my soon to be 4 and 8 year old? Also, hubby wouldn,t be able to follow me to Oz for another 1 1/2 years due to him currently being in the military....is this a problem on a 457 visa??? Oh, and anyone any idea how long the process is likely to take from interview to securing job and visa....being optomisic!!!! Many thanks in advance of anticipated responses!!!

[beverlyblue]

Hi Suzanne

I am in the process of applying but have not submitted my application as yet so it will be interesting to see what reponse you get to your post, i did secure a position 4n years ago to work in Victoria but the timing was all wrong for us a family, I have worked with a few aussies over here and am aware that policy and procedures can be very different. I too will be anxiously awaiting any responses.

thanks

[livethedream]

Thanks for your response Beverleyblue. Please keep me posted on how you get on. Have you thought about areas you will consider? I am thinking the metropolitan areas rather than country (if successful, of course!). I've got to get busy completing my CV and so on. You mentioned family, so i guess you have children. i'll keep you updated on here and maybe we can share tips and so on. Good luck with your application.

Suzanne

[Johndoe]

what are the downfalls of a 457 visa

You are not eligible for family tax benefit or rent allowance which can be a considerable sum, particularly if you have children. Can't help with the cost of schooling although I do believe that 457's in Qld do not pay, unlike other States.

Child safety workers are considerably understaffed and underpaid, although the pay issue is currently under review via a Gov't incentive attempting to address the fact of women's lower pay in general with particular attention to "social services"..........women making up the vast majority of child safety officers

Good luck

[roseyfuture]

I have gone for state sponsorship as I was worried about being stuck in a job I might hate, at least with that I can change jobs as long as I stay within Vic. I am a SW in adult services. I had my skills assessed by AASW in aug which took about 8wks and just over 600qd. Then I applied for state sponsorship in nov and got a positive response on 4/1/12. I lodged my application for a 176 on 8/1/12. I think uprooting the kids is the hardest bit thats why i went for the 176 bcoz its a secure and i won't have to worry about fees and renewing visas. I hope all goes well for you.

[livethedream]

Thank you Tellingitlikeitis.
It's best to be aware of the drawbacks of the 457. My thinking is that if i'm saving on relocation costs, flights etc, then i will have gained. If successful, and we go, then i would be looking for a permanent visa after 2 years which WA government have said they would sponsor if they are happy with the employee. Good to know that they are evaluating the pay too! Although i am not optimistic about that...they did a job evalauation here a few years ago, and i received a one off payment of £600!
Thanks for your feedback

Suzanne

[livethedream]

I have gone for state sponsorship as I was worried about being stuck in a job I might hate, at least with that I can change jobs as long as I stay within Vic. I am a SW in adult services. I had my skills assessed by AASW in aug which took about 8wks and just over 600qd. Then I applied for state sponsorship in nov and got a positive response on 4/1/12. I lodged my application for a 176 on 8/1/12. I think uprooting the kids is the hardest bit thats why i went for the 176 bcoz its a secure and i won't have to worry about fees and renewing visas. I hope all goes well for you.

Hi Roseyfuture,

Yes i can understand why you went for the 176. I was all set to go down that route, but my thinking is with WA undertaking a UK recruitment campaign, i would hope to be able to settle in easier if some of my UK colleagues are starting at the same time. I would much prefer the 176, but i am thinking some of the stress would be taken out of the process if the employer is specifically targeting UK social workers, with training upon arrival and so on. As mentioned in my other post, the relocation costs are also an attractive feature and have influenced my decision to apply.

I too looked at Victoria, but always had my heart set on WA. I work in Adults like yourself, addictions to be specific, but i'm hoping my previous experience in Child Protection would be enough for me to get an interview. And if successful, i hope i like the job lol!!

I agree the worst part is uprooting the kids, wondering if schools are as good as where they are now and missing their extended family...but if we don't give it a try we will never know. Much better to have tried than sit back in 10 years and have regrets.

Won't be long till you get your visa then! When are you hoping to get there? How old are your children....sorry being nosy....it's the social worker in me .

Thank you for your response. Wishing you all the best in you and your families journey, please let me know how you get on.

Regards,

Suzanne

[twinsmom65]

Are there any social workers out there applying for sponsored Child Protection posts advertised for WA? Would be great to share experiences. I am awaiting my police check to come back so I can submit my application. They are sponsoring for a 457 visa. Anyone out there have experience of social work in WA. Also, what are the downfalls of a 457 visa and how much would it cost for schooling my soon to be 4 and 8 year old? Also, hubby wouldn,t be able to follow me to Oz for another 1 1/2 years due to him currently being in the military....is this a problem on a 457 visa??? Oh, and anyone any idea how long the process is likely to take from interview to securing job and visa....being optomisic!!!! Many thanks in advance of anticipated responses!!!

Hi Suzanne,

I worked for Department for Child Protection in Perth, WA, before I moved back to Canada. We did have a few sponsered Child Protection workers, some from Ireland, the UK and New Zealand.

Didn't seem to be a problem for most of them. The one girl Rosie from Ireland was even in a level 5 position temporarily, even though she was hired as a 2/4. I know Rosie was having some issues with the LAFHA, but DCP is a state gov agency, so they were a little slow on the uptake lol !!.

If you need more info, please feel free to PM me.

Thanks

Karen

[roseyfuture]

Hi Suzanne,

I hope it won't be long too, I need to do it all before I get spooked by the whole idea. My kids are 7 and 16months, both boys. I kinda think its better to do it now than when they are older. And I agree that its better to try it than to live with the I wish I had syndrome.
I am sure the route you are taking is cost effective, The process is so dear doing it the way I am. I just hope it will all pay off in the long run. The social work salaries in some jobs seem to be much better than over here so hopefully we will be quids in as well as positive weather.

[beverlyblue]

Hi Suzanne

I have been busy chasing up references I have 15 years experience in child protection so the post by twinsmom 65 was interesting, when we were considering Victoria I tried to get a clear picture regarding LAFHA (living away from home allowance but did not get anywhere) We have two children age 8 and 11 although our daughter is almost 12 and has stated she is not coming with us !!!


I was interviewed via telephone last time which was interesting considering it was 7am here

I will keep you posted good luck

bev