Social Worker - Queensland (hopefully!)

Ok, so like many others I've perused this forum over many months. There's so much useful information on here, so thanks to admin!

I've got a lot of questions, hopefully there are some social workers (or anybody!) that can help..:wink:

My wife, my 2 children (2 and 5) would like to move to Queensland in however long it takes us to sort the 189 visa out.

So, this is our situation. I'm a social worker with 8 years PQ experience. I've worked in CP, Fostering and Adoption. I assess and train foster carers and adopters, writing and delivering training for various professionals. I'm currently a Senior Prac with a local authority. I also complete independent social work assessments and some out of hours child protection emergency cover (to keep my hand in with CP, front-line work).

Does anybody have any knowledge of adoption social work roles in Queensland?

Are there any/many IFA's in Queensland?

Are there any independent social worker roles in Queensland? (I effectively use this as a 'second income', completing a range of fostering assessments at weekends and evenings).

Does anybody have any direct experience of CP work in Queensland and if so, how does it compare to the UK?

I've noted many of the SW vacancies are hospital based but as I have no (significant) experience of working within a hospital setting, I'm not sure it would worth applying for those positions?

These are my next steps:

• Complete the Academic IELTSS
  
• Competing the 'Assessment of overseas social work qualifications for migration and/or AASW membership eligibility (employment) purposes', post with all the relevant fee's, docs etc.
  
• Submit the EOI
  

In relation to finding employment, my current post requires 3 months notice. I would plan to try to secure employment in Queensland prior to handing my notice in. Would the 3 months be an issue for employers there? I'd be reluctant to jack my job in here without an offer of a position:unsure:

What was the route people took to social work employment in Oz? Did they fly over for interviews, do they do Skype?

My wife has taken a career break for the last 4 years, so I will be the main breadwinner for the first 12 months. She is currently looking at teaching assistant 'training' in the time it will take us to get the visa sorted. Are there any teaching assistants out there who can advise on the likelihood of her securing work? Can they offer any advice around what qualifications teaching assistants need in Oz?

In terms of income, we will have some income from renting our current property out (around £500 per month) that we will put towards renting somewhere in Queensland. I will work full time. Would this be enough of an income for me to support my family?

Sorry for the quantity of questions but I need to try and make this as 'risk free' as possible with 2 young children and I'm trying to cover my bases!!

I don't think the three months notice will be the problem per se. The problem will be that it is very rare to be able to secure work before you make the move. Some people manage it of course, but it is uncommon. Most people have to take a leap of faith, backed up by a lot of savings.

There are a few people on here that know a lot about the teaching profession, it is not my profession but I have been reading forums for a long time and I think retraining as a teaching assistant is quite a bad idea if Australia is on the cards. I believe the role does not exist in the same way in Australia or is filled by mums for peanuts. I know that is a bit vague, as I say, I am sure one of the teaching experts eill be along soon. I think @Sammy1 is one that would have some experience.