Any info on social work in Melbourne - Page 2

beverlyblue · 29-05-2008, 08:09 AM

Hi Liz

I am still waiting for info in respect of the relocation package, so as yet I have not accepted the offer. I did ask for more money as they have offered £2000 less than here and they have refused stating that all Uk Sw will be offered the same salary. I did enquire about Living away from home allownace as we intend to keep our house here it is currently let out and we are living with In laws.That said of course we are still liable for insurance and any repairs. Plus the contract is for 2 years so the intention is we will return home , Unless we apply for PR while we are there. DHS have refused to pay the allowance stating that they do not have to actively recruit as people want to live in Melbourne so my question is why employ a recruitement agency to actively recruit UK SW??

Now the excitement has subsided we have spent hours on the internet comparing living costs, and to be honest Mel is not cheap. We want to live around mordialloc/mentone area and we are looking at $300-500 per week .

Back to relocation my understanding is that they will pay for flights plus some initial accm costs. But as I have said I have yet to recieve the specifics. The visa will take approx 10 weeks and they want us there by October at the latest.

My agent Rachel at Reed has been realyy helpful but now I'm a bit confused over DHS inflexibility re: Salary etc. Obviously they want the knowledge and expertise but are unwilling to pay. My anxiety is that we go over there and struggle financially and are not able to take full advantage of living in such as great city.

Thanks for taking the time to listenting me moan. Life is never simple !

I hope everything works out for you, PM me if you need any more advice.

Take Care

Bev

Yorkshirefolk · 29-05-2008, 09:39 PM

Hi Bev,

Thanks so much for your reply,
I was beginning to think that I was alone in my anxiety and frustration with DHS.

My husband is a police officer. I am a CP social worker and an ASW ( which is of no value in oz). Taking into account our work ... we have a comfortable life. However reintegrating to Victoria will not be that easy or straight forward. I've seen the DHS salaries which start lower than experienced social workers and taking into account our others half need work and need time to find it, this may be difficult and time consuming.
.... Then there is the issue of house sale in a poor market... I am worried!!I don't want to leave and rent a house that will become dirty and misused by tenants with all the safety precautions necessary and insurance requirements... etc

What made you think of the housing allowance idea ... did you det that from Rachael?

Following your posts a couple of weeks ago I got in touch with Rachael and whilst I've registered with Reed I've no idea how to get my certificiates to her for validation ... how did you do it?

Have you heard of the st Vincent hospitals? They also recruit social workers including providing relocationn packages and there terms are fantastic. We went to a recuirtment fair
for Oz recently and they were looking for SW's. Let me know if your interested and I'll post details.

Big decision... Have you heared that Canberra are recruiting and there starting salary is about $70,000?

Best wishes,

Liz

beverlyblue · 02-06-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkshirefolk

Hi Bev,

Thanks so much for your reply,
I was beginning to think that I was alone in my anxiety and frustration with DHS.

My husband is a police officer. I am a CP social worker and an ASW ( which is of no value in oz). Taking into account our work ... we have a comfortable life. However reintegrating to Victoria will not be that easy or straight forward. I've seen the DHS salaries which start lower than experienced social workers and taking into account our others half need work and need time to find it, this may be difficult and time consuming.
.... Then there is the issue of house sale in a poor market... I am worried!!I don't want to leave and rent a house that will become dirty and misused by tenants with all the safety precautions necessary and insurance requirements... etc

What made you think of the housing allowance idea ... did you det that from Rachael?

Following your posts a couple of weeks ago I got in touch with Rachael and whilst I've registered with Reed I've no idea how to get my certificiates to her for validation ... how did you do it?

Have you heard of the st Vincent hospitals? They also recruit social workers including providing relocationn packages and there terms are fantastic. We went to a recuirtment fair
for Oz recently and they were looking for SW's. Let me know if your interested and I'll post details.

Big decision... Have you heared that Canberra are recruiting and there starting salary is about $70,000?

Best wishes,

Liz

Hi Liz

I spoke to Rachel This mornng as she had not got back to me. I have finally recieved the relocation package specifics and basically Its:-

$2000 per person for One way flights.
pick up at airport
two weeks accomodation in serviced apartments with all meals included

and shipping costs (which Iam still waiting to have the amount confirmed). My request for LAFHA has been presented to HR in DHS and they are waiting for an answer form the accountants.

I did a bit of homework about the LAFHA after reading about it on this website. Bascially you are eligible for it on 457 visa, but employers do not have to award it to you. It is a tax break which would probably make the difference for us.

I raised the subject of salary again with Rachel but she is adamant that DHS will not negotiate. We would have to fund after school care for our children and my partner is an architect and we propbabaly have to work in the city initailly and we have been looking at bayside areas which means a 50 min commute. I would be about 40 mins away from work.

I got a friend who is a teacher to certify my documents and that seemed to suffice. I will post more later as I need to go out now. Basically I have said to Rachel that We will not be going unless i get LAFHA as I refuse after 12 year hard work to srimp and save again.

Maybe I will look at st vincents hospital. I have got a fantastic job here in Uk at the moment working for the NSPCC for a domestic violence project, Stress free and 20 mins away from home. We are facing a tough decison. HELP!!!

Take care

Bev

Yorkshirefolk · 13-07-2008, 01:14 PM

Hi Beverly,

I wondered if you had had your decision from DHS regarding the LFHA and whether you are still coming to Victoria?

Liz

beverlyblue · 13-07-2008, 07:52 PM

Hi Liz

Nice to hear from you sorry but we made the decision not to go, with the salary etc and the fact that DHS wereonly offering one way relocation on thier two year contract. They never did get back to me on the LAFHA and I was advised to make a decision based on the package I had been offered. We have no regrets as we have just spent a gorgeous day on our local beach five min walk away.

Are you still going?? (PM me)

Take care

Bev