Any info on social work in Melbourne

beverlyblue · 05-05-2008, 07:12 PM

Hi

I have posted a couple of threads on the site so far and they have been really useful. I have a telephone interview for the dept of Human services on Thursday morning and was wondering if anyone out there has any tips or info on how the "system works" I have trawled the internet and it looks like Child protection procedures and legislation is very similar to here. If anyone can help I would be very grateful.

Thanks

The Whalley Rangers · 12-05-2008, 10:40 PM

Hi Beverlyblue,

Sorry I can't answer your question but just wanted to wish you luck for your interview. Myself and hubby are both social workers and have just lodged. Planning to go to Melbourne. Would be interested to know how you get on and possibly swap notes/info.

Julie (wanted to add a smiley icon but haven't figured that out yet!)

The Littles · 12-05-2008, 11:14 PM

Hi there

I would also like to wish you luck, but can't answer your question directly. I too am a Social Worker, working with adults with learning disabilites and we plan to move to the Central Coast, NSW and find work in September. Would you mind me asking how you managed to get your telephone interview? Did you respond to a job advert on the internet? Can you recommend any agencies? Any advice for your colleagues greatly appreciated!

You sound really organised, so I am sure you will have a good interview!

Gaynor

beverlyblue · 13-05-2008, 01:02 PM

Hi

and thankyou for your best wishes. I have had my interview and although it was a bit odd at 7am in my PJ's there were no surprises in respect of the content of questions i was asked. Luckily they did not expect me to have specific knowledge of Aussie legisaltion. My feedback via my agent was that they were very impressed, and they have requested references, so fingers crossed.

I secured my interview via Reed International recruitment agency My agent is Rachel Perkins and she has been fantastic; Contact details are:
P: 03 9223 7512 (Direct)
P: 1800 456 655 (Freecall)F: 03 9923 6417
E: rachel.perkins@reedjobs.com
www.reedjobs.com.au

I just sent her my CV and then followed on with application form etc. She arranged interview etc. I had to complete a case study on line as part of the interview process. The dept of Human services in Melbourne are using Boxhill which is estern suburbs as a triall in new child protetcion procedures commencing August. They are looking to recruit 16 SW from Uk to help implement changes. The postion is sponsored under 457 visa and they are offerring good relocation package, flights etc. The contract is for 2 years initially but of course there is an option to apply for PR once there. I haven't enquired about LAFHA yet thought I'd best secure the job first. There are no school fee's payable in Vic under 457 visa which is good for us as we have two children age 5 and 8 years.

Hope you find this helpful

I will keep you updated on the progress.

The Littles · 13-05-2008, 06:33 PM

Hi

Thanks for that really useful information. The interview sounds really promising! Will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I will also email Reed and see if they cover NSW area. Might even give us an introductory bonus, if I name drop?!?

Keep us posted.

Gaynor x

David101 · 23-05-2008, 07:50 AM

I am a Social Work Recruiter in Melbourne! I did it for years in London for an Australian company and they sent me down here to continue it in melbourne as our agency is the largest social work agency here.

email us at australasia@twrecruitment.com and I will help you out gladly.

David

Quoll · 23-05-2008, 08:00 AM

Just as an aside, I know that ACT are recruiting heavily in UK at the moment too - as with pretty much everywhere, care and protection services are seriously strapped for personnel.

beverlyblue · 23-05-2008, 10:05 AM

Hi

Just to let you know I had a job offer this morning for an Advanced child Protection Practitioner in Boxhill Melbourne on a 457 Visa. So this weekend is decison time.

Exciting stuff this moving down under eh??

Take care Bev

The Littles · 23-05-2008, 08:04 PM

Well done Bev! You must be chuffed. They were obviously impressed. I am sure you will make the right decision.
All the best
Gaynor

Yorkshirefolk · 28-05-2008, 10:16 PM

Congrats on getting the job offer, you must be very excited.

I'm interested in the way you've done it through Reed and have just registered with them.

do they assist you in terms of a relocation package or does that come from the DHS (or at all!) and how soon do they want you to start? I don't know about you but we've got a house to sell here first and it couldn't be a worse time.

I'm a SW in the UK and have been interviewed by DHS and am a competitive candidate pending CRB checks being revceived in Aus. We're giddy already so you must be very excited to be well on your way!!

You seem on top of everything and any help would be appreciated?

Many thanks

Liz