|
 |
|
Information for overseas social workers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Immigration
The role of community social worker is included on the list of occupational priorities (Priority Occupations List) for people wishing to immigrate to New Zealand. This recognises the shortage of qualified and skilled social workers in New Zealand.
Consequently Child, Youth and Family will consider applications from overseas/non-New Zealand social workers, where a social worker vacancy cannot be filled by a New Zealand citizen, resident or individual who already holds legal entitlement to work in New Zealand, referred to as ‘the NZ pool’.
Non-New Zealand social workers must be qualified.
Non-New Zealand social workers should therefore apply for a specific vacancy in the Department. Such applications will be held ‘pending’ until the recruitment and selection process for applicants in the ‘NZ pool’ have been considered. Where an appointment from the ‘NZ pool’ has not been possible, then those applications from non-New Zealand social workers will be progressed.
Child, Youth and Family does not provide ‘sponsorship’ ie, financial assistance to non-New Zealand applicants, however where the offer of employment to a non-New Zealand social worker is made, Child, Youth and Family will provide supporting information to the applicant in their pursuit of an appropriate work permit or visa from the New Zealand Immigration Service.
You can also check out the New Zealand Immigration Service web site for information on citizenship requirements and processes, your eligibility for entry into New Zealand and your ability to secure the relevant work permits.
|
|
Registration and qualifications
The Department recruits staff with a level B (or level 6) social work qualification. You will need to check the status of your qualification with the Equivalencies Unit, of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, PO Box 160, Wellington, New Zealand.
The new Social Workers’ Registration Act was passed in April 2003.
Following this a Social Worker’s Registration Board was announced at a formal launch on 5 November 2003. Nine members were appointed at this time, with one position being held open to enable a further appointee to come forward should the Board determine it lacks a particular set of skills.
One of the appointees is Shannon Pakura, who is the Chief Social Worker for Child, Youth and Family.
From 1 October 2004, the new Act comes into effect. Although registration of social workers will not be mandatory under the Act, it is advisable and it is expected that over time, registration will become an accepted practice in the social work profession.
|
|
Cultural issues
As well as needing good qualifications and experience in social work, overseas social workers need experience in working with cultural groups other than their own, and must be willing to learn a basic level of knowledge of Maori and Pacific Island cultures.
|
|
Other employers in NZ
There is a range of other social work employers in NZ. They include the Department of Corrections that employs probation officers to work with offenders; hospitals that carry out a range of health social services tasks; and schools of social work which are based in the universities, colleges of education and polytechnics. Other organisations are community-based and vary in size and specialisation.
|
|
Other contacts
You may also wish to contact the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers. Visit the website: http://www.anzasw.org.nz/
|
|
Finding a position
As well as being published on our web site, all Child, Youth and Family positions are advertised on Jobs Online (www.jobs.govt.nz), the New Zealand Government site for employment vacancies. To view our vacancies, either check out this site or go to the New Zealand Government Jobs Online Search Page, select ‘Child, Youth and Family’ from the list of organisations, and then click the search button. We can forward job descriptions and application forms for any roles in which you are interested.
We regret we are unable to accept a job application or CV, unless it is directed at a particular vacancy.
Good luck with your inquiries and we wish you every success in the future in gaining employment in New Zealand.
|
|
|
| |
|
