Social Worker Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Australia for Foreigners

Social workers are very important for helping with social problems, offering mental health support, and protecting vulnerable people. In Australia, they work in many places like hospitals, schools, community groups, and government offices. As people understand more about how important social services are, there is a growing need for skilled social workers.

Australia’s immigration system has special visas to bring in and keep skilled workers, including social workers. Key visas for social workers are the Skilled Migration Visa (subclasses 189 and 190) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). These visas let international social workers work and live in Australia and help with social services. This article will look at the latest job opportunities for social worker visa sponsorship in Australia and offer a guide for those interested in applying.

Allied Health Worker

Settlement Services International (SSI), a top national not-for-profit organization, is offering a great opportunity for Allied Health Workers to join their new service. This service helps people recently released from Immigration Detention by supporting their reintegration into the community and addressing their psychosocial and health needs. Located in Parramatta, Sydney, this role offers a chance to make a real difference in a diverse and supportive setting.

Job Role and Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and assess medical, psychological, emotional, and social information to determine the nature of participants’ situations. This includes on-site visits when necessary.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans addressing both offending risks and allied health concerns.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement treatment plans to assist participants in overcoming current struggles, including attending case conferences and advocating for their needs.
• Provide support to participants in crisis by implementing safety plans and working with allied health services and family members.
• Assist participants in developing and maintaining independent living skills.
• Undertake various casework responsibilities, including maintaining accurate participant records for reporting, information sharing, and legal requirements.

Requirements

• Hold a four-year undergraduate degree or a two-year Master’s degree accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers or be an Enrolled/Registered Nurse with a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.
• Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain professional helping relationships and effectively communicate with diverse populations.
• Experience working with clients from multicultural backgrounds is preferred, with a background in working with offenders considered advantageous.

Benefits

• A base salary of $95,000 per annum, plus superannuation and salary packaging options.
• Opportunity to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free, increasing take-home pay.
• Benefit from industry-leading flexible work options, including the possibility to work from home and office, and a 9-day fortnight schedule.
• Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
• Participation in SSI’s in-house wellbeing programs designed to support your personal and professional well-being.
• Work alongside a professional and dedicated team committed to making a difference in the community.

Forensic Clinician

Healthcare Australia, a provider of healthcare solutions, is offering exciting roles for Forensic Clinicians, such as Psychologists, Social Workers, and Occupational Therapists, with a leading national disability organization. This organization provides allied health and behavior support services to NDIS participants across Australia. Located in Sydney, NSW, these full-time positions offer a great opportunity to make a difference while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Job Role and Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based occupational therapy, psychology, or social work services to a diverse caseload of NDIS participants.
• Conduct assessments and deliver treatment across various settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, and childcare centers.
• Make recommendations for home modifications or assistive technology to enhance participants’ daily living and functional capacities.
• Complete comprehensive functional capacity assessments to guide treatment planning and support.
• Develop strong, supportive relationships with participants and their families, offering education, advice, and recommendations.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of assessments, treatment plans, and progress.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Possess current general registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for Occupational Therapists or relevant professional bodies for Psychologists and Social Workers.
• Australian working rights or eligibility for visa sponsorship, a current Australian driver’s license, and either a National Police Clearance or willingness to obtain one. NDIS clearance or willingness to obtain is also required.
• Demonstrated experience in providing allied health services, preferably with NDIS participants or in similar settings.

Benefits

• A salary range of $78,000 to $90,000 per annum, plus additional bonuses and superannuation.
• Choose between a company vehicle or mileage reimbursement.
• Receive extensive training and development opportunities, including a tailored induction program.
• Access to paid maternity leave, supporting work-life balance.
• Availability of visa sponsorship for eligible international candidates.

Social Worker, Department of Health, Hobart TAS

The Department of Health in Hobart, Tasmania, has a rewarding opportunity for Social Workers to join their team at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH). This full-time role involves providing, developing, and evaluating social work services in a dynamic and supportive setting. As part of the Social Work Services team, you’ll help provide crucial support to patients and their families while working with a multi-disciplinary team.

Job Role and Responsibilities

• Develop, provide, and evaluate social work services for patients at the Royal Hobart Hospital, ensuring adherence to the Australian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.
• Assist in delivering services to clients, patients, and their families, supporting their social and emotional needs.
• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to address a varied patient cohort, contributing to holistic patient care.
• Engage in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with opportunities to work across different wards and facilities within the Repatriation Centre and other associated sites.

Benefits

• $71,441 to $107,878 per annum (pro-rata), with an additional 11.5% superannuation contribution.
• Access to salary packaging benefits, including up to $9,010 in living expenses and $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year.
• Eligibility for a Professional Development Allowance of up to $1,000 per annum.
• Various other benefits may apply, including allowances based on the salaried incremental point.

Requirements

• Hold a tertiary qualification or program of study approved by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• Be a full member of the AASW or eligible for membership. Overseas-qualified candidates need a “certification of eligibility” letter from the AASW.
• A current Australian Driver’s License is desirable.
• Successfully pass a range of pre-employment checks, including conviction checks (for crimes of violence, sex-related offenses, serious drug offenses, and crimes involving dishonesty), an identification check, and a disciplinary action check from previous employment.

Social Worker Grade 1, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne

St Vincent’s Hospital in Kew, Melbourne, has a great opportunity for Social Workers to join their team in a Grade 1 position. This full-time, permanent role is perfect for professionals with experience in inpatient hospital settings, including sub-acute (GEM or Rehabilitation) environments. The position offers a stable and balanced work environment with no after-hours or on-call duties.

Job Role and Responsibilities

• Conduct multi-dimensional, comprehensive psychosocial assessments, applying clinical reasoning to develop and implement complex intervention and discharge plans.
• Liaise with patients, their families, and carers to coordinate and communicate patient treatment plans and outcomes effectively.
• Actively participate in quality improvement and research activities, contributing to the enhancement of departmental practices.
• Promote and develop positive relationships within the department, the wider organization, and with community partners.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or a qualifying Master’s in Social Work.
• Have experience working in an inpatient hospital care setting. Experience in a sub-acute (GEM or Rehabilitation) setting is highly regarded.
• Obtain or hold a current National Criminal History Check. A Working with Children Check is desirable.

Benefits

• Ongoing opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access to regular well-being events and programs, including confidential, solutions-focused employee counseling.
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with a monthly Accrued Day Off (an additional day off per month) and flexible work arrangements.
• Join the Fitness Passport program for access to a wide range of fitness facilities.
• Increase your take-home pay through salary packaging options.
• Take advantage of discounts and promotions through the hospital’s foundation.
• Be part of a culture committed to continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.

How to Apply

If you’re considering moving to Australia, it’s important to know about the Employee Sponsorship Visa, also called the Skilled Sponsorship Visa. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from other countries to work in Australia. There are different types of this visa, each for specific situations:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa: For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. It allows you to work for up to four years and can lead to permanent residency (PR).
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 Visa: For skilled workers who have worked in Australia for at least three years under employer sponsorship, allowing them to apply for PR.
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187 Visa: For skilled workers sponsored by employers in regional areas, with the option for PR.
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 489: A temporary visa for skilled workers sponsored by relatives or nominated by state/territory governments in regional areas, allowing residence for up to four years.
• Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa Subclass 457: For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer, valid for up to four years. It requires a job offer and employer sponsorship.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an Employee Sponsorship Visa, you need to meet both basic and specific requirements:

• Basic Requirements:
  • Nomination by an Australian employer
  • Relevant skills and qualifications
  • A valid passport
  • Meet health and character standards
  • English language proficiency
  • Be under 45 years of age
• Specific Requirements:
  • Varies by visa type, including age limits, English proficiency tests (e.g., IELTS), skills assessments, work experience, and regional work obligations

Application Process

1. Employer Nomination: The Australian employer nominates you for a specific skilled job.
2. Visa Application: After nomination, you apply for the visa and provide evidence that you meet all the criteria.
3. Review: The Department of Home Affairs reviews your application, checking your qualifications, sponsorship, and adherence to visa rules.
4. Visa Approval: If approved, you receive the visa, allowing you to live and work in Australia under the visa conditions.

Conclusion

Australia provides many rewarding opportunities for Social Workers who need visa sponsorship. These roles are available in various areas, including correctional facilities, community support services, major hospitals, and non-profit organizations. If you’re interested in working in the prison system, helping recently released immigrants, or contributing to a hospital setting, there are various positions for different professional backgrounds and interests.