Graduate Profile - Social Work

Name: Susan McBean
Degree Awarded (Majors if appropriate): Bachelor of Social Work (post-graduate)
Position Gained: Graduate Officer, Community Corrections Officer
Organisation: Department for Correctional Services
Commencement Date: 17 March 2003

Could you give us a description of what your position involves?

This is a 12 month contract position as a Community Corrections Officer Level 4, which requires a social work qualification. It involves the provision of supervision and support services to adult offenders placed on probation, parole, pre-parole, bail, home detention or community service orders. It also involves the preparation of Pre-sentence Reports for the Courts and Parole and Progress Reports for the Parole Board, as well as non-compliance and breach reports. It may also include the provision of intervention services through the delivery of departmental programs.

Associated with the Graduate Position is the requirement to undertake the Graduate Practising Certificate, which requires the completion of eight nationally accredited units from the Public Services Training Package. In addition there may be opportunities to access other training opportunities through the department and outside agencies. There is a reduced caseload associated with this position to allow for training.

At what stage during your study did you begin to think about employment choices and options?

As a mature aged student returning to studying after a 17 year absence from the paid workforce, I considered very carefully the employment options that might become available to me upon graduation. Although I had gained a Bachelor of Science degree in the 1970s, I had not worked in this capacity. I decided that the social work field might recognise the value of my life experience despite my minimal employment history. However I first completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, with majors in Public Policy and Legal Studies, to enhance my prospects of gaining employment in the public sector. During the post-graduate Social Work degree, I was careful to choose electives and field placements which might lead to employment in my areas of interest.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to other students?

It appears that employment opportunities often eventuate from social work field placements, as in my case. It is therefore very important to choose these placements carefully, and to maximise opportunities by gaining experience in both government and non-government agencies.

Many employers presenting employment information sessions have commented on the importance of students undertaking extra curricular activities during their time at university. Could you comment on this?

As a mature aged student with family commitments, I had no time for extra-curricular activities while I was studying. I have not felt disadvantaged to date by this omission. However I have been able to demonstrate significant involvement in community activities in a voluntary capacity prior to returning to study.

How did you go about finding employment?

On completion of my field placement in the Department for Correctional Services, I ensured that my local supervisors were aware of my interest in securing paid employment in the Department when I graduated. Once I had completed the requirements for my degree, I registered my availability for casual social work employment with the Department. I contacted my supervisors when I was offered other short-term contracts to remind them of my availability, to reiterate that I wished to be considered for any contracts that might arise, and to make them aware that other agencies were offering me work. I feel this served to keep my name prominent. I also applied for the Graduate Program of the SA Public Service, as this is an alternative entry point to the Department.

I also pursued other avenues. I registered with agencies providing email notification of graduate vacancies, took advantage of any networking opportunities at social work functions, and registered with a Job Network agency. As a result of networking, I obtained short-term contract work in a graduate capacity with Flinders University, and with the Department for Premier and Cabinet, although not as a social worker.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?

I completed the online application for the Graduate Program of the SA Public Service towards the end of my final year, and nominated that I was interested in work in Corrections, among other options. While I was working on a six-week casual contract with the Department, I was contacted regarding an interview for a graduate position with the Department through the SA Public Service Graduate Program.

What did you do to prepare for the interview? What questions were you asked?

As I was already familiar with the duties of the position due to my field placement and casual employment in a similar capacity, I did not consider it necessary to research the position further, by contacting the workplace and requesting a tour, as is sometimes recommended. However I compiled a list of anticipated questions and prepared answers, and revised the broad concepts of current social work theories. At the interview I was asked questions concerning conflict resolution; my personal stress management techniques; how I would ensure my professional development in a busy workplace; the care/control dilemma of the statutory social worker and the use of discretion; and factors I considered to be important to good team work.

Do you have any further helpful hints/suggestions for graduates?

I consider that it is initially important to take any contracts offered and not to wait for the ‘perfect job’. There appears to be little permanent employment available for social work graduates until experience in the job can be demonstrated. Many agencies offer a casual social work employment register, as does the AASW, and anecdotal evidence suggests that many graduates gain their first contracts in this way.