how to apply for a position
Equal employment opportunity and selection on merit are NSW Public Sector policy, which means that the person whose skills, knowledge and experience best match the job requirements will be selected for all positions advertised in Community Services.
Before you apply, it is important that you obtain the relevant job information package. The job information package expands on the information contained in the job advertisement and will help you complete your application.
You can download a job information package from www.jobs.nsw.gov.au or phone the contact officer whose details are included in the job advertisement to have one sent to you.
In addition, the Employment Equity & Diversity Office has useful information on applying for jobs in the NSW Public Sector generally.
what should I include in my application?
To be considered for any advertised position in Community Services, you must submit a:
- completed application form
- ‘claim for the position’ in which you address each of the selection criteria listed in the advertisement under a separate heading and provide details of your experience and abilities
- resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining your relevant work experience and referees.
Your 'claim for the position' is the most important part of your application and should outline how you meet the selection criteria listed in the job advertisement, which include knowledge and understanding of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statements and Ethical Practice.
how do I submit my application?
The easiest and preferred way to submit your application is by registering and applying online.
Jobs NSW includes details of all our current vacancies. You can create your own secure online account, save and review applications before submitting them and apply for as many positions as you wish using the same details.
You can also submit your application by:
- email, submit your application as instructed in the job information package
- post to:
Recruitment Solutions Team
NSW Businesslink
Locked Bag 7466
LIVERPOOL BC 1871
what happens once I’ve submitted my application?
You will receive written confirmation when we have received your application by email or online.
Your application will be assessed for suitability against the key selection criteria and the most suitable applicants will be invited to attend an interview. If you are applying for caseworker positions, you instead be invited to attend an assessment centre.
If you are unsuccessful at this stage, you will be notified by letter once the process has been concluded and will be offered post selection counselling.
what can I expect at an interview?
You will be interviewed by a panel of at least three people who will ask you questions related to the selection criteria and the duties of the position.
All information provided by you and your referees is treated as confidential.
You may also be asked to provide:
- examples of your past work
- certified copy of any qualifications required for the position.
Your interview is also an opportunity for you to indicate the salary you are seeking and to advise us of when you would be able to commence work if offered a position.
You will be asked to sign pre employment screening consent forms and if you are considered suitable, your referees will be contacted after the interview.
what is an assessment centre?
If you are applying for a caseworker position, you may be asked to attend a Community Services Assessment Centre.
Assessment Centres allow you to participate in a number of activities, including a written exercise, group task, role play, critical reasoning task, and interview, where you can demonstrate your skills in:
- analysing and problem solving
- conceptualising
- interacting
- supporting and cooperating
- leading and making decisions
- organising, adapting and coping.
If you are considered suitable but not immediately offered a position, you may be placed on an eligibility list to be considered for any further vacancies over the next six or twelve months.
If you express an interest, you may also be offered short term temporary employment opportunities during that time. Check the job information package to find out more.
pre employment screening
Our core activities of child protection mean that all positions within Community Services may involve either contact with children or the potential to access child-client information in the course of their work.
Accordingly, all positions will be treated as child-related employment for employment screening purposes.
This means that as an applicant for any Community Services position you will need to complete and submit the following forms with your application:
- Prohibited Employment Declaration indicating your prohibited person status
- Pre Employment Screening Consent for your authority to conduct employment screening if you are selected as the preferred applicant for a position.
