2023 Social Work Graduate Program (Feb 2023)

About the Program

This 18-month program is open to high-performing graduates from all disciplines. Offering three rotations across NSW Government, you’ll get exposure to a range of projects and experiences tailored to your interests.  

The Program offers five streams – a Primary, Digital, Engineering, Legal and Social Work stream. You can apply for up to two streams (Primary stream plus one degree-specific stream), each providing on-the-job experience and a customised learning and development component. 

When you successfully complete the program, you will be offered ongoing (permanent) employment at the Clerk Grade 3/4 (2nd year) level. Exceptional performers may be fast-tracked to the Clerk Grade 5/6 or 7/8 level.*  

*Graduates receive a competitive remuneration package of approximately $82,529. This includes a salary of $74,117, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading. 

Social work stream

In the social work stream, you’ll play a part in transforming the lives of vulnerable children. You’ll apply your knowledge and skills to improve the lives of children, adults, families, and communities who often experience disadvantage and live in varied and challenging circumstances. The social work stream provides a pathway to becoming a case worker.

In the social work stream, you will learn about how child protection works across systems, policies and practice. You will also complete tailored case worker development training and attend workshops with your cohort so that you have a foundational knowledge of government and how government works. You will undertake group supervision so you can make the best possible decisions about children and their families.

The social work stream has 10 roles on offer in the Department of Communities and Justice in Greater Sydney Metropolitan and region locations.

Who can apply

To apply for the 2023 NSW Government Graduate Program, you must: 

• at the time of submitting your application, have the right to work full-time in Australia until at least 31 August 2024. This may include Australian Citizenship or permanent residency, New Zealand citizenship with a current New Zealand passport, or holding a visa that allows you to work full-time in Australia.
• complete your undergraduate or postgraduate degree between 1 June 2020 and 31 December 2022.
• be available to start work on Monday, 6 February 2023.

To be eligible for the social work stream, you must:

• hold a degree in social work, psychology or social science welfare
• have a current driver's licence
• hold a current Working with Children Check clearance