The International Recruitment Journey

From Application to Arrival in Australia

Relocating to Australia is a significant step — and we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way.

All candidates must successfully complete each stage of the International Recruitment Project before commencing full-time employment with Safe Places for Children Australia. To support you, we provide:

  • A comprehensive FAQ section

  • Dedicated International Recruitment Coordinators

  • Structured visa and compliance guidance

  • Clear timelines and expectations

Below is a step-by-step overview of your journey.

Stage 1 – Application & Initial Screening

Your journey begins by completing the Online Application Form via our website.

You will:

  • Upload your CV and supporting documents

  • Complete a Health Declaration Form

  • Sign the Authority to Transfer Sensitive Personal Information Offshore – Consent Form

Alternatively, you may send your most up-to-date CV to: spcsr@safeplacesforchildren.co.uk

To be considered, you must:

  • Hold a relevant qualification (minimum Level 4 in social care, youth work, or related field)

  • Have at least 2 years’ full-time paid experience (within the last 5 years) working with children and young people displaying pain-based and challenging behaviours

  • Be eligible for a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) after sponsorship

Applications are reviewed against essential criteria before progressing.

Stage 2 – Phone Screening Interview

If your application meets the essential requirements, one of our International Recruitment Coordinators will contact you. You will complete a 30–45 minutes phone screening interview, where you will:

  • Discuss your experience in greater depth

  • Learn more about Safe Places’ therapeutic model

  • Receive detailed information about the recruitment process

  • Ask any questions

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview.

Stage 3 – Face-to-Face Interview, References & Eligibility Checks

You will attend an in-person interview (travel expenses are the candidate’s responsibility).

At this stage:

  • Original ID and qualification documents will be verified

  • Employment reference checks will be conducted (minimum two referees required)

  • An eligibility check will be completed by SIRVA, our immigration partner, to assess suitability for the 482 Skills in Demand Visa

If successful, you will be invited to attend a mandatory one-day onboarding session in the UK or Ireland.

Stage 4 – State Checks & Onboarding Training Day

Before attending onboarding, you will receive a conditional offer letter, which must be signed and returned.

You will also complete state-specific documentation, such as:

  • LCS2 & Blue Card (Queensland)

  • 395 Form (Western Australia)

All required checks must be cleared before departure.

The One-Day Paid Onboarding Session Includes:

  • Essential employment documentation

  • State police check processing

  • Pre-departure guidance and preparation

Your International Recruitment Coordinator will support you throughout this stage.

Stage 5 – Employment Agreement & Visa Process

After successfully completing onboarding:

  • You will receive your Employment Agreement

  • The agreement must be signed, witnessed, and returned in full

Successful candidates are expected to relocate within six months of signing.

For 482 Skills in Demand Visa applicants:

  • Safe Places (via SIRVA) will lodge your nomination once your signed agreement is received

  • Nomination cannot proceed until Labour Market Testing (LMT) is complete

  • SIRVA will work directly with you to finalise and lodge your visa application

For 417 Working Holiday Visa applicants:

  • You may apply directly via the Australian Immigration website

  • SIRVA services are not required

Flights are arranged once all documentation is complete, including:

  • Signed Employment Agreement

  • Employment References Completed

  • Visa grant notification

  • Cleared state checks

  • Signed employment and accommodation agreements

Your arrival date will align with induction training in your allocated Australian region.

Stage 6 – Arrival & First Four Weeks in Australia

You may travel up to one week prior to the start of induction training.

After arrival:

  • One week to settle in

  • Three-week induction training program

During this time:

  • Overseas qualifications must be submitted for assessment (completed in Australia only)

  • Certificates and transcripts (GCSE and above) must be provided

  • Area Admin Officer and Area Manager will finalise documentation

Relocation Support Includes:

  • Up to 4 weeks shared accommodation

  • Up to 4 weeks company vehicle access

After four weeks, you will arrange your own housing and return the vehicle.

Ready to Begin?

By the end of this structured process, you will have:

  • Completed all required checks

  • Finalised visa and employment documentation

  • Undertaken induction training

  • Joined a therapeutic, trauma-informed team

You will be ready to begin your role as a Residential Youth Worker 2 — making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across Australia.

Apply Online