International Recruitment Project – Stages and Process
There are several stages to the International Recruitment Project, which all candidates must successfully complete before commencing full-time employment with Safe Places for Children Australia. We understand that relocating to Australia is a significant step, so we’ve developed a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and outlined below each stage of the process to guide you from application to arrival.
Stage 1 – Application and Initial Screening - To apply, complete the Online Application Form available via the website. This form allows you to: Upload your CV and supporting documentation; Complete an initial Health Declaration Form and Authority to Transfer Sensitive Personal Information Offshore – Consent Form. Or alternatively please send your most current CV to spcsr@safeplacesforchildren.co.uk.
To be considered, applicants must meet the essential position requirements, including: a relevant qualification in social care, youth work, or a related field (a minimum of a Level 4), at least two years of full-time paid experience working with children and young people who display pain-based and challenging behaviours within the health and social care sector and eligible for pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) after sponsorship.
Stage 2 – Phone Screening Interview - Once your online application has been received and reviewed against the essential criteria, one of our International Recruitment Coordinators will contact you. They will discuss your experience, explain the recruitment process in more detail, and confirm your eligibility to progress to the next stage.
Successful candidates will then participate in a phone screening interview lasting approximately 30–45 minutes. This stage allows you to; discuss your experience in more depth; learn more about the role and Safe Places’ model of care and ask any questions (additional information is also available in the FAQ section). If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview.
Stage 3 – Face-to-Face Interview, References & Eligibility Checks - Following a successful phone interview, candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview. Please note that travel expenses for this interview are the responsibility of the candidate. You will be required to bring original identification and qualification documents to be verified by the interview panel. The interview venue and full details will be provided in your official invitation email. At this stage, several important checks or requests will take place:
Eligibility check conducted by SIRVA, Safe Places’ immigration partner, to ensure you meet the requirements for a 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa
Employment reference checks (you will need to provide at least two referees, and these will need to be processed prior to the one-day mandatory training)
If successful, you’ll receive an invitation to attend a mandatory, one-day onboarding training session in the UK or Ireland. Training dates run throughout the year and will be confirmed in advance.
Stage 4 – State Checks & Onboarding Training Day - Before attending onboarding training, you will receive a conditional offer letter. This must be signed and returned prior to training. Additional state-specific documentation will also need to be completed, such as: LCS2 and Blue Card (Queensland) or 395 Form (Western Australia). These checks must be cleared before departing the UK or Ireland. Details and support for completing these requirements will be provided by your International Recruitment Coordinator. The one-day paid onboarding session will cover essential training and the completion of state police checks required for employment in Australia.
Stage 5 – Post-Training and Employment Agreement - After successfully completing onboarding, you will receive an Employment Agreement to sign and return (with a witness signature). All pages must be submitted as a complete document. Successful Candidates are expected to relocate to Australia within six months of signing the agreement. If you are applying for a 482 Skills in Demand Visa, Safe Places (through SIRVA) will lodge your nomination once your signed Employment Agreement is received.
Please note: the nomination cannot be submitted until your complete, signed agreement has been returned and LMT have been completed. SIRVA will work directly with yourself in completing your application and lodging this with immigration. If you are applying for a 417 Visa this can be done through the immigration website, without the need for SIRVA’s professional service.
Further visa information is available in the FAQ section or via the Australian Government’s Immigration website. Flights will be arranged once all documentation and clearances are complete, including state-specific checks; visa/s grant notifications and both signed employment and temporary accommodation Agreements. Your flight date will align with the next available induction training schedule in your assigned Australian region.
Stage 6 – Arrival and First Four Weeks in Australia- Upon arrival in Australia, you will have one week to settle in before commencing your three-week induction training. Please note you must travel no more than one week prior to the start of your induction. During your first few weeks:
You will need to submit your overseas qualifications for assessment to the relevant state-based assessment unit (this can only be completed once in Australia).
You must provide certificates and transcripts for all relevant qualifications (GCSE and above).
Your Area Admin Officer and Area Manager will help ensure all remaining documentation is finalised and uploaded.
Safe Places will provide up to four weeks of shared accommodation and car access to assist with your transition. After four weeks, you are expected to arrange your own housing and return the company vehicle. By the end of this process, you will have completed all checks, training, and documentation required to begin your new role as a Residential Youth Worker 2 with Safe Places for Children Australia — ready to make a difference in the lives of young people within a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment.