A locum social worker works for an organisation on a short-term contract rather than a permanent basis, often using a social work recruitment agency to find suitable placements. Locum social workers are in high demand in Victoria as a result of turnover and skill shortages within certain specialisations and geographical areas. Consequently, there are plenty of locum opportunities available for social work professionals from every focus area and experience level.
Thinking of becoming a locum social worker or looking for your next locum role? Here are our top three tips on how to find the best locum social work jobs.
Tip 1: Know What to Look for in the Best Locum Social Work Role
Working as a locum social worker can be very rewarding if you know how to find the right opportunities. Some of the key benefits of locum work that many professionals tend to focus on when searching for the best locum social work roles include:
Flexibility and work/life balance
One of the most sought-after advantages of being a locum social worker is that it affords you greater flexibility within your personal and working life. Locum work can provide a lot more control over where and when you work, as well as the length of your placement, so this is something to keep in mind when searching for opportunities. That way, if you wish to work less than full-time hours, take time off during school holidays or go on or take a break for professional development, you are free to do so.
The chance to develop new professional skills and experience
The best locum social work roles enable you to hone your skills. You can learn new systems, work with a wider selection of cases and experience a variety of frontline issues, keeping you interested and engaged in your field of work. By choosing to locum social work jobs that involve different types of services users, environments, partner agencies and colleagues, you can enhance your professional skills, enrich your CV and ultimately advance your career.
Pay rate
One of the big drawcards of locum social work is that it can be financially rewarding. Due to their short-term nature, many locum social work jobs offer significantly higher pay rates compared to permanent positions. Consequently, pay will likely be a priority for those who are looking to maximise their earning potential within a specific location.
Tip 2: Hone Your Locum Social Work Job Search Skills
One of the most effective ways to ensure you are positioned to secure the best locum opportunities in the market is to hone your locum social work job search skills.
Before you start applying for roles, take the time to polish your CV, including highlighting relevant skills and competencies, detailing your experience in reverse chronological order and adding any professional development undertaken/social work associations your belong to. It’s also important to write a targeted cover letter for each position you apply to. This advice may seem basic, but it’s the small things that put you ahead of the other candidates and help you land the locum social work jobs you want.
You should also familiarise yourself with common social work interview questions and prepare sample answers and examples you can use when formulating responses. Some of the questions you might encounter include:
How would you locate resources for clients in a community where you have no relationships?
How do you make sure you stay on top of your professional development?
What types of strategies do you use to engage clients?
Tell us about the most complex case you have been involved with. What was the outcome and what did you learn?
How do you prioritise your caseload?
Have you ever been faced with an ethical conflict in your social work career? How did you respond?
With solid preparation and strong interview skills, you can boost your chances of securing your ideal locum social work role.
Tip 3: Choose the Best Locum Social Work Recruitment Agency for You
A specialist recruitment agency is a valuable asset for your locum journey, providing you with crucial support, up-to-date industry advice and access to opportunities not available elsewhere on the market. While finding the right agency can be daunting, with a clear idea of what you want from a role and what you can offer employers, you can choose the best locum social work recruitment agency for your needs.
Regardless of the agency you decide to register with, they should be able to answer the following:
How soon can I start working?
How much will I earn and how will I get paid?
Will I be able to secure regular placements?
What types of social work roles are available?
What sort of clients will I have the chance to work with?
What is the average length of a locum placement?
At Tradewind Australia, we have earned a reputation as one of the best locum social work recruitment agencies in Melbourne and Brisbane. We understand the importance of matching the right social workers with the right organisations and roles, and are committed to using our extensive network knowledge of the profession to provide practical locum social work advice and help you reach your career goals.
Our team of specialist social work recruiters have a vast knowledge of their specialisations and able to place social workers in locum roles across of range of focus areas, including Alcohol & Other Drugs, Aged & Disability, Family Services, Family Violence, Hospital, Housing & Homelessness, Mental Health, Refugee & Asylum, and Youth.
Get in touch with Tradewind Australia today for all your social work recruitment needs or help with finding the best locum social work jobs in Brisbane and Melbourne.
