NGO Social Work Study Awards - 2010 Application Round
The NGO Social Work Study Awards are aimed at building the capability of people working in community-based social services. Up to 85 awards are offered every year to assist employees of non-government organisations to undertake part time study for a degree level qualification in social work to enable them to get registered.
Applications in 2010
Applications for an NGO social work study award for 2010 open on Monday 29 June and close on Friday 16 October 2009. Social workers employed by non-government organisations (NGOs) are invited to apply.
They will need to be:
- be paid employees of NGO’s and enrolled in or intending to enrol in a social work course that is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).
- be employed by a community organisation that is an incorporated society, or that has charitable status. Organisations will need to demonstrate eligibility.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application no later than 4 December 2009.
In this section:
» About the awards
» Study Expectations
» Who can apply
» Selection Process
» Pre-application workshops
» Making an application
» Current or Returning Award holders
About The Awards
Each study award has a maximum possible value of $32,750.
- Students can receive help with their course fees of up to $3,500 per year and up to $10,500 in total over the duration of the award.
- Employers can receive a contribution to help support their student in study of up to $4,500 per year and up to $13,500 over the duration of the award. This can be used to help with a range of study-related expenses, including backfilling the employee’s position while they are studying.
- Employers can also receive a contribution to help with the cost of backfilling their employee while they are on their final three month external placement of up to $8,750.
Study Expectations
These study awards are intended for full-time employees who are studying part-time.
As a guide, Family and Community Services recommends that students undertake a study load that is loosely based on 50% of the normal full-time study load for their course and their mode of study. For curriculum students (i.e. most students who are attending universities or polytechnics) this is about 60 credits / units per year.
Where students are enrolled in a programme of study that is significantly different to this approach, Family and Community Services will need additional information to assist in evaluating the application.
» Download the Study Load Guide in Word - 22kb
Who Can Apply
The application is a joint process between an NGO employee and their employer.
To be eligible NGO’s are likely to be community organisations that have become incorporated societies, or that have a charitable status. Organisations will need to demonstrate eligibility.
Social work students will need to be paid employees of NGO’s and enrolled in or intending to enrol in a social work course that is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).
Applications can be made by any social worker employed by an NGO who is enrolled in or intending to enroll in a course that is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB). Generally these will be level 7 (bachelor) qualifications in social work and may also include level 8 (post-graduate) social work qualifications, or recognised level 6 (diploma) social work qualifications where the applicant commenced study prior to January 2006. The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) website provides a list of recognised courses.
As a part of the application process the employee will need to show that they are a ‘fit and proper person’ and ‘of good character and reputation’, as set out in the Social Workers Registrations Act 2003.
Preference will be given to employees who are employed on a full time basis (ideally 20 hours or more per week), and who have previously studied or who are currently studying at a tertiary level. Applicants who do not fully meet these criteria are still eligible to apply and will be considered on their merits alongside other applicants.
These awards are not available to support further study where the applicant already has a social work qualification that meets the educational requirements for registration, or who are already fully registered.
» Download the list of 2009 NGO Social Work Study Award Recipients in Word - 270kb
Note: For more information about recognised courses, visit the Social Workers Registration Board website, or read the “Which Courses will be Supported?” section of the Information for Applicants Booklet at the bottom of this page.
» Go to the Social Workers Registration Board website
Selection Process
All applications will be considered on a national basis on their individual merits. Selection will be based on the completed standard application form and any supporting documentation provided. Through the selection criteria weighting will be given to:
- organisations with government contracts for services which are delivering early intervention or preventative social work services to vulnerable children and families;
- employees who have previously studied and / or who are currently studying at a tertiary level;
- employees who are employed on a full time basis (ideally 20 hours or more per week).
Successful applicants (Employers and employees) will be offered an Agreement to sign - this outlines the expectations and obligations of each party to these study awards.
» Download the MSD Agreement for the NGO Social Work Study Awards in Word - 274kb
» Download the MSD Agreement for the NGO Social Work Study Awards in PDF - 94kb
For more information about these study awards please see the Applicant Information Booklet, and the Application form below, under “Making an Application”.
Pre-Application Workshops
A series of pre-application workshops will be held between June and October 2009, as below.
These workshops will explain more fully the information available contained in the Applicant's Booklet, and on our website. These workshops also provide an opportunity to have any questions answered. The timing and locations of these workshops is as detailed below.
» Pre-Application Workshop Schedule
Making an Application
The application round for these study awards opens on Monday 29 June 2009 and closes on Friday 16 October 2009 - a minimum of 65 new study awards will be available for the 2010 academic year.
Application is a joint process between an NGO employee and their employer. There is a standard application form to complete and it is recommended that employees and their employers complete the application together. Complete and well-presented information is likely to assist in the selection process.
Information booklets and application forms will be available from:
- this website, by clicking the links below
- Family and Community Services regional offices
- From individual Schools of Social Work (i.e. Universities, Polytechnics, Wananga, etc)
- Through attending one of the Pre-application Workshops (see above).
- by calling free phone 0508 346 376
» Download the Information for Applicants Booklet - PDF - 712kb | MS Word - 207kb
» Download the Application Form - PDF - 712kb | MS Word - 564kb
Current or Returning NGO Social Work Study award Holders
Existing NGO Social Work Study Award holders (i.e. those selected in the 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008 selection rounds) who are wishing to continue to access funding for the 2010 academic year are reminded of the need to provide FACS with a copy of their academic results for the 2009 academic year.
These results will be evaluated as detailed in the “Review of Academic Results” process (See below), and students will be advised of the outcome of this process by early February 2010.
» Download the Review of Academic Results in Word - 32kb
Additionally, returning students are reminded of the need to complete and return their Planned Programme of Study form with their academic results.
» Download the Planned Social Work Programme of Study Form - 54kb
