Applications now open for NGO social work study awards

Applications are now open for the 2015 application round of the NGO social work study awards. They will close on Friday 10 October 2014.

These awards, offered every year, are to assist employees of non-government organisations (NGOs) to study part-time for a degree level qualification in social work. The intent of the awards is to help build the capability of people working in community-based social services. The NGO Social Work Study Awards are funded and administered by Family and Community Services (FACS), part of the Ministry of Social Developmen.

A study award is jointly awarded to an employee (i.e. the student) and their employer and each study award has a maximum possible value of $33,244. This can assist the student with course fees and the employer with study-related expenses, including backfilling the employee's position while they are studying or on placement. Application is a joint process between the NGO employee and their employer and it is recommended that employees and their employers undertake the application process together.

Only social workers employed by NGOs are able to apply - they must be:

• A paid employee of a community or voluntary organisation that is an incorporated society, or that has recognised charitable status
• Enrolled in or intending to enrol in a social work programme that is recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB); and
• Employees will need to show that they are likely to meet the 'fit and proper person' and the 'good character and reputation' requirements as set out in the Social Workers Registrations Act 2003.

Aa series of pre-application workshops/hui will be held around the contry during August, September and October 2014. These will provide further information and an opportunity to have questions answered.

Awards are made through a competitive selection process. Up to 85 awards are made each year. Applications will be assessed during October and November and applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application before the Christmas holiday break.

Further details and information on how to apply are available on the Family and Community Services website.

Image: Coloured pencils by Rewarriner. Licence: Public domain