The Human Services Department career avenues are vast and varied. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has boundless employment opportunities for professionals of all backgrounds and skill levels offering everything from entry level AO1 to experienced EL2 level roles. You may be interested in a customer service role within a service centre where you would assist customers face-to-face or over the telephone by answering their enquiries, making assessments on a customer’s eligibility for payments, and undertaking processing and system entry activities related to a customer’s needs. Or, perhaps you are a little more experienced and looking for a leadership opportunity and can see yourself as an Executive Officer responsible for providing high-level strategic and operational support to a General Manager. On the other hand, you might have a strong IT background and are looking to apply your expert technical skills to develop detection and prevention models addressing current and emerging identity fraud risks. No matter what your qualifications or experience, you can be certain that the Human Services Department career avenues leave you with limitless options to further your career and job skills.
The (DHS) combines Medicare Australia and Centrelink and offers a wide range of health, social and welfare payments and services. Most Australians make contact with at least one of these services at some point in their life, and each year, they deliver more than $140 billion in payments. Based in every state, a career with DHS can provide you with opportunities to work all around Australia. Moreover, they offer valuable experience and the chance to be part of teams that have crucial roles in influencing the strategic focus and coordination of service delivery for Australians.
Moreover, the department strongly supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. In particular, applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including refugees and humanitarian entrant applicants. So, just how do you gain a role with the DHS?
Where Can a Career with the Department of Human Services Lead You?
In addition to a long list of current and senior executive service vacancies, the department offers temporary employment registers for non-ongoing or irregular and intermittent employment. Offering temporary Service Officer opportunities across APS3 to APS4 level, program, corporate and administration roles from APS1 to EL2, as well as specialist roles across APS3 to EL2 level, a spot on the temporary register can be the ideal opportunity to get a feel for the department and that always valuable foot in the door! Through the temporary registers, DHS fills the positions on a full-time or part-time basis and depending on business requirements; positions may be available across a range of locations, business areas and classifications.
For those seeking a more entry-level role, the department also offers a range of dynamic and innovative employment pathways programs, including
Indigenous Programs
- These aim to assist Indigenous employees to gain qualifications that will develop their potential and increase their career prospects within the Australian Public Service. Specifically, the department offers Australian School-Based Apprenticeships, Indigenous Cadetship programs, the National Graduate Program, as well as the Indigenous Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programs.
Work Experience Pathways
- Designed to create opportunities for students in high school and university, the work experience pathways can be the ideal chance to start a career in the Australian Public Service. Pathways include a work experience placement, as well as a student placement.
Entry-Level Pathways
- For those with limited public service experience, the DHS offers various entry-level pathways designed to develop and increase career potential. Pathway opportunities include the School-Based Pathway Program, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Apprenticeship Program, ICT Cadetship Program, Summer Winter Vacation Program, and the National Graduate Program.
National Graduate Program
- Offered to those who have completed an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, the program accepts all study disciplines and encourages the use of skills and knowledge gained through university. This is an ideal chance to put that theoretical knowledge into practice with valuable on-the-job experience.
One of the lesser known employment opportunities offered by DHS is that of employment as an interpreter or translator. DHS deals with a diverse range of customers from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, thus meaning that they have a range of communication needs. To assist customers to understand and access DHS services, they have a national database of over 2,600 contractors who provide services in over 200 languages. If you are proficient in a language other than English, this could be the ideal role for you to contribute and utilise your expertise.
To be successful in any of these roles or programs, DHS look for applicants who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are committed to helping Australians. If a career with the DHS sounds like the right direction for you, it is important to ensure you have an up-to-date resume and cover letter. Most roles also ask you to provide a response to key selection criteria. Once your application has been submitted, the selection committee will review it carefully to determine if you will be shortlisted. This can include contacting your referees, making an assessment based on your application and referee report, conducting an interview, and/or examining work samples and conducting written or practical performance tests. The department bases all recruitment selection and employment decisions on merit to ensure the best available person for the job.
In order to ensure you make a positive first impression and stand out from the other applicants, why not consider engaging the team at Public Service Resumes to assist you. Our team of professional writers are highly skilled and experienced at putting together applications such as this and will ensure that all of your best attributes, qualifications, experience, and achievements are highlighted. Contact us today for an obligation-free quote to find out how we can support you in achieving a long-term and rewarding career with the DHS.