Graduate Opportunities with the FaHCSIA Compass Graduate Program
APPLICATIONS FOR 2009 HAVE NOW CLOSED!
- How to apply
- The FaHCSIA Compass Graduate Program
- What is in our offer?
- Who are we looking for?
- Why FaHCSIA?
- Next steps - what happens after I apply?
- Got a question?
- About Canberra
APPLICATIONS FOR 2009 HAVE NOW CLOSED!
How to apply
Applications for the FaHCSIA 2009 Compass Graduate Program have closed. Applications for the 2010 FaHCSIA Compass Graduate Program will open in early 2009.We are seeking up to 100 graduates for 2010.
The APSC publication Cracking the Code can help you with your application and to address the selection criteria.
FaHCSIA strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates.
Do you have any questions for us? Please feel free to email us at compass.program@fahcsia.gov.au
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The FaHCSIA Compass Graduate Program
The FaHCSIA Compass Graduate Program is an exciting and challenging opportunity for Graduates of all ages. It gives you the chance to put your education, experience and skills to work - while you work on your career at the same time.It offers you:
- a permanent job in FaHCSIA
- two work placements offering you the opportunity to experience different jobs. This gives you variety, challenge and helps you in making informed career choices
- loads of learning and development activities
- support through mentoring and networking to make your journey a little easier
In 2009 we will be offering four specialist streams for graduates:
- generalist (for graduates who are interested in social policy, policy analysis and program delivery)
- finance
- information technology
- legal
All graduates will complete a core set of development activities during the year, as well as undertake targeted development relevant to their nominated specialist stream.
For example, the Finance Stream gives you some amazing opportunities including:
- the chance to build your expertise in different areas of the department
- comprehensive training and development activities including technical workshops aimed at finance and accounting in the public sector
- memberships to professional organisations such as CPA Australia
- organisational support to help you attain your CPA or CA qualifications.
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What is in our offer?
The FaHCSIA Compass Graduate Program offers you:- A competitive salary ($44,550 - $54,127) and other benefits depending on your qualifications, work experience, skills and abilities. If you join FaHCSIA from outside the ACT you will also be eligible for assistance with your relocation expenses to Canberra
- An excellent working environment with great employment conditions and the chance to experience working in different areas of FaHCSIA
- Networks through leadership, peer support and mentoring in an organisation committed to workplace diversity, and work / life balance - FaHCSIA was the winner of the 2004 Australian Human Resources Institute's Award for Excellence in People Management (ACT)
- A wealth of on and off-the-job learning and development activities that are targeted to your needs including mentoring opportunities with senior executives, buddying with previous Compass participants, and attending workshops and seminars on relevant issues
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Who are we looking for?
If you are an enthusiastic go-getter and want to kick start your career in a leading and influential public service organisation - we want you.If you have qualifications or experience in the following disciplines then you should definitely consider joining the FaHCSIA Compass Graduate Program:
- Economics
- Finance
- Commerce
- Accounting
- Business
- Information Technology
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Demography
- Social and Public Policy
- Law
- Social Science
- Politics
- Psychology
- Arts
- Sociology
- Anthropology
We are looking for Graduates who:
- have sound analytical and research skills
- can work as part of a team
- have initiative
- have great people and communication skills
- have a client service focus, and
- have the flexibility to work on a variety of projects
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Why FaHCSIA
FaHCSIA is all about people. Our aim is to improve the lives of Australians by helping to build the capacity and well-being of individuals, families and communities.We provide policies, income support and assistance for families and their children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, carers and community groups. Part of our organisation, The Office for Women provides policies and programs for women and the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination coordinates and drives whole-of-government innovative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy development and service delivery across the Australian Government.
We are an influential organisation:
- FaHCSIA manages a budget allocation of over $50 billion - that's more than any other government department
- Our work touches every Australian at some point in their lives, "from birth through to old age"
- We have offices in every capital city and our staff work with regional, rural and remote communities across Australia
- We employ over 3000 people across Australia who work on:
- policy development
- partnerships with other organisations, such as Centrelink, to deliver our programs and services
- economic analysis and research
- supporting communities in times of crisis
- helping other countries to develop social support systems
- supporting our people and our business by providing legal, financial services, communication and other professional services
- We work on many current issues such as strengthening communities and providing: housing support for those who need it; support for people with disabilities; support for Indigenous people and assistance to families
Our organisational values include a commitment to provide responsive service to the government of the day. We:
- have respect for our clients and each other
- are innovative and creative
- strive for excellence in whatever we do, and
- collaborate effectively to achieve results
FaHCSIA recognises the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the unique skills and knowledge that Indigenous staff bring to our workplace. Through the FaHCSIA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Retention Strategy, FaHCSIA demonstrates its commitment to Indigenous staff by promoting career and development opportunities in the department.
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Next steps - what happens after I apply?
To make sure we recruit the right people, we use a staged selection process.
- You complete an application online
- Your application is assessed against the skills and capabilities needed by us
- Applicants who most closely meet the requirements of the organisation will then be invited to complete additional online assessment
- Shortl isted applicants will then be invited to attend a round of half-day assessment centres. A range of activities will be used for you to show us your skills and abilities, these could include: group problem solving, presentations, formal interviews, ability tests and written exercises. These assessment centres will be held in July/August 2008
- We are aiming to make our offers of employment to successful candidates in September 2008
Contact during the various assessment stages will be by email so please make sure your email address is kept up to date in the online application system.
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Got a question?
- When do applications open and close?
- How do I apply?
- When will I know if I've made it to the next recruitment stage?
- What should I do to prepare for the assessment centre?
- Where will I be working?
- If successful, when would I start?
- Will I get any assistance to relocate to Canberra?
- What happens during the Program?
- Which areas of FaHCSIA can I work in?
- What will I actually do?
- What types of training are offered during the program?
- Does it matter when I completed my degree?
- Is there an age limit?
- How many positions are there?
- How many people usually apply?
- Can I apply if I am not an Australian Citizen?
- What would be my starting salary?
- If I'm not successful, will I be told why? Will I get feedback?
When do applications open and close?
Applications for the 2009 Compass Graduate Program open on 28 February 2008 and close on 1 June 2008.How do I apply?
Applications should be made online when the selection process commences.If you are having difficulties applying online please email us at compass.program@fahcsia.gov.au
When will I know if I've made it to the next recruitment stage?
You will be notified by email at each stage of the selection process. Offers of employment are expected to be made in September 2008.If you are offered a position on the 2009 Compass Graduate Program you may also be offered temporary employment with FaHCSIA, either full-time or part-time, before the Compass Graduate Program begins in February 2009. This is a great way to earn money and get some experience before the program starts.
[ Got a question? ]
What should I do to prepare for the assessment centre?
The assessment centre gives you a chance to show us your skills and abilities. To get the most out of the experience, you should know a bit about FaHCSIA and the work we do, but most of all it's important to relax and be yourself.- What to expect at an assessment centre - PDF [19kb] | RTF [389kb]
Where will I be working?
All Graduate positions for this intake will be based in Canberra. There will be some opportunities during the first work placement to work in regional and state offices.If successful, when would I start?
The Compass Program commences in February 2009 and runs for 10 months. In November 2009 you will graduate from the program into a permanent position in FaHCSIA.[ Got a question? ]
Will I get any assistance to relocate to Canberra?
We will provide financial assistance to help you move to Canberra. Successful applicants will receive more information during the final stages of the recruitment process.What happens during the Program?
During the 10-month Compass Graduate Program you will complete different work rotations supported by formal learning and development opportunities. The Program is made up of both on and off the job training, learning in a broad range of areas, and includes being part of a mentoring network of previous and current Compass participants.Which areas of FaHCSIA can I work in?
During the Compass Graduate Program year, participants are given opportunities to work in different branches across all areas of FaHCSIA. You could work in policy development, human resources, research, welfare reform, and social programs (just to name a few).What will I actually do?
Here's a taste of what some of this year's Graduates are working on:- developing correspondence and communication to our Ministers
- working on the development of budget processes that help FaHCSIA meet its strategic objectives
- being involved in research about homelessness in Australia
- managing events for the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships and for National Harmony Day
- developing, testing and introducing new and modified software to the organisation
- working as part of a legal team to draft new legislation
[ Got a question? ]
What types of training is offered during the program?
The Program has been designed to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to fill one of the many critical job functions FaHCSIA requires to do its business. The training and development activities combined with work rotations give you real and solid experience to help you kick start your career in FaHCSIA.Capability development activities will include up to 18 training courses such as:
- Writing Skills
- Understanding your Accountabilities in the APS
- Negotiation Skills
- Communication Skills
- Government Budget Processes
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Winning that Job
We will also be offering FaHCSIA sponsored CPA courses to selected Finance graduates with degrees in Commerce, Economics and Accounting.
[ Got a question? ]
Does it matter when I completed my degree?
You must have completed your degree within the last five years. We do recognise that applicants with recent degrees will have all of the current learning but also that those with slightly older qualifications will be able to bring a wealth of life and work experience.Is there an age limit?
No. Graduates are selected on their capabilities as demonstrated against the selection criteria. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or having a disability. Our selection process is based entirely on merit.How many positions are there?
We are planning on taking 120 graduates for the 2009 Compass Program.How many people usually apply?
For the 2008 Compass Program, we had around 850 graduates apply. This is why all applicants must go through a competitive selection process. We want to recruit the very best. So it is competitive but please don't let this put you off - you may be just the person we're looking for![ Got a question? ]
Can I apply if I am not an Australian Citizen?
To be eligible for employment with the Australian Public Service you must be an Australian citizen.What would be my starting salary?
You would be offered a starting salary in the FaHCSIA Graduate broadband level (APS Level 3-4), currently between $44,550 - $54,127 depending on your qualifications, work experience, skills and abilities.If I'm not successful, will I be told why? Will I get feedback?
Applicants who are short listed to attend the Assessment Centre stage of the recruitment process will be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback, whether you are offered a position or not. Generally this is provided over the phone or via email. Details on how to get feedback will be provided at the Assessment Centre.[ Got a question? ]
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About Canberra
Most graduates selected for a position in FaHCSIA relocate to Canberra. Relocation assistance is available to those who need to move and generally includes travel and removal costs as well as temporary accommodation.Canberra is a city of almost 330,000 people and has excellent facilities and services including sport, parks, shopping and entertainment. For more information please visit the links below:
Finding accommodation
Social life
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