Ministers introduce new employment program for social work students

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education and Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced a new employment program which will help social work students gain career relevant work experience, and will also provide an opportunity for employers to begin early recruitment efforts.

"In its initial year, the program will place 15 fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work students in rural practice settings throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Kelly. "By doing so, we hope to promote the integration of knowledge, skills and competency of social work practitioners, and provide employers with the human resources needed to support service delivery and quality enhancement initiatives in their communities."

The Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education has contributed $59,950 to the project, while the Department of Health and Community Services will provide $12,500 to implement the program. The students will be employed in rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador for a 12-week period by Health and Community Services and Integrated Boards. They will earn a wage of $8.00 per hour plus $2.00 per hour in the form of a tuition voucher for post-secondary education.

"It is our hope that this program will increase the number of social work graduates who practice in the province, particularly in under-served and rural areas," said Minister Smith. "By allowing social workers to experience practice in a rural setting, it may assist them in making a long-term commitment to the people in these areas."

Students interested in applying for the positions should contact the Social Work Student Employment Program at (709) 738-4800.

Media contact:

Janice Lockyer, Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, (709) 729-6573
Carmel Turpin, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377

2002 04 05                          4:20 p.m.