Caseworker – refugees

Henry Budd

When Avi Reitzer first asked the Red Cross about the possibility of volunteer humanitarian work she didn’t think she’d have much luck. “I thought the Red Cross was all about blood and transfusions and I had no interest in that,” Reitzer says.

“When they told me there was a volunteer position for refugee services I was surprised.”

From her volunteer work creating a guide listing Sydney services for refugees, Reitzer was offered a full-time job last July as a case worker.

Reitzer helps refugees through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Asylum Seekers Assistance Scheme that provides asylum seekers with a small income to cover basic living costs.

“Plus we help with medical expenses and we refer them to other agencies that can further help them,” she says.

Reitzer’s days are split between seeing existing clients and assessing new clients for the program.

“It’s usually very busy and if it’s not I’m worried,” she says. “We have to see our clients every two weeks to make sure they are OK and to see if they need help with anything.

“I have three colleagues in my team and we each take a day a week to assess and interview new clients to see if they are eligible for the program and see what else we can do for them.”

Reitzer studied social sciences at Macquarie University before studying a double Masters in International Relations and International Communications.

“I have always been passionate about assisting other people and assisting people on an international level,” she says.

“People ask me what started it or what makes me interested in it and I could give them a million reasons, but to be honest it is something that I am really passionate about and it is really hard to explain.

“I really like the rewarding factor of helping a vulnerable group.”

HOW TO BE A … REFUGEE CASE WORKER

Qualifications: Red Cross refugee case worker Avi Reitzer says the best way to get into the industry is to complete a Bachelor of Social Work. Several universities in NSW offer the degree, including the universities of Sydney, Newcastle, New South Wales, Western Sydney and Charles Sturt University.

Course description: The University of Sydney Bachelor of Social Work is four years full-time. In the first year of the degree students study sociology as well as several electives from the Arts faculty. In second year they must take compulsory units in sociology, psychology and indigenous studies.

In the third and fourth years, students complete both class and field work, which is supervised by a qualified social worker who has a minimum of two years full-time practical experience. The degree is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Assumed knowledge: Depends on subject areas chosen.

Cost: $5107 per year, government supported.

From the inside: Reitzer says completing internships and volunteering is a great way of getting a head start.

“Because I was able to show that I was dedicated and committed and I really believed in the Red Cross principles, I was able to get the job as a case worker,” Reitzer says.

“It’s a good way to meet people and to make sure it is really the job you want.”

* More information www.aasw.asn.au, www.usyd.edu.au