How to apply for area of need
If there is no current designation for the required location and position, an application requesting a determination for Area of Need must be forwarded to the SA IMET, Department of Health for assessment. Refer to Application Form for Area of Need Designation.
There are specific criteria that must be addressed in the application. For further information refer to Guiding Principles for Assessment of Area of Need Submissions and Area of Need Program - Assessment Criteria.
Identify a vacant position which cannot be filled
In the public sector, a vacancy only exists if there is a funded position which would immediately be filled if a suitable applicant could be found.
Position description
A Position Description for the vacant position should be attached to the submission. The Position Description should outline the key duties that the position will be required to undertake. This will assist in providing information on the nature and scope of the position. The essential skills, knowledge and experience which are essential to the position must be included.
(Note: a National Position Description for IMGs applying for AON positions is currently being developed and will replace the existing Position Description template when the National Position Description becomes available)
Labour market testing
It is required to demonstrate labour market testing has been undertaken and that the vacancy could not be filled by an Australian trained medical practitioner. The rationale for overseas recruitment is that no Australian trained medical practitioner will be disadvantaged by this process. It is therefore essential that the medical community is made aware of this vacancy before a submission for Areas of Need can be submitted for assessment. Refer to Area of Need Program - Criteria for Assessment.
Is the position and location assessed as a district of workforce shortage?
Application for area of need
The employer must submit an application form and the required documentation to the SA IMET, Department of Health for assessment. Further details on the preparation of an application for Areas of Need may be found at Guiding Principles for Assessment of Area of Need and Area of Need Program - Assessment Criteria.
Designation of a position as area of need is considered by the SA IMET, Department of Health upon receipt of applications. Following assessment of the application the outcome is forwarded to the Medical Board of SA.
Area of Need designation is current for the term of appointment up to 4 years.
Medical Board of SA
It is important to check whether the location or position is Area of need before progressing further as the Medical Board of SA will not approve Limited Registration for an international medical graduate unless the position has designation of Area of Need.
Notification to the SA IMET, Department of Health that the position has been filled
The employer is expected to notify SA IMET, Department of Health if and when the Area of Need position is filled. Please notify the department by email to Joanna.Krips@health.sa.gov.au ensuring the reference number on the Area of Need letter is quoted in your email.