NCSS Sun Ray Programme

[marblebubbles]

Hello! Wanted to do a shout out to see if anyone is in the new NCSS Sun Ray programme?

?Sun Ray? hiring scheme for social service professionals launched | TODAYonline

I am currently looking to apply to this programme as I am quite attracted by the development opportunities newly set out for entrants to the social sector. Am not sure if there is anyone here who is aware of how the programme works/the salary/the rotation structure.

I have been in banking for about 1 half years but always kept up with volunteering and working at social service organisations (usually almost my entire weekends are taken up with social service activities as I am very passionate about the ector), and I am considering making a switch. Would be glad if anyone could shed some light on the programme/similar experiences

Thank you!

In terms of salary, don't expect much. A friend of mine joined at 2.8k fresh local uni grad. She's been there for a year and has only increased to 3k. It is by far the lowest-paying graduate ministry job. You should expect it though since it is social services.

What are your qualifications? Diploma starts at around 1.8k. Whereas private degree is around 2.2k.

Although the pay is low, the position is not easy to get either from what I hear. There's always a surplus of applicants, especially from local uni social sciences/humanities side. Don't expect to be paid whatever you're getting from the banking sector.

I believe if you do not have a degree in social work, they will send you for a PT diploma in social work from Unisim. They will sponsor it. But you will be bonded to them. The cost to break will be costly.

[marblebubbles]

Thanks for providing the info, it's rly helpful! I was a humanities major in NUS

Is your friend currently attached to an external VWO? I heard that the pay varies according to the VWO that you are attached to. On another note, I found an older thread on NCSS (Dec 2015) where the TS's package was 3.7k for 2years experience, hence I thought the programme would be pegged to around the same range.

Thank you so much for your reply and advice!

Originally Posted by marblebubbles

Thanks for providing the info, it's rly helpful! I was a humanities major in NUS

Is your friend currently attached to an external VWO? I heard that the pay varies according to the VWO that you are attached to. On another note, I found an older thread on NCSS (Dec 2015) where the TS's package was 3.7k for 2years experience, hence I thought the programme would be pegged to around the same range.

Thank you so much for your reply and advice!

No, she's not. I don't think it depends on the VWO as your pay is still bankrolled by MSF/NCSS. 3.7k after two years is possible. NS + high honours might make up the difference. But it is unlikely. My friend had no NS and her honours was only second lower.

IMO, you should try applying to MSF itself instead of NCSS Sun Ray. I keep hearing terrible things about NCSS. You can't rise unless you are well-connected to the right people.

Does MSF/NCSS follow the MX system like other civil service? As a non-scholar local degree FCH, if I am a good performer will I be able to reach superscale status by late 30s?

I know social service should not prioritize money, but it is also important to make sure we are farily remunerated since its quite a personal sacrifice to give up private sector to do this kind of job.

I know for certain MSF will follow MX scheme - there may be a difference compared to your defence or foreign sectors but the difference is not much. Not sure about NCSS however. I think they may have their own scheme

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I know for certain MSF will follow MX scheme - there may be a difference compared to your defence or foreign sectors but the difference is not much. Not sure about NCSS however. I think they may have their own scheme

Thanks, so in terms of career ceiling is it possible to reach director level (MX8 or whatever same level in stat board) in 10-15 years?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks, so in terms of career ceiling is it possible to reach director level (MX8 or whatever same level in stat board) in 10-15 years?

Not easy, you will need to be consistently at least B & above performer and also a bit of luck finding someone higher up to help.