Bachelor of Social Work Bachelor of Social Science: Human Services - Edith Cowan University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Social Science: Human Services
Professional Placement Manual
SWK3116 – Field Placement 1
SWK4116 – Field Placement 2
SWK5115 – Field Placement Honours
Professional Placement website: www.ecu.edu.au/sah-professional-placement
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is committed to reconciliation and recognizes and respects the significance of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples communities, cultures and histories. ECU acknowledges and
respect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land. ECU
acknowledges and respects its continuing association with Nyoongar people, the traditional custodians of the
land upon which its campuses stand.
Welcome to Field Placement at Edith Cowan University (ECU), as a Bachelor of Social Work/ Social Science
student. I am excited for the learning and growth you will undergo over the time of your Field Placement
experience.
We have put together this manual with information and guidelines about the
requirements of your Field Placement, Australian Association of Social
workers (AASW) accreditation and the assessment process for the units; it is
important that you familiarise yourself with this information before working
with communities and professionals while on Field Placement.
This Field Placement is designed for you to develop your skills as a worker in the Social Work sector, whilst
providing valuable benefit to the agencies who will host you and the communities they serve.
ECU are constantly striving for improvement in the student experience and the experiences of community
members, so please send us feedback of this booklet and your Field Placement experience.
I wish you well for this Field Placement, and your future career.
Dr Vicki Banham
Dr Vicki Banham
Associate Dean
(Social Work, Social Science, Counselling, Youth Work)
School of Arts and Humanities
Edith Cowan University
Page 2 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020
Contents
1.0 Field Education Team Contacts.............................................................................................................. 5
Appointments with Workplace Learning Coordinators ............................................................................... 5
2.0 Introduction to Field Placement in Social Work ....................................................................................... 6
ECU Expectations .................................................................................................................................... 6
Graduate Attributes .................................................................................................................................. 6
Placement Attendance and Timing ........................................................................................................... 7
AASW Education and Accreditation Standards ......................................................................................... 8
AASW Scope of Practice Documents ................................................................................................... 8
3.0 Field Placement Unit Information............................................................................................................ 9
SWK3116 Field Placement 1.................................................................................................................... 9
SWK4116 Field Placement 2.................................................................................................................... 9
SWK5115 Field Placement 2: Honours................................................................................................... 11
4.0 Planning for Placement ........................................................................................................................ 12
Personal Preparation ............................................................................................................................. 13
Enrolment ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Student Role and Responsibilities .......................................................................................................... 13
Disability or Health Conditions ................................................................................................................ 13
Conflict of Interest .................................................................................................................................. 14
Part Time Placements ............................................................................................................................ 14
Work based Placements ........................................................................................................................ 14
Rural and Remote Placements............................................................................................................... 15
Overseas Placements ............................................................................................................................ 15
University Travel Policy ...................................................................................................................... 15
Scholarships ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Emails and Social Media ........................................................................................................................ 16
5.0 Pre-Placement Checks ........................................................................................................................ 16
Placement Checks ................................................................................................................................. 16
6.0 SONIA Placement Management System .............................................................................................. 17
7.0 Placement Agency Allocation ............................................................................................................... 18
Agency Supervision ............................................................................................................................... 18
Pre-Placement Interviews ...................................................................................................................... 18
Post Interview Notification ...................................................................................................................... 19
Agency declines to proceed with placement offer ................................................................................... 19
Interview Declined by Student ................................................................................................................ 19
8.0 During Placement ................................................................................................................................ 20
Daily Hours ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Public Holidays, Breaks and Leave ........................................................................................................ 20
Sick leave ......................................................................................................................................... 20
What is not included in placement hours ................................................................................................ 20
Timesheets ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Placement Progress Meetings................................................................................................................ 21
Placement Progress Meeting Schedule .............................................................................................. 21
Page 3 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020
Student Presentations ........................................................................................................................ 21
Integration Sessions........................................................................................................................... 21
9.0 Roles in Field Education....................................................................................................................... 22
Students ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Agency Supervisor ................................................................................................................................. 22
Field Educator........................................................................................................................................ 22
Field Education Liaison Officer (FELO)................................................................................................... 23
10.0 Assessments ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Recognised Prior Learning ..................................................................................................................... 24
Eligibility............................................................................................................................................. 24
Submission Dates .............................................................................................................................. 24
Placement Learning ............................................................................................................................... 24
Learning Areas................................................................................................................................... 24
Placement Specific Learning Goals .................................................................................................... 25
STAR Model ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Access to the Placement Learning Record for Students ......................................................................... 26
Access to the Placement Learning Record for Agency Field Educators/ Supervisors .............................. 27
AASW Ratings for Field Placement ........................................................................................................ 27
10.0 Resolving Difficulties on Placement .................................................................................................... 28
Solution Focused, Problem Solving Approach ........................................................................................ 28
Structured Learning Plans ...................................................................................................................... 29
Unsatisfactory Grade ............................................................................................................................. 29
11.0 Field Placement Reading List ............................................................................................................. 29
12.0 Placement Schedule .......................................................................................................................... 30
13.0 Learning Development Guide ............................................................................................................. 33
Page 4 of 34
VERSION JAN-20201.0 Field Education Team Contacts
Preferred contact is via email in the first instance.
Karen McDavitt
Coordinator Social Work Field Education
South West Campus Bunbury
Jacquie Tarrant
Workplace Learning Coordinator
South West Campus Bunbury
Jenette Loud
Workplace Learning Coordinator
South West Campus Bunbury
Email:
swprac@ecu.edu.au
Postal address:
Edith Cowan University
Social Work Field Education
PO Box 1712
Bunbury WA 6231
Appointments with Workplace Learning Coordinators
Please make an appointment to see any member of the field education team.
Appointments are available by emailing swprac@ecu.edu.au with your query.
Page 5 of 34
VERSION JAN-20202.0 Introduction to Field Placement in Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work is offered as a four-year undergraduate program in on-campus and off-campus
modes. The content of the curriculum is designed to meet the practice and curriculum standards of the
Australian Association of Social Workers.
ECU’s Workplace Integrated Learning Policy promotes the opportunity for integrating theoretical learning
with workplace experience. These opportunities are expected to act as a means for creating and sustaining
partnerships with mutually beneficial outcomes for students, host agencies, ECU and the wider community.
Field placements need to be supportive as well as challenging to provide students with opportunities to reflect
on, analyse and process their practice learning. Students must undertake two field placements of 500 hours
in at least two different fields of practice and agencies, with different client groups, using different methods
of practice and with a different supervisor for each placement.
Our program also provides a placement setting for the Bachelor of Social Science: Human Services Major.
Students undertake a third year field placement equivalent to the Bachelor of Social Work third year
placement. These students have to meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Social Work.
ECU Expectations
ECU expects students to:
• adhere to relevant professional codes of ethics.
• demonstrate a high standard of honesty, integrity and social responsibility.
• conduct yourself in a manner that reflects well on the University.
• recognise your roles as a representative of the University, School and of your course.
• represent the ECU values and mission.
• meet with or communicate with your ECU mentor/supervisor/WIL coordinator as required.
• ensure you do not post comments which relate to any aspect of your placement experience on social
media.
• ensure you are fit for placement and will not cause harm to yourself or others by undertaking a work
placement experience.
• complete all applicable forms.
• provide the unit coordinator with information about your placement if you have been advised by them
to source your own placement.
Graduate Attributes
Ability to communicate Clarity of written and spoken expression, including in public fora,
and through appropriate use of technology.
Ability to work in teams Collaborating and contributing effectively in diverse settings.
Critical appraisal skills Planning, organising, problem solving and decision making.
Ability to generate ideas Having the courage and confidence to be creative and innovative.
Cross-cultural and international Engaging productively and harmoniously with diverse cultures.
outlook
Page 6 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020Placement Attendance and Timing
The majority of field placement occurs during Semester 2 for both Social Work and Social Science students,
with a small number of students undertaking placement in semester 1. A total of 500 hours is required for
each placement (1000 hours total) over a minimum of 13 weeks. Placement cannot be less than 13 weeks.
Attendance is within the regular hours and days of the agency hosting the placement.
Please refer to the Academic Calendar on the ECU website.
*updated January 2018
Year Unit Code Unit Description
1 SWK1115 Social Inclusion and People with Intellectual Disabilities
SWK1106 Psychology for Social Work
SWK1110 Introduction to Professional Practice
SWK1112 Introduction to Social Research
RPS1130 Rural, Regional and Remote Community Development
SWK1102 Philosophy, Knowledge and Ethics
SWK1103 Culture and Daily Life
SWK1107 Introduction to Australian Society
2 SWK2104 Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
SWK2108 Addictions and Practice
SWK2111 Aboriginal Histories of the Present
SWK2116 Gender, Families and Professional Practice
SWK2010 Theory and Practice for Child Protection
SWK2112 Australian Politics and Policy
SWK2114 Community Health and Wellbeing
SWK2115 Human Rights and Social Justice
3 RPS3110 Applied Research Methods
SWK3110 Organisational Contexts
SWK3112 Social Work Theory and Practice 1: Advanced Interpersonal Skills
SWK3113 Social Work and Mental Health
SWK3116 Field Placement 1
SWK3121 Social Work Theory and Practice 2: A Focus on Theories
4 SWK4106 Social Policy
SWK4110 Legal and Ethical Practice
SWK4111 Social Work Theory and Practice 3: Collective Interventions
SWK4120 Social Work Project
SWK4116 Field Placement 2
SWK4121 Social Work Theory and Practice 4: Activism and Social Change
Page 7 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020AASW Education and Accreditation Standards
The Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Social Work Program is accredited by the Australian Association of
Social Workers.
The way the program for Field Placement is structured is determined by the accreditation body. Students
should familiarise themselves with this document.
The assessment and learning outcomes for Field Placement 1 and 2 are
aligned with the AASW Practice Standards, which set the benchmarks that
graduates must demonstrate upon entry to professional practice and maintain
throughout their professional careers. The Practice Standards provide an
overview of what constitutes responsible, high-quality social work practice and
what clients, employers, other professionals and the public can expect of social workers. The AASW Practice
Standards stipulate the following nine core learning areas, in which social work students are to achieve
proficiency.
These standards have been incorporated into the Placement Learning Record (PLR) as the required
Learning Areas for Social Work students to address while undertaking a field placement.
1. Values and ethics.
2. Organisational and community context.
3. Policy.
4. Use of knowledge in practice.
5. Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Self-learning and critical reflection.
7. Assessment and intervention skills.
8. Research.
9. Culturally sensitive practice.
AASW Scope of Practice Documents
The Scope of Practice series articulates and promotes the role of professional social workers within fields of
practice, and provides information about what employers and clients can expect.
Students should refer to these documents to see how Social Work fits into different settings. The links to
these documents can be found on the Blackboard Community sites – Field Placement Hub.
Page 8 of 34
VERSION JAN-20203.0 Field Placement Unit Information
SWK3116 Field Placement 1
This unit is for 3rd Year Social Work and Social Science – Human Services Majors.
First placements, depending on the complexity of the work and the abilities of the student, may initially involve
observing other practitioners with students taking on simple tasks (e.g. minute- taking) and projects (e.g.
preparation of a report, organising a meeting). The student would be expected to commence undertaking more
complex tasks like managing a case, client interviews or co-facilitating groups at some stage in the placement.
Prerequisites
The following units must be completed with a PASS or above grade before going on placement.
SWK3112 Social Work Theory and Practice 1: Advanced Interpersonal Skills
SWK3110 Organisational Contexts
SWK3113 Social Work and Mental Health
Unit Information
This unit comprises two components: a supervised Social Work practice placement (comprising of a
minimum of 500 hours) and integrative academic study. Students are placed in social work organisational
settings, where they practice and learn social work under the supervision of a qualified social worker. The
unit enables the student to build an understanding of a particular field of practice through a structured
fieldwork placement, organised and supported by academic staff. Field Placement 1 meets the standards of
the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) guidelines for social work field placement.
Learning Outcomes
• Apply social work practice skills in the context of the agency setting.
• Demonstrate an ability to effectively work in a team and organisational context.
• Describe the legislative and policy context of the placement agency's work.
• Effectively use supervision for professional development and learning.
• Explain the interaction between person, situation and context as a function that shapes social and
individual problems.
• Identify and appropriately respond to ethical considerations that arise in the course of the placement.
• Research and evaluate theoretical and empirical knowledge used in practice.
Placement Expectations
During their first placement students are expected to develop:
• A basic understanding of agency function processes and structure.
• A beginning ability to interact with clients and respond to basic needs and requests.
• Knowledge and awareness of confidentiality and duty of care responsibilities.
• Awareness of legislation as a base for human service work.
• A developing knowledge of the AASW Practice Standards (2013) and Code of Ethics (2010).
• An understanding of general sociological and psychological theories.
• An understanding of some basic social work theories informing practice.
• Some social work practice tools such as case notes and research.
• An awareness of the importance of networking with professional colleagues.
• An ability to initiate and engage colleagues to build supportive relationships.
• An awareness of the need to take care of self and ensure safety.
• An ability to negotiate with the supervisor in a professionally appropriate way.
• A beginning concept of themselves as a social worker.
• Understanding of rural, remote and regional issues and their impact on practice.
• Knowledge of simple group work theory and community development models.
• An ability to initiate and conduct basic research.
• Build a beginning capacity to reflect on practice.
SWK4116 Field Placement 2
This unit is for 4th year Social Work Students only.
Second placement students need to be provided with opportunities to test themselves in areas where they
will be challenged, e.g. co-facilitating groups, undertaking complex casework, taking responsibility for
Page 9 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020projects, etc. They should be able to analyse situations and provide thoughtful professional feedback.
Second placement students should have the ability to work independently and take initiative.
Prerequisites
The following units must be completed with a PASS or above grade before going on placement.
SWK3116 Field Placement 1
SWK4111 Social Work Theory and Practice 3: Collective Interventions
SWK4106 Social Policy
OR
SWK4110 Legal and Ethical Practice
Unit Information
Field Placement 2 comprises of two components: a supervised Social Work practice placement of 500 hours
and academic study. This unit addresses the accreditation and practice standards of the Australian
Association of Social Workers. Students demonstrate their integration of academic study within the context
of participation in a professional community of practice. Student learning builds on and consolidates practice
skills and knowledge from a previous placement or work experience. Student skills, knowledge and values
for social work practice are further developed through the use of professional supervision on placement,
formal integration sessions and support as required from the ECU Field Education Team.
Learning Outcomes
• Apply and critique theoretical and empirical knowledge used in practice.
• Apply social work practice skills in the context of the agency setting.
• Appraise the legislative and policy context of the placement agency's work.
• Demonstrate an ability to effectively work in a team and organisational context.
• Effectively use supervision to enable self-monitoring, self-regulation and reflection for professional
development and learning.
• Explain the interaction between person, situation and context as a function that shapes social and
individual problems.
• Formulate and apply professional judgement in the context of ethical dilemmas that arise in the
course of the placement.
Page 10 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020Placement Expectations
During their second placement students are expected to be able to undertake learning tasks almost
equivalent to that of a graduate social worker that is:
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the agency and its context.
• Take on generic casework and projects with support.
• Analyse macro and micro practice issues.
• Demonstrate a high level of clinical skills in relation to client interactions.
• Engage in the supervisory relationship as an independent and reflective learner.
• Manage contestation and conflict in a professionally appropriate way.
• Advocate and lobby on behalf of clients.
• Represent needs in an appropriate and respectful way.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social policy.
• Display competent research skills.
• Utilise knowledge and understanding of social work theories and apply to practice.
• Demonstrate an on-going commitment to self as an active professional learner.
• Demonstrate professional confidence in social work skills and knowledge.
• Have sound knowledge of the AASW Practice Standards and Code of Ethics.
SWK5115 Field Placement 2: Honours
This unit is for 4th year Social Work Students only.
Prerequisites
Students must pass 1 unit from either SWK5110 or SWK5111
Unit Information
Field Placement 2 comprises of two components: a supervised Social Work practice placement of 500 hours
and academic study. This unit addresses the accreditation and practice standards of the Australian
Association of Social Workers. Students demonstrate their integration of academic study within the context
of participation in a professional community of practice. Student learning builds on and consolidates practice
skills and knowledge from a previous placement or work experience. Student skills, knowledge and values
for social work practice are further developed through the use of professional supervision on placement,
formal integration sessions and support as required from the ECU Field Education Team.
Learning Outcomes
• Apply and critique theoretical and empirical knowledge used in practice.
• Apply social work practice and research skills in the context of the agency setting.
• Appraise the legislative and policy context of the placement agency's work.
• Demonstrate an ability to effectively work in a team and organisational context.
• Effectively use research to conduct research.
• Effectively use supervision to enable self-monitoring, self-regulation and reflection for professional
development and learning.
• Explain the interaction between person, situation and context as a function that shapes social and
individual problems.
• Formulate and apply professional judgement in the context of ethical dilemmas that arise in the
course of the placement.
Structure
Students undertaking the Honours program will attend placement full-time for the first 4 weeks. In the
following weeks, until completion of placement students will attend their placement agency 4 days per week
plus students will undertake 1 day per week of independent study on their Honours project.
Page 11 of 34
VERSION JAN-20204.0 Planning for Placement
Placement Preparation Agency Allocation What next? Almost done!
Review your personal capacity to complete a Your placement agency allocation details are
Attend your interview Ensure assessments are complete
500 hour placment made available via SONIA
Make contact with the agency via email to
Review the placement website Interview outcome will be available via SONIA Ensure placement hours are signed off
arrange your pre-placement interview
Enrol in the placement unit as early as possible Research the agency to gain insight to the Complete and submit Placement Learning
Commence as per scheduled date
& check your address details are correct agency setting Record
Obtain required checks and upload to SONIA Be prepared! Follow schedule in the back of this manual
Complete Student Placement Form in SONIA Ensure regular interaction via Blackboard
Update web browser and become familiar with
Engage with Placement Learning Record
using SONIA
Keep an eye out for 'Placement Update' the
Keep a record of placement hours
newsletter to keep you informed
Arrange times for placement progress
meetings
Page 12 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020Personal Preparation
It is important to organise as far in advance as possible. Students must make sure that they plan for the 500-
hour commitment on placement. This includes organising leave from employment, assessing financial
arrangements, travel time and child care.
On occasion, students may require flexibility. This is only considered in extenuating circumstances. As per
the AWEAS Guidelines 1.2 the following are not considered extenuating circumstances for placement:
• Other work commitments.
• Family commitments.
• Holidays/ Moving House.
• Changing jobs.
• Financial costs.
• Transitory health matters.
Enrolment
Enrolment in the relevant placement unit should be completed as early as possible. Placement cannot be
sought for students who are not enrolled in the placement units. In addition, students are not able to access
important information until enrolment has been complete. Students do not need to advise when they have
enrolled in Field Placement.
Student Role and Responsibilities
It is expected that students will be active agents of their own learning and development as a social worker
within the agency. This will require students to take responsibility for making their learning needs known and
be able to receive and give feedback in a professional and reflective manner. As part of a working team (i.e.
student, field educators, liaison officers and university), students will have to balance their needs against
those of all stakeholders.
Student Expectations on Placement:
• Practice in accordance with the AASW Code of Ethics (2010)
• Complete the Placement Learning Record (PLR)
• Actively engage in the supervision process
• Behave in a professional manner
• Comply with all policies and procedures of the placement agency
• Be willing to undertake any reasonable duty or task within the agency
• Meet the minimum dress code standards of the agency
• Be punctual
• Take the initiative in seeking to have the PLR tasks renegotiated when necessary
• Attempt resolution of any disputes or conflicts
Disability or Health Conditions
If you have a permanent or temporary disability or medical condition that may affect you while you study, or if
you are the primary carer of a family member with a disability or medical condition, you should contact our
Equity Diversity and Disability Office.
Page 13 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020Conflict of Interest
Student should declare any conflict of interest in the Student Disclosure Form. Especially situations which
may influence the sourcing, negotiation and finalisation of a placement.
Examples of a conflict of interest for a student include:
• Being a member of any of a placement agency’s governing bodies or committees.
• Current volunteering arrangements within a placement agency.
• Being a current client of the placement agency.
• Having a family member who is a current employee or client of the agency, or connected in any
other way.
• Having a current or prior close relationship with someone at the agency.
A conflict of interest does not necessary result in the withdrawal of a placement offer. Where possible,
arrangements can be made to manage any conflicts of interest so that a placement can proceed.
Part Time Placements
Part time placements are reserved for students with a Learning Access Plan, with eligibility assessed through
ECU’s Equity and Diversity Officer. For those students wanting to apply for part time placements the
Placement Alteration form needs to be completed and uploaded to SONIA.
The length of the field placement must be no less than 500 hours. The placement will be structured to
meet the AASW guidelines, ECU Field Placement requirements and where possible, the particular
circumstances of the student.
Work based Placements
Applications to undertake a field placement in the student’s workplace will be assessed by the Field
Placement Team on a case-by-case basis. Applications are assessed on the following criteria:
• AASW guidelines for Field Placement.
• ECU requirements for Field Placement.
• Student’s identified learning needs.
• Agency manager’s preparedness to agree to requirements and provide written agreement.
• Allocation of learning experiences not involving the students routine work responsibilities.
• Agency agreement that the employee will be in the student role whilst on placement. This will include
protected time on placement that is separate from the duties carried out at work and includes time to
complete reading, reflective learning and PLR activities related to the placement.
Students who think that they may be able to complete their placement within a workplace should
download the form from the Blackboard Community site – Field Placement Hub.
Page 14 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020Rural and Remote Placements
In partnership with the WA Centre for Rural Health ECU students can undertake placements in rural and
remote areas. Students should identify their interest when completing the student disclosure form.
WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH)
WACRH offers a range of support for students such as:
• Rural student placement funding for Allied Health students undertaking rural and remote health
placements. Discuss what placement options there are in rural/remote locations with the ECU
Workplace Learning Coordinator.
• WACRH based project placements in Geraldton, the Murchison and Pilbara focusing on Indigenous,
rural and remote health.
Overseas Placements
Students will need to notify and discuss their interest for an overseas study with a Workplace Learning
Coordinator at least 6 months before placement begins.
All overseas placements must be under full-time social work supervision. However, it is the student’s
responsibility to arrange the placement and if required, pay for the professional social work supervision.
Students may apply to undertake one placement overseas.
Students can be considered for an overseas placement only if the following conditions are observed:
• The placement is structured in line with the AASW guidelines.
• Students have completed one placement in Australia.
• Student must have a good academic standing.
• The placement is undertaken on a full-time basis (5 days per week) except in extenuating
circumstances.
• Student has demonstrated ability to be a good ambassador for ECU.
• The student is responsible for obtaining the host country visa (if necessary).
• The ECU Travel Approval Form has been accepted by the university.
• The student can demonstrate access to sufficient funds for all living expenses, incidental and
emergency costs overseas.
• The student pays for all the associated costs (travel, visa, accommodation, living costs and
insurances).
• The Social Work Coordinator, Field Education approves the overseas placement.
Approval of travel for students is a legal requirement of ECU and is in line with the university’s duty of care
for students.
University Travel Policy
Regardless of whether the student pays for the placement, if the student is located more than 50kms away
from home and is staying at the location, they should complete a Student Travel Approval Form to trigger
the travel insurance. Detail of ECU insurance policies are available at
http://intranet.ecu.edu.au/staff/centres/strategic-and-governance-services/our-services/risk-and-
assurance/insurance/travel-insurance
Page 15 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020Scholarships
On occasion scholarships become available that cover the costs during placement. It is recommended that
students refer to the link below for requirements and eligibility:
http://www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships/overview
For further information on Scholarships please contact the Student Central Team.
Emails and Social Media
ECU Legislation and Policy Directory
Students should ensure that they use appropriate email and Social Media etiquette. ECU has policies on
both that should be reviewed.
Email signatures for students should include:
Student Full Name Example:
Course, Student Number John Smith
Contact Phone Number Bachelor of Social Work 123456
0432 xxx xxx
5.0 Pre-Placement Checks
Placement Checks
All costs related to placement are the responsibility of the student.
DOCUMENT ALL COST PROCESSING TIME
STUDENTS
Resume YES No
National Police Check YES $24.20 10 working days from when
(checked 2019) application is received
Working with Children Check YES $11.00 2-3 weeks from application
(or state equivalent) (checked 2019)
Immunisations NO Varies Varies
Required by WA Health
Positions
Further information: Professional Placement website.
Australia: Volunteer National Police Check
Students should apply for the negotiated ECU rate. This is available via the Professional Placement website
on the essential documents page.
Working with Children Check
Ensure that you refer to the instruction for applications as per the Professional Placement website on the
essential documents page.
Page 16 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020Immunisation Requirements for Department of Health Placements
Students should be aware that the Department of Health WA requires that students on placement are
immunised/ checked against the following:
IMMUNISATIONS REQUIRED FOR PLACEMENT
Measles, Mumps and Rublella Evidence of 2 x doses of vaccination
and/or serology confirming immunity.
Varicella Evidence of 2 x doses of vaccination
and/or serology confirming immunity.
Hepatitis B Evidence of 3 x doses of vaccination
and/or serology confirming immunity.
Diphtheria/ Pertussis and Tetanus (dTpa) Evidence of dose within last 10 years
and/or serology confirming immunity.
Influenza Evidence of vaccination in the past 12 months.
MRSA Screening Required if you have been hospitalized or worked
in a hospital outside WA in the past 12 months.
These can be obtained through your GP. Please ensure you keep record of your vaccinations and upload
these to SONIA. If you would like more information please refer to the Department of Health WA policy.
Required Documents and Forms
All forms related to Field Placement are located on the Professional Placement website.
6.0 SONIA Placement Management System
SONIA is used University wide for placements. It allows student to be able to easily maintain their
requirements for placement.
Students are required to view the PowerPoint and short You Tube video available on the placements
website. This provides instruction on how to use SONIA.
Logging into SONIA for Students
To access SONIA: https://sonia.edu.edu.au
Click on Social Work/ Social Science
Select your relevant role (student) and then click University Sign In.
This will take you to the ECU login page and then you log in using your ECU Username and Password.
If you are not enrolled in the placement unit, you will not be able to log into SONIA.
Checking Placement Details
Please ensure that the details of your placement, Field Educator and Field Education Liaison person are
correct in SONIA. This is important as these parties require access to your Placement Learning Record. If
you find details are incorrect, please email swprac@ecu.edu.au
Uploading Checks and Documents
Students are required to upload their student checks to SONIA. The checks will remain outstanding after
uploading the documents. The Field Education team will ensure your checks are correct and finalise your
documents within 3 working days.
You do not need to notify the Placement team of completing this task.
Page 17 of 34
VERSION JAN-20207.0 Placement Agency Allocation
Students are requested not to contact agencies directly.
The Field Education Team have many contacts who maintain placement processes on behalf of their
agencies. Students are not to contact agencies directly requesting placement as such action could
jeopardise the relationship between the university and the agency. Students who have been approached by
an agency should contact the Workplace Learning Coordinators to discuss the details.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of learning experiences in field education.
Student are to undertake field placement in at least two different fields of practice and organisations, with
different client groups, using different methods of social work practice with a different supervisor for each
placement.
An agency that has agreed to accept the student for placement has the responsibility of the following:
• Preparation and planning of appropriate agency activities.
• Provide a safe and healthy work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
• Provide a suitable workplace induction that includes policies (general, occupational health, safety
procedures) and manuals relating to the agency including adequate time to read and comprehend
the material.
• Make available, within the resources of the agency, office space, appropriate means of
• communication, and assistance in completing assigned tasks.
• Recognising the educational nature of a student field placement by differentiating the
contribution made to the agency by the student and the expectations placed on paid staff.
• Provide opportunities for the student to attend agency meetings as well as work-related.
• interagency meetings, training and professional development.
• Provide formal supervision for the student each week of no less than a one-hour dedicated block.
• Attend meetings with student and university staff.
• Reimbursement for any expenses incurred while undertaking agency business as directed by
agency staff.
Note that students are unable to use their private vehicles for any ‘work’ related activities while on
placement unless discussions are held between the university, the student and agency prior.
Agency Supervision
The AASW promote that supervision has three principle functions: education, support and accountability.
Agencies must allocate a supervisor to the student to oversee the everyday placement tasks. This ideally
would be a qualified Social Worker with 2 years’ field experience (Field Educator). Many service agencies do
not have Social Workers on site and ECU is able to provide an external Field Educator.
Meetings between the Field Educator (either internal or external to the agency) and the student require a
minimum of 1.5 hours’ formal supervision for every 35 placement hours complete. These meetings must be
formally recorded on the Students Log of Hours.
ECU employed Field Educators MUST NOT take leave that will impact the regular and consistent
engagement with students during the placement period.
Pre-Placement Interviews
The Pre-Placement Interview is an opportunity for students and agency staff to meet. This Interview should
be treated as a job interview and is an important process to securing a placement and for student
professional development. The interview does not guarantee placement.
Following the allocation of your placement, students should research the organisation and make contact with
the organisation via email to arrange a pre-placement interview. The interview should take place as soon as
possible.
The interview provides an opportunity to:
• Clarify expectations.
Page 18 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020• Discuss learning needs.
• Identify special requirements/ additional checks or paperwork.
• Explore learning opportunities.
• Decline or withdraw the placement offer (agency only)
Post Interview Notification
Agencies should notify the Field Education team of the outcome of an interview. This will be recorded for
students on SONIA. Students should then contact the agency to confirm first day expectations and
commence placement as per the scheduled placement date.
Agency declines to proceed with placement offer
In the event that an agency declines to place a student following interview, the Field Education team will
contact the agency for feedback.
Should interview failure be due to unprofessional conduct, lack of preparation or for other reasons that the
student is responsible, an interview will be held with the student and the Coordinator, Field Education to
determine if a second placement interview will be offered with another agency.
Should the student fail this second interview, the student will be excluded from placement and be required to
achieve outcomes as per a Structured Learning Plan, developed in consultation with the Field Education
team.
Interview Declined by Student
A student can only decline an offer in extenuating circumstances.
A placement is deemed suitable if it meets the following criteria:
• The AASW requirements for a Social Work Placement can be met.
• Appropriate and adequate supervision can be provided to the student.
• Appropriate learning opportunities are available to the student as per the learning outcomes.
• Placement location is reasonably accessible by car or public transport (generally up to 50kms/40
minutes travel time each way).
Page 19 of 34
VERSION JAN-20208.0 During Placement
Students are required to complete 500 hours over a minimum of 13 weeks. This cannot be completed in
a time frame of less than 13 weeks as per the AASW. Hours completed beyond 500 will not be credited to
the next placement.
Daily Hours
Students are required to attend placement during regular operational hours i.e. If an agency is open from
8am – 4pm, these are the hours that should be attended UNLESS the student has approval through the
University for shortened or modified days.
Staff meetings and agency training held outside regular business hours can be included. Any further training
hours external to the agency must be approved by the university. The Log of Hours must be completed and
verified by an agency representative.
Public Holidays, Breaks and Leave
Students are required to take a minimum 30-minute break after 5 hours of working. This is as per the Fair
Work requirements. This break does not count towards your required hours.
The AASW requires that 500 placement hours MUST be complete within the agency setting. Students
cannot complete less than 500 contact hours in the placement (ASWEAS 2012 Guideline 1.2: p3).
Sick leave
Students must advise their placement agency if they are not going to be on placement for any
reason.
Students are required to complete the notification of absence form to advise the Field education team of any
absence from placement (except for Integration workshops).
Should leave of any kind be taken, students are still required to complete a full 500 placement hours with
their placement agency.
What is not included in placement hours
• Travel time to and from your placement location.
• Working from home.
• Working on assessments.
• Leave of any kind.
• Public holidays.
Placement hours are direct contact hours within the agency setting only.
Timesheets
Students are to maintain a timesheet as a record of placement hours; this needs to include weekly sign off
by an agency representative. The confirmed timesheet must be uploaded to SONIA upon conclusion.
Students can use a timesheet provided by the agency or develop their own.
Page 20 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020Placement Progress Meetings
Placement progress meetings will take place over the term of the placement; in attendance should be the
Field Educator, Field Education Liaison Officer, and the student (and the task supervisor if applicable).
Dates should be set with all parties in mind and are initiated by the student.
In most circumstances, the Field Education Liaison Officer will be present in person at the first of these
meetings, with future meetings being carried out via phone/technology.
Placement Progress Meeting Schedule
No. Type Timing Focus Present
1. In person 130-180 Student verbal presentation and Liaison Officer
1 hour placement hours development of agency specific Field Educator
complete. learning. Agency Supervisor – if
not a the Field Educator
Approx. 4 weeks Student
for full time
2. Phone/ 275-325 As per schedule Liaison Officer and
Technology placement hours Student
30 mins complete. Liaison Officer and Field
Educator/ Agency
Approx. 8 weeks Supervisor
for full time
3. Phone/ 450-500 As per schedule Liaison Officer and
Technology placement hours Student
30 mins complete. Liaison Officer and Field
Educator/ Agency
Approx. 12 weeks Supervisor
for full time
Student Presentations
During the first Placement Progress meeting, students are required to provide a short 10 minute verbal
presentation outlining the agency context, placement learning opportunities, gaps in knowledge and focus for
the remainder of placement.
Integration Sessions
The purpose of Integration is to bring students and staff together to link placement learning, practice and
academic theory. Completing Integration is a requirement for learning and development within Field
Placement. Details of the sessions will be added to the Blackboard unit site.
Page 21 of 34
VERSION JAN-20209.0 Roles in Field Education
Students
In Placement
Be an active participant in learning. Whilst your previous experience is valuable, your role during placement
is to learn fundamental social work and organisational context skills. It is important to maintain a learning
position at all times.
Taking initiative
Students are required to take initiative in seeking learning opportunities in all contexts. For example, this may
be achieved through identifying employees who can provide learning, discuss possible tasks and see how
this relates to the Placement Learning Record.
Students are responsible for negotiating and arranging times for all required attendees to Placement
Progress Meetings and supervision sessions.
Supervision
There is a requirement that students be active participants in supervision while on field placement.
Preparation of relevant material and practice issues should be available for discussion with their Field
Educator and/or Field Education Liaison Officer.
Agency Supervisor
The agency supervisor provides day to day supervision and plays an important role in the development of
the student. The agency supervisor is a key component to the placement in situations where there is no on-
site social worker and works in partnership with the Field Educator and Field Education Liaison Officer,
discussing matters pertaining to student performance and learning on placement.
Agency supervisors should raise any concerns as soon as possible with the Field Educator.
Field Educator
Each student will be appointed a Field Educator either within or external to the agency, to oversee their
learning experience.
Requirements
The Field Educator will be a qualified social worker with a minimum of two years post qualifying practice
experience and be eligible for membership of the AASW.
Responsibilities
Requirement of Field Educators:
• Providing educational experiences that will help the student acquire some of the skills required for
the practice of social work.
• Ensuring that the student’s tasks are manageable and that the expectations of the student are
realistic and appropriate for the placement.
• Offering a range of experiences appropriate to the agency and the level of competence of the
student.
• Providing the student with on-going and regular formal supervision. Refer AASW Guidelines – 1.5
hours per 35 hours completed in placement.
• Providing the student with access to informal supervision at other times.
• Giving constructive feedback to the student on assigned tasks and professional behaviour within the
agency.
• Ensuring that the student provides evidence of both amount and quality of work (completion/scoring
of the PLR), links theory to practice and is able to reflect on their learning experience.
• Field educator allocates time for appropriate consultation with university staff and where possible
attends seminars on supervision and other professional matters organised by the university.
• The supervisor informs the university of significant changes taking place in the agency, which could
affect the placement.
Page 22 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020• The supervisor informs the university of significant changes to the placement arrangements or plan
with the student. These may include significant periods of absence on the part of the field educator or
student due to illness or other events, or it may include significant changes to staffing which may
affect work-flow for the student.
• The supervisor forwards the necessary reports to the university by the due dates.
• The supervisor informs the university if any set of events arise which might put the student at risk of
not successfully completing the requirements and/or expectations of placement.
• If the student is to participate in any active research involving Research undertaken by the agency,
the supervisor advises the student and Workplace Learning Coordinator of the ethics approval
processes undertaken by the agency in respect of the research.
Field Education Liaison Officer (FELO)
It is the Field Education Liaison Officer’s (FELO) role to oversee the processes towards successful
completion of the learning outcomes as defined within the Placement Learning Record. This is a social
worker with minimum of five years’ practice experience (full-time) who will represent Edith Cowan University.
The FELO acts on behalf of the University as a representative for the field placement. This role is
responsible for supporting, monitoring and evaluating the placement. The responsibilities of the FELO are:
• Prepare for and facilitate liaison meetings as required.
• Review and assess the PLR document in consultation with Field Educator.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working arrangements with the agency, Field
Educator, student and Field Education team.
• Attend Field Educator/Liaison workshop.
• Consult as required with the social work student, agency, Field Educator and the Field
Education team.
As the FELO represents ECU interests, students or supervisors must attempt to contact the FELO first to
discuss issues arising from placement.
Page 23 of 34
VERSION JAN-202010.0 Assessments
A pass grade is required for the academic component of the Field Education unit. Details of required
assessments are available via the Blackboard unit site.
Recognised Prior Learning
Some students may be eligible for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) for their First Field Placement. The
AASW Education and Accreditation Standards (2012) give Schools of Social Work provision to grant RPL for
part of the field placement component of the BSW.
Eligibility
Please refer to the RPL Application on the website.
Submission Dates
Student portfolios for RPL applications for Field Placement 1, must be submitted by the end of November of
the previous year to placement. Late applications are not accepted.
Students can download the Recognised Prior Learning Application from the Professional Placement Website
Applications are only open during certain periods. Students will be emailed when applications open.
Placement Learning
The Placement Learning Record documents learning while on placement and guides the student to complete
a wide range of skills-focused activities that are generic across all placement settings. In addition, the PLR
guides the student and Field Educator in conjunction with the host agency, to identify and develop placement
learning and is completed as the placement progresses.
The Field Educator (Social Worker) will monitor the students’ achievement via discussion and observation
throughout the placement period. Grading will occur as per the placement schedule.
The PLR ensures that the learning needs and goals are the same across all universities who offer the
Bachelor of Social Work, based upon the principles and requirements of the AASW.
Learning Areas
The PLR has seven learning areas, which require students to identify agency specific learning relevant to
each.
Learning Area 1: Values, ethics and professional practice.
Learning Area 2: Organisational context.
Learning Area 3: Knowledge for practice.
Learning Area 4: Processes, skills and relationships.
Learning Area 5: Self learning and professional development.
Learning Area 6: Research.
Learning Area 7: Legislation and policy.
Page 24 of 34
VERSION JAN-2020You can also read
