Empowering Future Social Workers Together

At Flinders University, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of social work professionals. By partnering with us, your organisation will play a crucial role in shaping the careers of passionate and dedicated students. Flinders’ social work program is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Connect with us

Why Partner with Flinders University on Student Placements?

Comprehensive Support: Our students receive extensive support throughout their placements, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident in their roles.
Community Impact: By providing placement opportunities, your organisation will directly contribute to the development of skilled social workers who are ready to address the challenges faced by our communities.
Excellence in Education: Flinders University is ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide.* We pride ourselves on our innovative teaching methods and strong industry connections.

* Flinders University World Rankings

Social Work Placement Student with Lecturer

What Makes a Good Placement Partner?

Commitment to Education: Providers should see placement as a mutual learning experience, with a focus on student development.
Supportive Supervision: An effective supervisor offers constructive feedback, encourages reflective practice, and helps students link theory to real-world scenarios. Where an onsite supervisor is not available, external supervision can be provided.
Inclusive Environment: Agencies should offer a safe, inclusive environment where students are considered part of the team, with access to appropriate resources and opportunities to participate in meaningful work.

Key Responsibilities for Placement Partners

Supervision and Mentoring

Where possible*, assign a qualified social work supervisor (with at least two years of post-qualifying experience) to oversee the student’s learning and provide structured supervision.

_{*If partners are unable to allocated an onsite social work supervisor, the University may be able to provide one.}

Workplace
Induction

Offer a comprehensive induction covering agency policies, safety procedures, and an introduction to the team.

Learning Opportunities

Develop a clear learning plan with diverse tasks that align with both the student’s educational needs and the organisation's objectives.

Feedback and Evaluation

Engage in regular performance reviews and provide feedback to the student and the University’s liaison staff.

Key Responsibilities of Flinders University

By fulfilling these responsibilities, Flinders University ensures that both the students and placement partners have a positive and productive placement experience. If you have any further questions or need more details, feel free to ask!

Student Preparation and Selection

Rigorous Selection Process: Flinders University ensures that students selected for placements are well-prepared and meet the specific needs of the agency.
Pre-Placement Training: Students undergo comprehensive training to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge before starting their placements.

Ongoing Support and Supervision

Regular Check-Ins: The university maintains regular contact with both the students and the agencies to monitor progress and address any issues that may arise.
Supervision and Mentorship: Students receive continuous supervision and mentorship from experienced discipline staff to ensure they are supported throughout their placement.

Professional Development

Flinders University offers workshops and training sessions for both students and agency staff to enhance their professional skills.

Feedback and Evaluation

Structured Feedback Mechanisms: The university implements structured feedback mechanisms to gather insights from both students and agencies, ensuring continuous improvement of the placement program.
Performance Evaluation: Regular evaluations are conducted to assess the performance of students and the effectiveness of the placement, providing valuable feedback for future placements.

Partnership and Collaboration

Collaborative Approach: Flinders University works closely with agencies to develop tailored placement opportunities that align with the agency’s goals and the students’ learning objectives.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Flinders University usually provides insurance coverage for students during placements, but this may have some exclusions. Please check the details of your coverage with the University’s placement coordination team to ensure all parties understand the insurance policies and protocols in case of any incidents.

Join Us In Making a Difference

Together, we can create a brighter future for social work students and the communities they will serve. Partner with Flinders University and be a part of this transformative journey.

Two social work students walking with lecturer on campus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of providing placement opportunities for social work students?

Providing placement opportunities allows your organisation to contribute to the professional development of future social workers, with students also bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Hosting student placements is also an excellent opportunity to find future staff who are a good fit for your organisation.

What kind of support can partner organisations expect from Flinders University?

Flinders University offers comprehensive support to both students and partner organisations. This includes regular check-ins, access to academic resources, and assistance with any challenges that may arise during the placement.

How long do social work placements typically last?

Each social work student must complete two placements, each comprising 500 hours (approximately 16-18 weeks depending on student availability and agency capacity). Each placement block is required to be distinctly different from each other, meaning you’re unlikely to see the same student more than once.

What are the expectations for organisations providing placements?

Organisations are expected to provide a supportive learning environment, assign meaningful tasks, and offer regular feedback to students. In return, agencies benefit from the fresh insights and enthusiasm that students bring.

What if we don't have a qualified social worker on site? Can we still host a placement student?

Yes - if your organisation can offer student placements but lacks a qualified social worker on site, Flinders can provide one to ensure the necessary clinical supervision.

Get involved: Signing Up for Placement Opportunities

To get involved, simply contact our placement coordination team at Flinders University. We will guide you through the process and help match you with students who align with your organisation's goals and values. Here are the steps to get started:

Contact the Placement Coordination Team: Reach out to our placement coordination team via email. They will provide you with all the necessary information and guide you through the process.
Email: cepsw.placements@flinders.edu.au
Initial Consultation: Meet with our placement coordination team to discuss your organisation's needs, the type of placements you’re interested in, and any specific requirements you may have.
Agreement and Documentation: Complete the necessary paperwork, including a placement agreement that outlines the roles and responsibilities of both your organisation and the student/s.
Student Matching: We will match your organisation with suitable students based on your criteria and the students’ skills and interests.
Orientation and Support: Once the placements are confirmed, we provide an orientation session for both the agency and the students. Ongoing support is available throughout the placement period to ensure a smooth and productive experience.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our placement coordination team. We’re excited to partner with you!

Connect with us

Partner with us

Empowering Future Social Workers Together

Why Partner with Flinders University on Student Placements?

What Makes a Good Placement Partner?

Key Responsibilities for Placement Partners