Before placement

Social Work placements may be taken where the student is exposed to and provides direct practice (that is, they work directly with clients on their issues of interest or concern – for example, hospital wards, support to foster and kinship carers and counselling) and indirect practice (where the focus is on supporting good practice to clients and may include research, evaluations, program development or community engagement). Although direct service has traditionally been the mainstay of placements, many agencies and students report excellent experiences and outcomes from indirect placements, which may be used to support funding applications, client feedback, program development or enhance practice guidelines.

Students attend compulsory preplacement briefing sessions prior to commencement. Supervisors are also offered a free, online workshop. The main placement block commences in May.

Back

Next

Need Help?

Bronwyn McFadyen
Academic Specialist, Field Education
e: sw-placements@unimelb.edu.au
Hannah Bissett
Clinical Placement Officer
e: hannah.bissett@unimelb.edu.au