Welcome to Social Work Field Education

Field Education is not only a key component of the social work curriculum, but is also an enjoyable and challenging time for students.

Field Education offers a structured education program that provides students with the opportunity to undertake two 14 week placements, one in 3rd year and one in 4th year.

Field Education placements provide students with the opportunity to integrate social work theory and knowledge in a, government or non-government, practice environment. It is experiential learning under the guidance and supervision of an experienced social work field educator.

Field Education is offered in Semester 1 and 2 in 2012. It is important however that you have completed SWK 340 - Integrating Theory and Practice (face to face mode) before going out on placement.

The International Placement Program (IPP) provides the opportunity for social work students to experience an international placement in 4th year. Students seeking to undertake an international placement are required to complete 20 days in an Australian agency (remote area preferred) and 50 days on an international placement.

Students seeking an international placement in 2012 may be eligible for a $2000 scholarship through the IPP Program. Please contact the Field Education Coordinator for more information.

To start the placement process you will need to complete the online Placement Nomination Form (please see below). The Nomination Form will be attended to by the Field Education Coordinator, Jen Black.

If you have further queries regarding field education please contact Jen Black on 89466752

Please ensure you have also enrolled in the Unit SWK366 or SWK466 through Student Services.

Pre-Placement Requirements

Social Work and Humanitarian Studies

All students undertaking field education placements for SWK350, SWK366 and SWK466 must supply certified copies of all pre-placement documents. Students who do not supply these documents will not be approved to attend their field education placement.

• Students undertaking SWK350, SWK366 or SWK466 in Semester 1, must provide all documents by 27/01/12
• Students undertaking SWK350, SWK366 or SWK466 in Semester 2, must provide all documents by 30/03/12

Please send certified copies of all documents to the following address:
Social Work /Humanitarian Studies Field Education Placement Officer
EHSE Faculty Blue 5
Charles Darwin University
Ellengowan Drive
DARWIN NT 0909

All students must supply a Current Annual National Police check (valid for 12 months from date of issue). Applications are available from state / territory police services

Additional state requirements:
As well as supplying a national police check, students must meet the following state/territory requirements - for the state/territory in which they intend to undertake placement.

Career opportunities

Social workers are employed in areas such as:

Community councils
Community development
Hospitals and community health teams
Child protection teams
Government departments
Non-government organisations
Correctional services

Schools
Courts
Immigration
Consultancies
Private practice
Research

They are also employed as:

Group leaders and therapists in many fields
Specialists in the Australian Defence Force
Specialist advisors