Field Education Liaison Officer for Social Work

**Field Education Liaison Officer: Social Work (Part-time)**

Southern Cross Institute (SCI)

Parramatta NSW 2150

**About Us**

Southern Cross Institute (SCI) aims to provide the highest quality education to students that would enable them to achieve their professional and personal goals. SCI’s modern campus facilities and fully equipped classrooms are designed to support students through engaged learning. We aim to train young learners to graduate who are well-equipped to join the workforce.

**Why Join Us?**
- Expanding enrolments
- Opportunity for professional development
- Small tight knit team
- Modern campus facilities
- Secure permanent position
- Great location

**About the Role**

We are inviting expressions of interest from qualified and experienced academic and/or professionals in Social Work to join our professional, tight-knit team as the Field Education Liaison Officer. Based in Parramatta, we offer flexible employment arrangements, with opportunities available for full-time, part-time, and sessional engagements.

**Position Summary**

The Field Education Liaison Officer (FELO) at Southern Cross Institute (SCI) plays a pivotal role in overseeing field education placements. Collaborating closely with the Field Education Coordinator, Supervisor, students, and other staff, this position ensures that placement structures, learning goals, and assessment processes align with the standards and requirements outlined by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and ASWEAS. By providing essential support to students during their field education components, the Field Education Liaison Officer overseeing the integration of theory into practice, visiting placement sites and ensuring education standards are met. Acting as a liaison between the institute, students, and field placement agencies, this role is dedicated to creating a seamless and enriching experiential learning experience for students.

**Key Responsibilities**
- To provide oversight and be the main point of contact between the student, Supervisor and SCI;
- Manage all aspects of the placement process, including placement agreements, site visits, and evaluations, ensuring compliance with AASW guidelines and standards;
- FELO will meet the student and the Supervisor at least twice during the placement on site or online face to face meeting;
- Provide guidance, oversight and support to students throughout their field education placements, including assisting with the development of learning goals, monitoring progress, and addressing any challenges that may arise;
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with field placement agencies, supervisors, and other stakeholders to enhance the quality of field education experiences for students and promote ongoing collaboration;
- Stay informed about AASW accreditation requirements and standards for field education, and ensure that all placements meet these standards through regular monitoring, evaluation, and feedback mechanisms;
- Maintain accurate records of student placements, evaluations, and other relevant documentation, and prepare reports as required by the academic institution and AASW;
- Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current with best practices in field education and social work pedagogy, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the field education;
- Comply with SCI policies;
- Other duties as required by the Dean.

**Essential**
- Higher degree in Social Work.
- Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
- A minimum of five year full-time post-qualifying practice experience.
- Strong understanding of AASW accreditation and ASWEAS standards and requirements for field education in social work.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, problem-solver, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in field education practices and course development.
- Willingness to travel to placement sites mid-term and end of term to conduct placement meetings.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with colleagues from diverse cultural, religious, gender and socio-economic backgrounds.
- A keen awareness of issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities in various contexts, and support student learning and engagement with these diverse populations.
- Technological literacy and experience in developing online communication tools and previous experience in online education is desirable.
- Evidence of a capacity to contribute to effective administration.

**Desirable**
- Experience in field placements within the Social Work sector.

**Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion**

SCI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and victimisation. SCI makes decisions on