Field Education Liaison Officer: 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 professionals in Social Work courses to join our professional, tight-knit team as the Field Education Liaison Officer. Based in Parramatta, these positions are initially offered on a permanent part-time (0.5 Fractional) basis and are likely to become full-time appointments within the next I year. Please note that the salary for this position will be prorated if it is part-time (0.5 FTE), reflecting a fraction of the full-time equivalent salary.

**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). By providing essential support to students during their field education components, the Field Education Liaison Officer facilitates the integration of theory into practice, fosters critical reflection, and promotes the development of skills necessary to address diverse needs and situations creatively. 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**
- Collaborate with field placement agencies and academic staff to match students with appropriate field education placements that align with their learning objectives, interests, and AASW requirements;
- Manage all aspects of the placement process, including placement agreements, orientation sessions, 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**
- A Master's degree in Social Work or related field, with eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
- Eligible for full membership of the AASW
- A minimum of five year full-time post-qualifying practice experience.
- Previous experience in social work practice, field education coordination, or related roles within an academic or social work setting.
- Strong understanding of AASW accreditation standards and requirements for field education in social work.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, problem-solve, 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 div