what is a student placement?
A student for placement can be in casework, policy, project, legal and psychology roles where this placement is a compulsory component of attaining a relevant degree qualification.
Placements offer students a unique opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real life situations under the supervision of qualified and experienced staff.
Undertaking your compulsory placement with us will allow you to develop an understanding of the work we do, as well as the roles in which you may be most interested.
volunteering
Students wishing to obtain general work experience (paid or unpaid) outside of a relevant degree program or wanting to undertake voluntary work with children, families or disadvantaged groups should explore the non-government sector or visit www.volunteering.com.au.
We fund a large range of non government agencies to assist us help the children and families of NSW and many of these agencies offer volunteer programs.
All related work paid/unpaid will be well regarded should you later apply for a position in Community Services.
why complete your placement with Community Services?
We are one of the largest community organisations in NSW and we are committed to the provision of quality field education.
Students and supervisors are offered support in arranging placement as well as during placement through our Student Placement program. The quality and outcomes of the program are monitored.
A positive placement experience influences employment decisions later and many students who complete a placement with Community Services go on to become valued employees.
types of placements in Community Services
We offer placements in:
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casework, including child protection, out-of-home care, prevention and early intervention and policy/research
Most students seek direct casework experience at one of our local offices. Placement length can be a few weeks to a few months depending on the degree you are studying. Attendance is usually a minimum of three days per week.
Policy/research type placements are also possible
A current NSW driver’s license is required. A provisional license is acceptable.
To express an interest in a casework or policy/project student placement with Community Services you should contact your university field education coordinator.
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legal services
A maximum of two placements are provided each intake for law students interested in child law. There are two intakes per year - March/April and Oct /Nov.
Placements are unpaid and can be located at one of the Children’s Courts or at Ashfield Head Office. Placement length varies between 7- 15 weeks.
To apply for a placement with Community Services Legal Services, send a short letter outlining your interest in a placement, along with a copy of your academic record and your resume to:
Manager, Budget and Administration
Legal Services Unit
Legal Services, Level 3
2 Cavill Avenue, Ashfield 2131
- psychology
To ensure that placements are provided to students who can derive maximum benefit from them, psychology placements are considered from students in Clinical or Forensic Masters programs or equivalent.
Intern psychologists (4 years of psychology) are welcome to apply for all advertised psychologist vacancies. We do not take interns on student placements unless they are students in Clinical or Forensic Masters programs.
Placements are not available for undergraduate students or those completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology.
We offer a full registration program to all interns working in psychologist positions.
Need more information? Call 9716 2222 for your Regional Student Placement Coordinator contact details.
what are the benefits of student placements?
Student placements help you integrate your theoretical learning into the complexity of workplace practice in a planned, structured and reflective way.
You also benefit the people at your placement by bringing recently acquired knowledge and a new perspective on established and evolving policies and practices.
A student placement with Community Services will help you:
- gain a realistic job preview
- develop confidence in yourself and your abilities
- develop your own style of practice
- have the opportunity to explore and expand your knowledge
- gain opportunities to develop your processes of reasoning, evaluating and communicating ideas and information.
what do students say about their experiences ?
“[I learnt] that there is another side to Community Services to that which is portrayed through the media, and throughout the community. I found there are a lot of hard working, dedicated Caseworkers who are trying to provide ongoing support and assistance to families in need with sometimes very limited resources.”
“[The placement] confirmed my interest in child protection and my ability to work in challenging situations. It also enabled me to learn more about the department and how the work operates.”
“My supervisor was very supportive. He was always available to answer any questions or assist with any difficulties that would arise during the course of the placement.”
“I realised that I would definitely like to work in child protection. Previous to my placement I hadn’t thought much about working for Community Services but afterwards thought very seriously”
how do I apply for a position with Community Services?
