At a Glance
- Tasks: Establish and coordinate practice education for a new Master of Social Work program.
- Company: Universal Higher Education, a dynamic and growing higher education provider in Melbourne.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a new program, collaborate with leaders, and influence student experiences.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to the future of social work placements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social work education and build valuable partnerships.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in practice education and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 62100 - 75900 $ per year.
The organisation Universal Higher Education (UHE) is a TEQSA registered higher education provider based in Melbourne’s CBD (PRV14288 / CRICOS 03848E). Part of Universal Learning Group and Oxford International Education Group, UHE combines the backing of a global education organisation with the agility and accessibility of a growing Australian provider. UHE currently delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Information Technology and Engineering Management and is expanding into Community Services and Social Work. Subject to professional accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), its inaugural Master of Social Work intake is planned for March 2027.
The opportunity The Practice Education Coordinator will establish the practice education function for UHE’s new Master of Social Work. Reporting to the Academic Course Manager and Head of Social Work, the role will develop the placement partnerships, systems and processes required to support high quality professional placements. With the first placements targeted for November 2027, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a sustainable placement model from the outset.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing relationships with placement providers and field educators
- Identifying suitable placements across health, community services, government and related sectors
- Establishing placement policies, procedures, systems and resources
- Coordinating student preparation, matching, monitoring and assessment
- Supporting students, field educators and academic staff throughout placements
- Ensuring arrangements meet AASW and regulatory requirements
- Maintaining placement agreements, records and compliance documentation
- Developing a scalable model to support future student growth
About you
You will be a qualified social worker with experience in practice education, field education, student supervision or professional placements. You will understand the requirements of social work education and bring strong relationships across relevant service sectors. Importantly, you will enjoy building new programs and partnerships. You will combine external engagement capability with the organisation and attention to detail required to establish effective placement arrangements. You will bring:
- A recognised social work qualification and eligibility for AASW membership
- Knowledge of social work education and accreditation requirements
- Experience coordinating or supervising professional placements
- Strong industry engagement and partnership development skills
- Sound judgement in responding to complex student or placement matters
- Strong planning, administration and stakeholder communication skills
- A collaborative, culturally responsive and student centred approach
What’s on Offer
This is a rare opportunity to establish the practice education function for a new social work discipline and influence its development from the first cohort onwards. You will work closely with academic and executive leaders in a collaborative, well governed and growing higher education provider. The role offers genuine scope to shape UHE’s placement network, operating model and student experience. Applications close Sunday 20th September.
Universal Higher Education (PRV14288 / CRICOS 03848E) The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Practice Education Coordinator employer: Orchard Talent Group
CELA is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and values-driven culture that empowers its team to make a meaningful impact in the early childhood education sector. With a strong focus on professional development and leadership opportunities, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to the growth and quality of services across Australia. Located in the vibrant Sydney CBD, CELA offers a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance and community engagement.
