Cultivating social work leaders: The impact of field education on career success
Field education experience is a core component of the Bachelor of Social Work degree program at the University of Sydney. It requires students to complete 980 hours of professional experience across the two final years. The learning on the job enables students to develop core values, skills and knowledge from a beginner to a practitioner, enabling them to meet the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Practice Standards.
Ryde Community Mental Health Centre (Ryde CMHC) attached to Ryde Hospital within the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD), is a reputable facility offering numerous training opportunities including Community Adult and Community Psychogeriatrics. In a collaborative relationship established between the NSLHD and Sydney School of Education and Social Work within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, many of our students gained valuable experience that leads to qualify for a professional social worker.
Bachelor of Social Work student Georgie Turnbull (far left of photo) was on placement with Ryde Older Person Mental Health Team when the group won an award for its work in falls prevention.
Raymond Selvaraj, Senior Social Worker and experienced field educator in NSLHD, highlights the quality and values our students bring to the Ryde CMHC, including Georgie Turnbull, final-year student in the Bachelor of Social Work, University of Sydney.
“The University of Sydney students exhibit high level of ethical conduct, demonstrating a profound understanding of social work values. Their familiarity with social policies and legislations reflects a comprehensive awareness of the contextual landscape in which they operate. Their adeptness in applying theoretical knowledge not only proves beneficial for their academic pursuits but for my own professional development”, Raymond expresses.
A distinguishing quality of these students is their demonstrated empathy and compassion for consumers with mental illness, which is reinforced by sensitivity towards their cultural competence, diversity, and inclusion.
The Ryde CMHC training program is designed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of mental illness including diagnostic criteria, treatment options, psychosocial issues, psychotropic medication management, therapy models, and recovery goals. Students are encouraged to engage in critical components such as triage, comprehensive assessments, case management, care coordination, and discharge planning as well. Their learning also extends to home visits, active participation in multidisciplinary team meetings, contributions to clinical reviews, and fostering relationships with consumers, their families and caregivers.
Georgie, Bachelor of Social Work student appreciates the opportunity to attend placement at the Ryde CMHC, witnessing the way the Older Persons Mental Health team work together, challenge each other and collaborate to find the best outcome for each consumer.
Working in a multidisciplinary team with psychiatrists, nurses, exercise physiologists, psychologists, occupational therapists and other social workers enabled me to gain insights into community health through diverse lenses.
Having to train over 20 students as Field Educator in his role, Raymond highlights the impact field education brings for students, communities and sectors.
“The Graduates who undergo placements at the Ryde CMHC are often successful in securing employment at the centre after completing their degrees, as they exhibit a smooth transition into their roles from their comprehensive training during their placements”, he continues.
As students accumulate a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in mental health, these capabilities become transferable assets for their future social work practice, ultimately benefiting both communities and other sectors within social services.
To learn more about hosting Social Work students for their field education experiences, please visit our internships and placements page for partners.