The Institute of Health & Management (IHM) is a leading Australian provider of high-quality healthcare and human services education, committed to preparing future-ready professionals who create meaningful change in communities. With a strong focus on contemporary practice and industry-aligned learning, IHM delivers a range of accredited programs, including the Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Nursing, and Graduate Certificate in Nursing.
IHM is recognised for its dedication to student success, innovative teaching practices, and a supportive learning environment that champions ethical, person-centred and evidence-informed practice. Our Bachelor of Social Work program is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to excel as competent and compassionate practitioners in diverse community, health, and social service settings.
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Placement Academic Lead to join the School of Social Work at the Institute of Health & Management (IHM).
In this pivotal role, you will lead the strategic design, governance, resourcing, and continuous improvement of the Social Work practice education (placement) program, ensuring high-quality workplace learning experiences that align with AASW requirements and higher education standards.
As a senior academic and leader, you will strengthen industry partnerships, mentor placement teams, oversee placement quality and outcomes, and champion innovative models of practice education. Your work will directly support the success, safety, and professional development of Social Work students as they transition into future practice.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic oversight of the Social Work placement program, ensuring academic integrity, safety, and quality across all student placements.
Lead curriculum enhancement and delivery of placement preparation, integration workshops, and supervisor training for Placement Educators and Liaison Officers.
Build, maintain, and review relationships with host agencies, stakeholders, and professional partners to secure high-quality placement opportunities.
Monitor placement progress, identify risks early, conduct summative assessments, and uphold compliance with AASW accreditation and higher education regulations.
Provide leadership, support, workload planning, and capacity building across the placement team, including training and mentoring of sessional staff.
Drive scholarship and research activities that evaluate and inform placement innovation, outcomes, and evidence-based improvements.
Maintain practice education policies, procedures, governance frameworks, and WHS/safety processes relevant to placements.
Contribute to governance committees, professional engagement activities, and strategic initiatives that enhance the profile of the Social Work program at IHM.
Support IHM’s values of Innovation, Caring, Excellence, Honesty, Openness and Trust, creating a culture of student-centred learning and professional integrity.
Desired Skills and Experience
Qualifications
Recognised qualification in Social Work, eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Appointment at Academic Level C with postgraduate expertise; PhD (completed or in progress) highly desirable.
Demonstrated understanding of Higher Education and practice education accreditation requirements, including AASW and TEQSA standards.
Minimum 5 years post-qualifying Social Work practice experience.
Working With Children Check (WWCC), National Police Check, and evidence of ongoing CPD (or willingness to obtain/maintain)
Experience & Skills:
Extensive experience in practice education, curriculum/content development, and work-integrated learning within Higher Education or professional settings.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and supervise staff, with experience in coordinating units, teams, or placement programs.
Demonstrated skills in placement governance, student support, assessment, and workplace learning oversight.
Strong knowledge of social work theory, ethics, cultural responsiveness, and contemporary practice models.
Experience building and sustaining industry partnerships with agencies, community organisations, and professional stakeholders.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse student cohorts.
Proficiency with digital systems including: AceLMS/Canvas (LMS), Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite, placement management systems, and research databases.
Benefits
Ongoing Professional Development and Continuing Professional Learning (CPD) support.
Opportunities for research, scholarship, and leadership development.
Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and students.
Collaborative and inclusive academic culture aligned with IHM values of Innovation, Caring, and Excellence.
Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
All recruitment, selection, and promotion decisions are based on merit, capability, and alignment to the genuine requirements of the role.
IHM is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants, without discrimination based on protected characteristics under the Equal Opportunity Act.
Why join us?
"At IHM, we are more than an education provider—we are a dynamic community dedicated to excellence in healthcare education. Join us to be part of an innovative, supportive, and growth-driven environment where your contributions shape the future of healthcare. Elevate your career with purpose at IHM!."
Application Process:
If you are driven to advance social work education through high-quality practice learning, industry partnership, and student-centred placement experiences, we invite you to apply for this impactful role. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications, leadership experience, and motivation for joining our team as Placement Academic Lead..
All recruitment, selection and promotion decisions will be based on the best qualified and experienced candidate who can perform the genuine occupational requirements of this position. HCI supports diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunity in employment to all suitably abled people without discrimination or harassment based on a personal characteristic protected under the Equal Opportunity Act. Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders are also encouraged to apply for the position.
