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
The Institute of Health & Management (IHM) is seeking experienced and committed Placement Educators and Placement Liaison Officers to support the delivery, supervision and quality assurance of our accredited Social Work Practice Education (placement) program.
In this essential role, you will ensure students on placement receive high-quality learning opportunities that align with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Practice Standards and the ASWEAS accreditation requirements. Working in collaboration with host agencies, academic teams, and students, you will contribute to the professional formation, safety, and educational success of emerging social workers.
This position may operate in one or both capacities depending on experience and program needs:
Placement Educator (PE): Provides qualified social work supervision when agencies do not have an onsite social worker.
Placement Liaison Officer (PLO): Leads oversight, communication, monitoring, and assessment liaison between IHM, the student and placement agency
Key Responsibilities
Facilitate and monitor student learning on placement, ensuring supervision, guidance, and support meet AASW professional standards.
Establish learning plans, review progress, and contribute to mid-placement and final assessments.
Conduct liaison visits/meetings, monitor placement conditions, and provide timely documentation in accordance with IHM requirements.
Support reflective learning, professional identity development, ethical decision making and cultural responsiveness in student practice.
Provide early intervention, mediation and escalation support for at-risk placements, prioritising student safety and program integrity.
Uphold placement documentation standards, ensuring all records are accurate, compliant and completed within required timeframes.
Maintain collaborative communication with students, host organisations, supervisors and IHM academic staff.
Apply trauma-informed, strengths-based and culturally safe supervision practices.
Participate in relevant professional development, induction and supervision activities with IHM.
Represent IHM professionally, modelling ethical practice aligned with the AASW Code of Ethics and IHM values.
Desired Skills and Experience
Qualifications
Bachelor or Master of Social Work, eligible for AASW membership.
Additional training in supervision or higher education teaching (desirable).
Experience
Minimum 5 years post-qualifying social work practice experience.
Experience supervising social work students or early-career practitioners.
Demonstrated ability to assess student learning and provide clear, evidence-based feedback.
Experience working in partnership with diverse agencies, services, and community sectors.
Skills & Attributes
Strong knowledge of AASW Practice Standards and ASWEAS requirements for placement.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Competence in documentation, report writing, and digital technology (email, Teams/Zoom, LMS systems).
Commitment to reflective supervision, ethical practice, and inclusive learning.
Alignment with IHM values: Innovation, Caring, Excellence, Honesty, Openness and Trust.
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 Liaison Officer.
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.
