Director of Social Work Field Education

Role type: Full Time; Continuing
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/ School:  Department of Social Work, School of Health Sciences
Salary: Level C - $152,695 to $176,065 OR Level D - $183,254 to $202,556 p.a  plus 17% super 

• Shape the future of social work field education – lead the development of innovative field education models, expand practice-based learning, and strengthen partnerships across health, community and social service organisations.
• Lead a thriving and collaborative team – foster a culture of creativity, connection and shared purpose, supporting the team to deliver outstanding student experiences and shape education that responds to the changing needs of the profession and community.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities. 

In line with the 2024 Enterprise Agreement clause 1.15.5 & 1.15.6.2, the University is committed to growing the number of Continuing jobs, and to increase the proportion of Continuing employment FTE in comparison to Fixed-Term or Casual employment. As part of this shared objective, all continuing vacancies will be advertised internally for a minimum of five working days to allow for current staff at the University to apply and be considered - ahead of external recruitment.  

The University of Melbourne 
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity 
In this role, you will lead field education across our accredited Master of Social Work.
You will design transformative placement experiences in partnership with students, educators and diverse community organisations.
You will also build a distinctive research program advancing innovation in professional practice education.

What you will deliver: 

• Provide strategic leadership for all field education activities within the Master of Social Work program.
• Design, deliver and continuously improve contemporary field education curriculum and subjects aligned with accreditation requirements.
• Oversee diverse, high-quality student placements, ensuring excellent supervision, learning outcomes and risk management.
• Lead, mentor and develop the field education team, fostering inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Build and sustain partnerships, research projects and sector initiatives that enhance social work education nationally.

You may be a great fit if you: 

• Hold a PhD in social work or cognate discipline and AASW-eligible social work qualification.
• Bring at least five years’ professional social work practice experience across relevant fields or settings.
• Demonstrate leadership of academic or professional teams, fostering inclusive, collaborative cultures and high-quality field education.
• Excel in innovative teaching and curriculum design, particularly practice-based and field education initiatives.
• Develop and disseminate impactful research or scholarship in field education, with emerging or established national profile.
• Build productive partnerships with universities, professional bodies and community organisations to drive educational innovation.

For further information please refer to the attached PD. 

What we offer you! 
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including: 

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being 
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave, cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave.

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company 

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program 

For more information check out our benefits page! 

Your new team –

You will join the Department of Social Work in the School of Health Sciences, within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Our academic team is committed to social justice, ethical practice and innovative, evidence-informed education. We work closely with an extensive network of community, health and human service partners across diverse practice settings. You will be supported to lead, collaborate and grow your academic career in a collegial, inclusive environment.

Be Yourself 
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants 
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
  
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected].

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. Learn more about responding to Selection Criteria

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Milena Heinsch
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Tara at [email protected]
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: 9 October 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone. 

Position Description: 

JR-018875 Director of Social Work Field Education .docx

JR-018875 Director of Social Work Field Education .pdf