SW & HS Field Education
My Professional Learning Tool
Placement Details
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My Professional Learning
The My Professional Learning Tool forms the ‘road map’ towards developing your professional identity as a Social
Worker. In simple terms, it should guide you in developing a strong understanding of yourself, because “before you can
understand others, you need to have a strong sense and understanding of yourself”. In getting to know yourself
you are encouraged to consider:
 What do I already contribute to social work practice? (i.e. Self-assessment of experiences/knowledge/skills)
 What areas of practice/skills/knowledge do I want to further develop? (i.e. Learning goals)
 How can I develop these areas of practice/skills/knowledge? (i.e. Learning activities and actions)
 Who can support me in these activities, and when do I expect them to be completed by? (i.e. Resources and
People supporting you and Timeframes)
 How will I know I am ‘safe’ to practice, as an ethical and quality Social Worker? (i.e. Evidence of your Learning
and Understanding of the AASW Practice Standards and Code of Ethics)
My Professional Learning Tool is designed to not only guide all your learning on placement, but also to capture the
evidence of your development towards becoming a professional Social Worker. This is your personal document, so it
needs to be unique to you and your context:
 Use language that is simple, practical and most importantly, makes sense to you;
 Identify learning goals that are meaningful to you;
 Identify learning goals that are relevant to your placement context; and
 Identify what you have learnt to date in your degree that you would like to apply or build on in a ‘real life work
context’.
What
experiences,
knowledge
and skills do
I already
have?
How will I
know I am
'safe to
practice'?
My
Professional
Identity
Who will
support my
learning?
What areas
of practice
do I need to
develop
further?
How can I
develop
these areas
of practice?
Placement is a transformational learning experience where you will discover new aspects of yourself. Many students experience significant personal growth and find they are
different people by the end of the placement. My Professional Learning Tool is designed to capture and document this amazing journey of self-discovery and growth.
1
The following process is suggested as a guide around how you may document your Professional Learning throughout Placement:
1
First 2 Weeks
Become familiar with your Placement
Context (E.g. Complete Induction
activities; meet people; learn about the
client group and services; staff roles; and
so on)
2
Week 2
Combine what you know about yourself
and the placement context, and identify
areas of practice you want to develop
further. Discuss this with your Supervisor
in terms of What, Why, How, Who & By
When.
3
Week 3-4
Start completing the What, How, Who and
By When Columns. Review and discuss
with your Supervisor.
6
7
Ongoing
Regularly review and discuss your
Professional Learning goals, evidence,
challenges and opportunities with your
Supervisor (e.g. Make this a standard
agenda item in your Supervision sessions)
5
Weekly
Complete the Mid Placement Assessment
of Learning Report with your supervisor
referring to My Professional Learning Tool
to support how you are tracking against
your learning goals. Update My
Professional Learning Tool to address the
gaps, achievements, etc. identified.
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Ongoing and End of Placement
Continue with Regular Reviews.
Complete the Final Assessment of
Learning Report with your supervisor,
using the My Professional Learning Tool
to support the recommendation around
your level of capabilitiy for each Practice
Standard.
Every week, update your My Professional
Learning Tool, particularly your evidence
of learning and understanding around the
8 Practice Standards and linking theory to
practice.
4
4
Mid Placement
9
Week 4
Next Placement/Beyond Graduation
Send a draft of your My Professional
Learning Tool to your Liaison Visitor prior
to meeting with them. (This is around
Week 4-5)
Use your My Professional Learning Tool to
inform ongoing professional development
NB. Evidence of Learning will be critical in
completing future job applications.
2
Practice Standard 1: Values and Ethics
I aim to demonstrate that the values of social work are integral to my practice and that I uphold the ethical responsibilities and act appropriately when faced with ethical
problems, issues and dilemmas.
1.1 Practice in Accordance with the Code of Ethics
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate understanding of a social justice and human rights framework to be able to practice from a social justice and human rights framework?
o Demonstrate understanding of empowerment in practice and demonstrate ability to facilitate people’s empowerment?
o Identify social systems and structures that preserve inequalities and injustices within my practice context?
o Critically reflect on policies and practices that are oppressive and demonstrate understanding of potential strategies that would address these oppressive policies and
practices?
o Demonstrate good knowledge and uphold ethical responsibilities relevant to others, the social work profession and in the workplace?
1.2 Managing ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Identify and critically reflect on ethical dilemmas, drawing on the AASW and organisation’s code of ethics?
o Raise ethical issues/dilemmas with relevant parties and actively participate in achieving a solution?
o Consult my supervisor and/or relevant manager when faced with an ethical dilemma or issue?
o Report to my supervisor or an appropriate person if I have identified being in a position which contravenes ethical principles outlined in the AASW and Organisation’s
code of ethics?
o Demonstrate critical reflection when examining personal and professional ethics and values that influence my and others’ practice?
What skills, knowledge and experiences have I already gained in relation to Ethical Social Work Practice? (Final Placement Students Only)
WHAT
What do I need to learn in this placement to
become an ethical practitioner?
(Learning Goals)
HOW
How will I achieve these learning goals?
(Learning Activities/Strategies)
WHO
Who will support my
learning &
development?
WHEN
By when do I want to
complete these
learning
activities/strategies
Reflections on Learning: Evidence that demonstrates and supports my development as a Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner.
(Note: Just hover over the highlighted word for more guidance. You do not need to Ctrl + Click)
In this section you need to document a minimum of four examples from placement that provide evidence of your understanding and skill level around Practice
Standard 1 (i.e. ethical practice), by using the STAR(L) method: Situation – Task – Action – Result - Learning
3
Practice Standard 2: Professionalism
I aim to demonstrate active promotion and support of the social work profession, act with integrity and ensure accountability.
2.1 Represent the social work profession with integrity and professionalism
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate and articulate understanding of the role and value of social work in the community?
o Articulate the values, processes and outcomes of social work and how they are applied to different practice contexts?
o Demonstrate language and behaviour consistent with social work values, responsibilities and objectives in my role as a student practitioner?
2.2 Behave in a professional manner and be accountable for all actions and decisions
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Advise clients of feedback/complaint processes/mechanisms?
o Demonstrate ability to maintain appropriate professional/personal boundaries, which includes discussing these with my supervisors?
o Identify and declare conflict of interest when they arise or are likely to arise?
o Maintain confidentiality and understand the legal limits to confidentiality within the context of my placement agency and more broadly?
o Recognise when personal factors or issues impact on my professional practice and seek support in relation to this?
o Justify all decisions, recommendations and actions?
o Recognise the limits to knowledge, skills and practice competence as they arise?
o Seek support and information or refer to supervisor or other workers when my professional capabilities are exceeded?
What skills, knowledge and experiences do I already have in relation to Professionalism? (Final Placement Students Only)
WHAT
What do I need to learn in this placement to
practice with integrity and accountability?
(Learning Goals)
HOW
How will I achieve these learning goals?
(Learning Activities/Strategies)
WHO
Who will support my
learning &
development?
WHEN
By when do I want to
complete these
learning
activities/strategies
Reflections on Learning: Evidence that demonstrates and supports that I am developing into a Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner.
(Note: Just hover over the highlighted word for more guidance. You do not need to Ctrl + Click)
In this section you need to document a minimum of four examples from placement that provide evidence of your understanding and skill level around Practice
Standard 2 (i.e. Professional behaviour practice), by using the STAR(L) method: Situation – Task – Action – Result - Learning
4
Practice Standard 3: Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Practice
I aim to demonstrate adequate understanding and knowledge of cultural diversity in order to work in a culturally responsive and inclusive way.
3.1 Work respectfully and inclusively with cultural difference and diversity
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate knowledge and openness to knowledge and understanding of diversity between and within different cultures including ethnicity, disability, economic
status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faiths and beliefs?
o Demonstrate language and behaviour that is respectful to all culturally diverse groups?
o Demonstrate understanding of the complexity of cultural identities and how this impacts on practice?
o Creatively adapt my practice to work effectively and inclusively with people who have different and diverse cultural identities, values, affiliations, beliefs and customs?
o Engage in continuing professional development, supervision/cultural supervision and critical reflection; consult with relevant community members and professionals;
and engage in collaborative learning and research to enhance knowledge and practice in working with culturally diverse groups?
o Critically reflect on own personal values, cultures and beliefs and how these impact on interactions with people, community members and colleagues and in working
with organisational policies and practices; and seek supervision or consultation as appropriate?
o Identify discriminatory and oppressive practice and policies with respect to culturally diverse people, and/or develop strategies to respond to these practices/policies
where appropriate and where possible, including reflection and discussions with my supervisor?
3.2 Respect, strive to understand and promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate knowledge and/or behaviour that acknowledge the strengths, capacities and contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to
society?
o Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity among, and differences between, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout Australia?
o Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, protocols and practices in a local context?
o Engage in continuing professional development around my understanding to work safely and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
What skills, knowledge and experiences do I already have in relation to Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Practice?
(Final Placement Students Only)
WHAT
What do I need to learn in this placement to
become a culturally responsive and inclusive
practitioner?
(Learning Goals)
HOW
How will I achieve these learning goals?
(Learning Activities/Strategies)
WHO
Who will support my
learning &
development?
WHEN
By when do I want to
complete these
learning
activities/strategies
Reflections on Learning: Evidence that demonstrates and supports that I am developing into a Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner.
(Note: Just hover over the highlighted word for more guidance. You do not need to Ctrl + Click)
In this section you need to document a minimum of four examples from placement that provide evidence of your understanding and skill level around Practice
5
Standard 3 (i.e. Culturally responsive & inclusive practice), by using the STAR(L) method: Situation – Task – Action – Result - Learning
Practice Standard 4: Knowledge for Practice
I aim to demonstrate that I have and will obtain the required knowledge for effective practice.
4.1 Understands higher level systematic influences on people with respect to area of practice
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate understanding of social work practice on the broader systemic level in relation to my practice context?
o Critically analyse the structure of society with respect to power and disadvantage including the influence of gender, age, ability, sexuality, ethnicity and economic
disadvantage and demonstrating this through my discussions and actions?
o Demonstrate awareness of social, political, legal, cultural and organisational contexts and systems and how they impact on people?
o Demonstrate understanding and awareness of policy, including organisational policy, relevant to the practice context and how this impacts on people?
o Demonstrate understanding and awareness of changes in society, demography and culture and how this impacts on the social work profession and people within my
placement context and more broadly?
o Demonstrate understanding of relevant legislation governing practice and the legal frameworks which inform and mandate the practice context I am working in?
o Critically analyse policies, systems and structures that contravene social work values and do not prioritise the interests of people, groups, communities and wider
society, and discuss these with my supervisor to identify the challenges and mechanisms of influencing policy change?
o Identify policies that will promote and prioritise the values of social justice and human rights within the agency context?
4.2 Understand and articulates social work and other relevant theories and concepts
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate a critical understanding of social work specific theories relevant to the placement context?
o Draw on and articulate relevant knowledge from other relevant disciplines to be able to best meet the needs of the placement ‘client’ group (e.g. psychological theory,
anthropology, law etc.)?
o Demonstrate understanding of theories of systems, human behaviour and development, personality development and life cycle stages?
4.3 Understands the roles of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Proactively seek out new knowledge relevant to my placement context?
o Seek the feedback of service users in relation to my involvement?
o Demonstrate understanding of research methodologies that may apply to the placement context?
o Identify, critically analyse and discuss limitations to research and findings being applied in the practice context?
o Distinguish and evaluate various sources of knowledge, including practice evidence; practice experience; personal and community knowledge and experience;
research evidence; organisational and policy knowledge; and legal and ethical knowledge to help inform practice and decision making?
o If relevant to placement context, demonstrate ability in presenting research in a professional manner? (e.g. seminars, placement workshops, group supervision,
journal club etc.)
4.4 Understand and articulate how and when theories, knowledge bases and knowledge sources inform practice.
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Develop my emerging practice framework that articulates my core personal and professional values, key theories, sources of knowledge, skills and methods of
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practice I draw on?
o Appropriately and critically identify and discuss my practice approach and the theoretical/ conceptual underpinnings that inform my practice approach?
o Identify, describe, analyse and apply current research evidence, methodology and approaches to my placement context?
o Demonstrate understanding of the principles, framework and relevant legislation of the placement context’s area of practice? (organisational context framework)
What Knowledge for Practice do I already have?
(Final Placement Students Only)
WHAT
What do I need to learn in this placement
around Knowledge for Practice?
(Learning Goals)
HOW
How will I achieve these learning goals?
(Learning Activities/Strategies)
WHO
Who will support my
learning &
development?
WHEN
By when do I want to
complete these
learning
activities/strategies
Reflections on Learning: Evidence that demonstrates and supports that I am developing into a Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner.
(Note: Just hover over the highlighted word for more guidance. You do not need to Ctrl + Click)
In this section you need to document a minimum of four examples from placement that provide evidence of your understanding and skill level around Practice
Standard 4 (i.e. Knowledge for practice), by using the STAR(L) method: Situation – Task – Action – Result - Learning
Practice Standard 5: Applying Knowledge to Practice
I aim to demonstrate effective social work skills as required to implement knowledge into practice.
5.1 Conduct an assessment and analysis of needs to inform the service being offered
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Undertake an effective and holistic assessment by gathering relevant information appropriate to the person/organisation and practice context? (note this can include
assessments of clients/situations you are shadowing or observing)
o Assess the nature and level of risk to people, if any, and effectively identify these as part of the overall assessment?
o Identify relevant theories, research and knowledge that inform and support my assessment?
5.2 Work collaboratively with relevant people
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Facilitate people to identify their own needs in a respectful and safe way?
o Demonstrate support around people’s decision-making regarding service/s they want to assist in meeting their needs, taking into account any limitations to their
capability, their voluntary/involuntary status and the choices available?
o Work with other agencies, teams and across jurisdictions at a practice/service level in relation to my practice context?
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5.3 Uses a range of specific social work methods and techniques appropriate to area of practice
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Select an appropriate method/s of practice relevant to my practice context to address and meet the needs, goals and preferences of individuals, families, groups and
communities, taking into account best available research evidence for the field of practice?
o Demonstrate skill and understanding in the chosen method/s or techniques, including increasing level of skill and understanding?
o Identify systematic and policy injustices and potential actions to address these injustices in relation to my practice context? (i.e. social action, advocacy; research and
evaluation)
o Demonstrate research skills for example undertaking relevant literature reviews; reviewing journal articles, data collection; analysis and dissemination; and evaluation
as relevant to my practice context?
5.4 Apply critical and reflective thinking to practice
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Critically reflect on and evaluate practice with a particular focus on principles of self-determination, empowerment, inclusion, equality, human rights and social justice?
o Critically reflect on the role of social work, paying particular attention to power imbalances, professional boundaries, use of authority in statutory positions and work
with people who are using services involuntarily?
o Critically reflect on evaluation undertaken of practice at individual, program, organisational or policy level within my practice context?
o Critically reflect on the broader organisational, societal and political context as it applies to my area of practice?
What Skills do I already have that assists me to implement knowledge into Practice?
(Final Placement Students Only)
WHAT
What do I need to learn in this placement
around Applying Knowledge for Practice?
(Learning Goals)
HOW
How will I achieve these learning goals?
(Learning Activities/Strategies)
WHO
Who will support my
learning &
development?
WHEN
By when do I want to
complete these
learning
activities/strategies
Reflections on Learning: Evidence that demonstrates and supports that I am developing into a Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner.
(Note: Just hover over the highlighted word for more guidance. You do not need to Ctrl + Click)
In this section you need to document a minimum of four examples from placement that provide evidence of your understanding and skill level around Practice
Standard 5 (i.e. Applying Knowledge to practice), by using the STAR(L) method: Situation – Task – Action – Result - Learning
Practice Standard 6: Communication and Interpersonal Skills
I aim to demonstrate the skills required to communicate and work effectively with others.
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6.1 Effectively communicate with a diverse range of people
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication with individuals, community members, colleagues and relevant others?
o Adapt communication forms and styles to effectively communicate with a diverse range of people?
o Demonstrate conflict management, mediation and negotiation skills when appropriate to achieve the best outcomes?
6.2 Effectively communicate the details and nature of the service offered to people
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Engage and include people in decision making processes that affect them as far as possible, including those using services involuntarily?
o Effectively inform people of policies and procedures of the service being offered?
6.3 Effectively work with others in a team environment
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Contribute discipline specific social work values, principles and practice to team activities, particularly in multidisciplinary environments?
o Relate to all colleagues with respect, integrity and courtesy?
o Demonstrate cooperation and collaboration with other professionals/disciplines when undertaking practice to improve service provision?
o Proactively and respectfully seek to resolve conflict with colleagues?
6.4 Use information technology to communicate and provide services as appropriate
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate skill in the use of information technology relevant to practice area?
o Identify when it is appropriate to communicate with service users and colleagues in an online environment?
o Identify ethical considerations with respect to using online communication and social media for service provision including confidentiality, privacy and professional
boundaries and addresses these appropriately?
What Skills do I already have around Communication and Interpersonal Skills?
(Final Placement Students Only)
WHAT
What do I still need to learn in this
placement around Communication and
Interpersonal Skills?
(Learning Goals)
HOW
How will I achieve these learning goals?
(Learning Activities/Strategies)
WHO
Who will support my
learning &
development?
WHEN
By when do I want to
complete these
learning
activities/strategies
Reflections on Learning: Evidence that demonstrates and supports that I am developing into a Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner.
(Note: Just hover over the highlighted word for more guidance. You do not need to Ctrl + Click)
In this section you need to document a minimum of four examples from placement that provide evidence of your understanding and skill level around Practice
Standard 6 (i.e. Communication and Interpersonal skills), by using the STAR(L) method: Situation – Task – Action – Result - Learning
9
Practice Standard 7: Information Recording and Sharing
I aim to demonstrate accountability and responsibility for the information I collect and keep in the course of my work.
7.1 Record and manage information appropriately
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Inform people of social work records and the purpose for which a record is made and kept?
o Inform people who will/may have access to their record and why?
o Advise people of how to access their records?
o Write information in an accurate, objective and professional manner, acknowledging the basis of any subjective opinions and providing rationale for any assessments
or recommendations?
7.2 Keep and maintain information in accordance with ethical principles and relevant legislation
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Demonstrate knowledge and behaviour around confidentiality, informed consent and accountable information gathering and keeping?
o Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of appropriate and ethical storage of all records?
o Demonstrate understanding of the relevant legislation and policies regarding record keeping in relation to my practice context?
What skills, knowledge and experiences do I already have in relation to information recording and sharing? (Final Placement Students Only)
WHAT
What do I need to learn in this placement to
practice with information recording and
sharing?
(Learning Goals)
HOW
How will I achieve these learning goals?
(Learning Activities/Strategies)
WHO
Who will support my
learning &
development?
WHEN
By when do I want to
complete these
learning
activities/strategies
Reflections on Learning: Evidence that demonstrates and supports that I am developing into a Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner.
(Note: Just hover over the highlighted word for more guidance. You do not need to Ctrl + Click)
In this section you need to document a minimum of two examples from placement that provide evidence of your understanding and skill level around Practice
Standard 7 (i.e. Information Recording and sharing), by using the STAR(L) method: Situation – Task – Action – Result - Learning
10
Practice Standard 8: Professional Development and Supervision
I aim to demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning through continuing professional development and supervision.
8.1 Actively participate in professional supervision
To assist with developing your learning goals, think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask yourself, can I:
o Articulate the role, purpose and function of supervision and the importance of seeking supervision?
o Actively engage in professional supervision, both informal and formal while on placement?
o Actively seek feedback, mentoring, support and constructive criticism to continuously improve my practice?
o Demonstrate the ability to engage in critical reflective practice in supervision and in practice, including the completion of two process recordings and three written
reflections to be discussed in supervision throughout my placement?
8.2 Engage in continuing professional development as outlined in the AASW continuing professional development requirements
To assist with developing your learning goals in relation to becoming a lifelong learner think about your placement context, level of experiences/knowledge/skills and then ask
yourself, can I:
o Critically review and reflect on learning plan, identifying gaps and needs for further attention?
o Identify and seek out opportunities for further training and development while on my placement including through supervision?
o Review relevant research in the placement agency’s field of practice?
What skills, knowledge and experiences do I already have in relation to Professionalism? (Final Placement Students Only)
WHAT
What do I need to learn in this placement
around supervision and ongoing professional
development?
(Learning Goals)
HOW
How will I achieve these learning goals?
(Learning Activities/Strategies)
WHO
Who will support my
learning &
development?
WHEN
By when do I want to
complete these
learning
activities/strategies
Reflections on Learning: Evidence that demonstrates and supports that I am developing into a Quality, ‘Safe’ and Ethical Practitioner.
(Note: Just hover over the highlighted word for more guidance. You do not need to Ctrl + Click)
In this section you need to document a minimum of two examples from placement that provide evidence of your understanding and skill level around Practice
Standard 8 (i.e. Professional Development & Supervision), by using the STAR(L) method: Situation – Task – Action – Result - Learning
11