The organisation
Universal Higher Education (UHE) is a TEQSA registered higher education provider based in Melbourne’s CBD (PRV14288 / CRICOS 03848E). Part of Universal Learning Group and Oxford International Education Group, UHE combines the backing of a global education organisation with the agility and accessibility of a growing Australian provider.
UHE currently delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Information Technology and Engineering Management and is expanding into Community Services and Social Work. Subject to professional accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), its inaugural Master of Social Work intake is planned for March 2027.

The opportunity
The Practice Education Coordinator will establish the practice education function for UHE’s new Master of Social Work.
Reporting to the Academic Course Manager and Head of Social Work, the role will develop the placement partnerships, systems and processes required to support high quality professional placements. With the first placements targeted for November 2027, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a sustainable placement model from the outset.
Key responsibilities will include:

Developing relationships with placement providers and field educators
Identifying suitable placements across health, community services, government and related sectors
Establishing placement policies, procedures, systems and resources
Coordinating student preparation, matching, monitoring and assessment
Supporting students, field educators and academic staff throughout placements
Ensuring arrangements meet AASW and regulatory requirements
Maintaining placement agreements, records and compliance documentation
Developing a scalable model to support future student growth

About you
You will be a qualified social worker with experience in practice education, field education, student supervision or professional placements. You will understand the requirements of social work education and bring strong relationships across relevant service sectors.
Importantly, you will enjoy building new programs and partnerships. You will combine external engagement capability with the organisation and attention to detail required to establish effective placement arrangements.
You will bring:

A recognised social work qualification and eligibility for AASW membership
Knowledge of social work education and accreditation requirements
Experience coordinating or supervising professional placements
Strong industry engagement and partnership development skills
Sound judgement in responding to complex student or placement matters
Strong planning, administration and stakeholder communication skills
A collaborative, culturally responsive and student centred approach

What’s on Offer
This is a rare opportunity to establish the practice education function for a new social work discipline and influence its development from the first cohort onwards.
You will work closely with academic and executive leaders in a collaborative, well governed and growing higher education provider. The role offers genuine scope to shape UHE’s placement network, operating model and student experience.

How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Lincoln Gould of The Orchard Talent Group on 02 9157 6231 or lincoln@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.

Applications close Sunday 20th September.

Universal Higher Education (PRV14288 / CRICOS 03848E)

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.