Student Placement

Support Foundation welcomes enquiries from students, colleges and universities seeking supervised placements in disability, community services and social work.

As an NDIS and DVA registered organisation with head office in Belmore, NSW, we provide disability and community support services across Sydney and other parts of Australia. Our placement program connects classroom learning with practical experience, helping students develop the skills, confidence and professional understanding needed to work in the sector.

We support approximately 160-170 active NDIS participants across Sydney and operate several Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes. We also deliver community participation and other community-based services.

This range of services gives students opportunities to interact with participants under supervision, observe professional practice and understand how individualised support is delivered in everyday settings.

Placement activities are tailored to the student’s course requirements, learning objectives, level of competence and available service opportunities, while respecting participant choice, consent, privacy and dignity.

Courses We Support

We facilitate placements for students undertaking:

• Certificate III in Individual Support
• Certificate IV in Disability
• Diploma of Community Services
• Bachelor of Community Services
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Master of Social Work

We work with education providers to discuss placement requirements, supervision arrangements and suitable learning opportunities before a placement begins.

Experienced Agency and Task Supervisors

Students are supported throughout their placement by our in-house agency supervisors and task supervisors. We welcome and encourage external supervisors as well.

Our agency supervisors hold relevant professional qualifications, have more than three years of post-qualification experience and maintain registration or professional membership with the relevant bodies, as applicable to their profession. Supervision arrangements are matched to the requirements of the student’s course and education provider.

Our broader supervisory team includes Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Welfare Workers, Counsellors and experienced industry professionals, many with more than five years of relevant industry experience.

Agency supervisors guide professional learning, reflection and placement progress. Task supervisors support day-to-day activities, helping students apply their learning within their role and level of competence.

Practical Skills and Learning Opportunities

Depending on their program and placement arrangements, students may gain experience in:

• Person-centred support: Understanding participant preferences, strengths, goals and individual support needs.
• Participant engagement: Developing respectful communication and professional relationships with participants, families and carers.
• Care planning and coordination: Learning how participant profiles, care plans, referrals and support arrangements inform service delivery.
• Community participation: Supporting activities that promote inclusion, independence and social connection.
• Documentation: Developing skills in progress notes, meeting minutes and other service records.
• Professional practice: Understanding consent, confidentiality, professional boundaries and ethical responsibilities.
• Team collaboration: Observing how support workers, supervisors and other professionals contribute to coordinated care.
• Reflective learning: Using supervision and feedback to identify strengths and areas for development.
• Service operations: Gaining insight into the daily operation of disability and community services, including SIL environments.

Partnership With Colleges and Universities

Support Foundation’s Student Placement Program started in 2022. We have assisted students from a range of Australian education providers and established placement partnerships with institutions including:

• ACAP
• Torrens University
• Excelsia University College
• Sydney Met
• CIHE
• Lincoln Institute
• Other community services and social care education providers

We value ongoing collaboration with placement teams to support meaningful learning experiences and clear communication throughout each placement.

Graduate Outcomes and Career Pathways

Students who have completed placements with Support Foundation have gone on to receive positive skills assessment outcomes from ACWA, AASW and other relevant assessing bodies. Former placement students have also progressed into roles including:

• Disability Support Worker
• Case Worker
• Personal Care Assistant
• Social Worker
• Behaviour Support Practitioner
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Support Coordinator
• Counsellor
• Child Protection Case Officer, and many more.

These examples reflect the pathways pursued by former students. Skills assessment, professional recognition and employment outcomes depend on each individual’s qualifications, experience and the requirements of the relevant employer or assessing body.

Enquiries From Students and Education Providers

Placement opportunities are subject to availability.

Whether you are a student seeking practical experience or an education provider arranging placements, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements.

To help us assess suitability, please include:

• Your name and contact details.
• Your college or university.
• Your course and required placement hours.
• Your preferred commencement date and availability.
• Any specific learning, supervision or assessment requirements.

Contact Support Foundation to discuss current placement availability and the next steps in applying.

Call 02 8386 1433 to talk through a placement.