ASWEAS FAQs

ASWEAS FAQs

    • Frequently Asked Questions (ASWEAS)

    The ASWEAS states that regardless of the mode of delivery, all programs must provide a minimum of 20 days of face-to-face teaching and learning. All students must participate irrespective of the mode of program delivery. With social distancing now in force, how are we supposed to comply?

    The AASW envisages that modified programs and variations will be utilised by HEPs, tha might include a reduction of face-to-face and attendance requirements. For distance education providers, the AASW understands that some residential schools may be delivered online or in a hybrid form in 2022. However, this will not be the case for all programs. We also expect on-campus programs to continue to deliver some of their programs online. HEPs will be required to report any modifications and variations in the 2022 AASW Annual Report as relevant.

    I am currently doing my placement, and my agency has asked staff to work from home. What impact does have on my placement?

    ASWEAS: “Students will complete 1,000 hours of professional practice learning involving no more than three placements”.

    If students cannot attend their placement due to office/service closure, it is envisaged that they will be supported to continue their placement from home. It is expected that students will make these arrangements in consultation with the HEP field education department, including the field educator (agency or external), task supervisor, and field education liaison staff. Supplementary projects relating to the placement, simulation, or other pedagogies might be used to complement the placement. This may require some adjustment to student learning goals. The AASW understands that in these circumstances, direct practice (where the student engages directly with individuals, groups, families, and/or communities) is not possible. In consultation with the Field Educator (agency or external based) and the HEP Field Education Liaison Officer, the student might continue the placement working remotely and focus on achieving new/additional learning outcomes.

    At least one placement has to be in direct practice - what if I haven't done that yet, and now I can't due to social distancing?

    If the above situation arises in the student’s final/last placement, and the student has already conducted an indirect placement, the student must consult with the HEP to discuss options.

    Social work field educators must be able to provide a minimum of 1.5 hours of formal supervision per student for each 35 hours of placement. At a minimum, half of this supervision must be provided on a one-to-one basis.

    Field Education Liaison Officer (FELO) Visits:

    The ASWEAS states that the FELO will meet with the student and Field Educator at least twice during the placement on-site or online face-to-face meeting. This is to clarify education issues, monitor the progress of the placement, mediate any difficulties, and assess student progress.

    My placement will be cancelled. What will happen to the hours I have already completed?

    All completed field work hours can be calculated towards a student’s achievement of the 1,000-hour field education requirement. This includes hours accrued should a placement be prematurely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These hours will not be lost despite the placement not being completed.

    I have a query about my AASW Accredited Social Work program?

    We expect that the first port of call for students is to contact their Higher Education Provider or University. The AASW can only provide general information about the ASWEAS. The AASW does not have a designated role in making decisions at an individual student level regarding a student’s placement planning or circumstances. If a HEP would like to discuss their accreditation or application of the ASWEA Standards, they can contact the AASW HEP Team via [email protected] or on 03 9320 1000 (ext. 4).