Work placements: where theory becomes practice

Victoria Adem completed a placement with our Community Services team in the final year of her Social Work studies. Now she works with the Targeted Care Packages team as a Case Manager.

Victoria’s review  of her work placement at BaptistCare :

During the final year of my Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at RMIT, I had the opportunity to complete my placement with BaptistCare’s Targeted Care Packages (TCP) team. This placement was one of the most valuable parts of my degree, because it showed me how the theory we learn in class translates into real change for children and families.

What struck me most was the integrity and care of the team I was placed with. They didn’t just talk about values like collaboration, respect, or strengths-based practice – they lived them.

I came to understand that strengths-based practice isn’t just a theory you cite in essays; it’s a consistent way of looking at children and families, one that shapes every decision and reminds you to hold onto hope, even in complex circumstances. Likewise, trauma-informed practice came alive for me as I learned to slow down, listen deeply and prioritise safety and dignity at every step.

Throughout the placement, I was actively involved in case planning, attending multidisciplinary meetings and supporting services tailored to the unique needs of children in out-of-home care. I saw first-hand how powerful collaboration can be – how professionals working together can create supports that no single worker could achieve alone.

I also learned how important it is to amplify the voice and autonomy of children and families, because although power imbalances are always present, honouring their choices is one of the most meaningful ways to reduce them.

I was fortunate to have an incredible supervisor, Crystal, who encouraged me to reflect, take initiative and grow in confidence. With her guidance, I moved from feeling like a student ‘trying things out’ to a practitioner who could contribute meaningfully to the team. That confidence helped me step into my first social work role with the TCP team after graduation.

Looking back; my placement was where everything clicked.

It was where theory stopped being abstract and started becoming embedded in practice.

It was where I felt the privilege of walking alongside children and families, and where I found my passion for child and family welfare confirmed.

For any student wondering what to expect from placement – know that it will challenge you, inspire you and shape you more than any lecture ever could. It’s the bridge between classroom and career and it’s where you’ll discover not just what social work is, but who you want to be within it.