Student Placements and Clinic

stts-studentclinic@health.nsw.gov.au  |  (02) 9646 6700

STARTTS has been actively involved in providing opportunities for student learning for many years, aiming to increase the number of health, social and behavioural sciences professionals in the field who are specialised in working with trauma and refugee communities.

STARTTS provides opportunities for students currently engaged in studies of:

• Psychology
• Social Work
• Community Services
• Community Development
• Art and other creative therapies
• Counselling
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy

STARTTS can be flexible depending on the skills and interest areas of students and will consider placements from disciplines not listed above. Availability of placements is dependent on a number of factors including applicable professional supervision, client needs and availability of relevant and appropriate activities/projects for students to participate in.

Why do a placement at STARTTS?

• Work with purpose – Opportunity to contribute to the healing and recovery of individuals, families and communities impacted by torture and trauma
• Trauma-Informed Learning Environment – gain hands-on experience in trauma-informed, rights-based and culturally responsive practice guided by leading professionals in the field
• Comprehensive Induction Program – begin your placement with a thorough orientation that introduces you to the organisation, our clients, trauma-informed practice principles and safety protocols
• Skilled Supervision and Support – learn from experienced supervisors who are committed to supporting your professional development and reflective practice
• Access to Training Opportunities – participate in internal training, workshops and professional development sessions to build your knowledge of trauma recovery and refugee mental health support

Community Development Student Placements

The Community Development Student Placement program helps train and educate students from a wide range of disciplines. Types of work that may be undertaken by students on Community Development Placements include:

• Group Work – support the planning and facilitation of community groups focused on well-being, social connection and settlement support
• Community Development – assist with community-led projects that strengthen social cohesion, build capacity and respond to identified community needs
• Youth Engagement – participate in programs that support young people navigating identity, education and resettlement
• Early Childhood Support – support programs that promote attachment, development and emotional wellbeing for young children and their parents
• Research and Evaluation – contribute to research, program evaluations, and community consultations that inform service delivery and promote evidence-based practice
• Casework – locating resources and assisting clients with referrals and advocacy to access required services

Clinical Student Placements

Students on Clinical Placement will be providing assessment and both individual and group psychotherapeutic interventions to our clients. These placements will meet requirements for a range of post-graduate training programs and include provision of all necessary supervision. To be eligible for a clinical placement, students need to be engaged in post-graduate programs of:

• Clinical Psychology
• Other postgraduate Psychology programs
• Social Work
• Counselling or Psychotherapy (Masters level programs)
• Creative/expressive therapies (Masters level programs)
• Other relevant Allied Health professions

A STARTTS clinical placement is generally not suitable as the student’s first external placement – this must be the student’s third or final clinical placement.