Social Work Placements
The students of today are the future of tomorrow and what a better way to secure their tomorrow by assisting them to navigate through the challenges of life through the educational system - Joyce Upenyu Matione
Their kind words and encouragement made me feel valued and confident in my role from the very start - Princess Vanessa Young
Princess Vanessa Young
Charles Darwin University, 1st year Master of Social Work Student Placement, Semester 2 2024
Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Moving from the Philippines to Darwin, Princess Vanessa Young brought her nursing degree and passion for people to her Master of Social Work studies – and found her stride while on social work placement with SWIPS in the Department of Education and Training.
With a drive to bridge the gap between healthcare and community service, advocate for marginalised groups, and create a meaningful social change, Princess made a real impact by supporting the implementation of Positive Behavioural Interventions and Support (PBIS), an evidence-based, proactive school-wide approach that aims to reduce the impact of challenging behaviours and improve student outcomes.
“I developed strong collaborative and teamwork skills. Engaging in group supervision and peer discussions honed my ability in guided conversations, foster open communication, and support collaborative problem-solving among my peers”.
Princess was inspired by the SWIPS team’s inclusive, culturally sensitive approach to student wellbeing. Participating in workshops and reflective practice sessions helped her deepen her understanding of cross-cultural practices and solidify her own inclusive values.
“This experience has deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in educational social work. I now better understand how inclusive and supportive interventions can enhance school engagement and student wellbeing”.
Her message to future students: Seize every opportunity that comes your way. Every experience will help you grow both personally and professionally.
Seize every opportunity that comes your way. Every experience will help you grow both personally and professionally.
Princess Vanessa Young — Social Work student placements
Joyce Upenyu Matione
Charles Darwin University, 1st year Master of Social Work Student Placement, Semester 2 2024
Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Originally from Zimbabwe, Joyce Upenyu Matione came to Australia to study a Master of Social Work at Charles Darwin University, driven by her passion for empowering others. Her background in banking, working with marginalized women, sparked her shift toward social work.
During her placement with SWIPS, Joyce supported the Service Intake Team and participated in funding panels, gaining firsthand insight into student inclusion and wellbeing. She also reviewed department policies and discovered the power of critical reflection.
“I used to doubt my critical thinking, but this placement showed me I was already applying it. I now feel confident putting theory into practice.”
Joyce admired SWIPS’ collaborative, inclusive culture and came away inspired by the diversity of social work in education—from frontline support to shaping policy.
Through her placement experience with SWIPS Joyce learnt a powerful lesson: Social work in Australia is incredibly diverse. It’s not limited to certain fields but encompasses a wide range of practices that directly or indirectly benefit students. Social workers have a significant role to play in policy development as well as in hands-on student support. This has opened her eyes to the many avenues she could explore within the field, especially in educational settings.
Her advice to future students: Embrace every opportunity—you’re more capable than you think.
Embrace every opportunity—you’re more capable than you think.
Joyce Upenyu Matione — Social Work student placements
Work in the Northern Territory
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The Territory's warm weather creates a sense of a perpetual working holiday.
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Living in the Territory has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
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The students of today are the future of tomorrow and what a better way to secure their tomorrow by assisting them to navigate through the challenges of life through the educational system - Joyce Upenyu Matione
The Graduate Program has allowed endless opportunities.
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