Field Instructor (3 Hours Per Week) (Contract Appointment: 10 Months): Department of Social Work at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Role Modelling: Students observe your conduct closely. Adhere strictly to the SACSSP Code of Ethics, not just in practice, but in demeanour, punctuality, and boundaries.
• Experience: Ideally, 3 years to ensure you have the resilience and case wisdom to guide a novice.
• Attitude: Maintain a positive, motivating attitude. Social work is demanding; your enthusiasm helps buffer the student against burnout and vicarious trauma.

Supervision Duties

• Three Pillars: You must provide educational supervision (teaching skills/theory), supportive supervision (handling emotional impact), and administrative supervision (policy/procedure compliance).
• Frequency (Semester 1): At least every 3 weeks. This period focuses on orientation and initial case conceptualisation.
• Frequency (Semester 2): Weekly for the first 4 weeks (intensive phase), then bi-weekly. This increased frequency supports the implementation of complex interventions (Group and Community work).

Assessment & Feedback

• Grading: You mark student submissions. Your grades provide the most accurate reflection of their field competency.
• Timeline: Provide written feedback within 5 working days. Timely feedback is crucial; students cannot improve their next intervention if they haven't understood the errors in the previous one. Students may not proceed with the intervention until they have considered your feedback. If you don't provide feedback in a timely manner, it could lead to frustration and prevent them from continuing with their work. 
• Oral Exam: You are a required member of the examination panel to validate that the student's presentation matches their actual fieldwork performance.
• Monitor the clinical development and progression of students under your supervision.
• Submit monthly reports to the Year Group Coordinator (YGC) regarding student progress and challenges.
• Confer with the DSW each term and immediately report any performance concerns.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Bachelor of Social Sciences on NQF Level 8.
• Active registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as a Social Worker (attach proof).
• Minimum of three (3) years of working experience as Social Worker.
• Proficiency in social work supervision models (e.g., Process Model, Developmental Perspective).
• Proven ability to assist during normal working hours.
• Relevant permission from the current employer/HOD to conduct additional work (attach proof).

Recommendations:

• Experience as a field placement supervisor.
• Strong commitment to the social development practice approach.
• Willingness to "go the extra mile" for student clinical growth.
• Knowledge of the specific theories taught by the UFS Department of Social Work.