Disability and community inclusion placement requirements

Flinders University offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Disability, many of which include work integrated learning (WIL) placements. WIL placements (also referred to as practicum topics) equip students with specific work-integrated knowledge and skills that can be applied in a range of disability, allied health and human services environments.

The Advanced Diploma in Disability and Community Inclusion incorporates a placement in second year. The Bachelor of Disability and Community Inclusion incorporates placements in second and third year. The Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education incorporates placements in second and third year and two placements in fourth year. Postgraduate programs may also include placement (please refer to the Course Rule).

Placements are provided in a number of settings including disability organisations and services, schools and higher education settings, health and rehabilitation services, and aged care across Australia. Undergraduate placements in second year are allocated according to availability. All other placements are sourced by you in an area of your interest where you will be able to demonstrate the topic learning outcomes.

Pre-placement compliance checklists

Disability and community inclusion

Disability and Community Inclusion (Non-SA)

Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support (Non-SA)

Pre-requisites for placement

Compliance requirements for placement eligibility

Activity	What you need to do	Form / more information	Submit to
Fitness for placement declaration	Declare your fitness for placement by reading and acknowledging the Fitness for Placement statement on InPlace. Let the University know if you have an access plan.	N/A	InPlace
Student consent for placement	Read and acknowledge the relevant essential conditions around student consent for placement using the applicable form. (Please note: if you are required to undertake multiple placements during your degree, you may be required to read both student consent documents, check with your WIL Support Team if you are unsure.)	Placements undertaken outside Flinders University - Student Consent for Placement Statement (PDF) OR Placements undertaken within Flinders University ONLY - Student Consent for Internal WIL Placement with Flinders University Statement (PDF)	InPlace
Intellectual property for placement	Watch the student IP declaration, then acknowledge your understanding in InPlace. Watch the IP counselling video.	Student Intellectual Property Statement (PDF)	InPlace
Emergency Contact	Confirm your emergency contact details are up to date in the Student Information System.		Student System
Student Declaration for Placement	Read and acknowledge the Student Declaration for Placement. If you agree with it, you will be eligible for placement.	Student Declaration for Placement (PDF)	InPlace
Police Check	You will need to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).	Police Check detailed information	InPlace

Activity	What you need to do	Form / more information	Submit to
DHS Working with Children Check	Obtain a clearance from DHS	DHS compliance information	InPlace
NDIS Worker Check	Obtain a clearance from DHS	DHS compliance information	InPlace
Police Check	You will need to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).	Police Check detailed information	InPlace
Annual influenza vaccination	Book an annual influenza vaccination from an immunisation provider.	Influenza vaccination certificate (PDF)	InPlace
COVID-19 Vaccination	Ensure you have received a course of COVID-19 vaccinations and maintain your immunity as per SA/Federal Health Government Department directions. Book an appointment	Not applicable	InPlace
Hand hygiene	Undertake the online National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) module: Hand Hygiene for Clinical Healthcare Workers Online Learning Module Upload the certificate.	NHHI - Complete learning module	InPlace
Safe Environment - Through Their Eyes	Through their eyes training is a compulsory pre-placement requirement. There are many providers in Adelaide, utilise the link to source a provider. If you have completed a Through their eyes training within the last 3 years, please complete the the RRHAN-EC Safe Environments - Through their eyes brindging course, which can be obtained in the Plink website.	Department of Human Services	InPlace
Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect — Education and Care (RAN-EC) training for school placements	Suitable for anyone who has a current RAN-EC (Response to Abuse and Neglect) certificate that expires on 31 Dec 2021 First step for anyone who has never done the training or who has a lapsed certificate If you have a current Child Safe Environments Through Their Eyes/Safe Environments full-day certificate, you can do the 2-hour fundamentals online component through Plink to meet the requirements of both CSE and RRHAN-EC which is suitable for placement as well as professional work.	RRHAN FAQs with link to Plink	InPlace

Detailed compliance information

Department of Human Services (DHS) clearances

These clearances are valid for five years from date of issue (unless revoked prior), except Aged Care Sector Clearance, which has an expiry of three years.

There are three main types of screening offered by the DHS the University requires; Aged-Care Sector, Working With Children Check (WWCC), and NDIS Worker Check. Refer to the pre-placement compliance checklist to determine which screenings you require.

Formerly known as Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) clearances, DHS clearances are state-based clearances used to determine suitability for employment within specific care sectors in South Australia.

Note: Working With Children Checks issued prior to 1 July 2019 are known as Child-Related Employment Screenings.

Obtaining DHS clearances

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences require students to obtain DHS Clearances through self-initiation via the DHS website.

Please follow this guide for step-by-step directions of how to start your application.

Existing clearances can be renewed up to 6 months prior to expiry. It is recommended that clearances are renewed early to ensure there is no lapse in compliance.

View more information on the DHS website.

What is the difference between DHS clearances and the Police Check?

The Police Check is a printout of all disclosable criminal convictions as recorded by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). DHS clearances involve additional probity checks and continuous monitoring. Both are required.

Police Check (NCCHC)

Students must supply a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) prior to the commencement of their placement.

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)

Valid for three years from date of issue

Commonly referred to as a Police Check, a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) is a document that lists all criminal convictions recorded against a person in the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) database. For more information visit the ACIC website.

Police Checks (NCCHCs) can be issued by:

State and Territory or
Private brokers that have been accredited by the ACIC

An acceptable Police Check (NCCHC) must meet the following requirements:

The following information is provided to assist you complete an application form for your Police Check:
Reason for Check – University Student Placement
Proposed Place of Work – Health/Aged Care Sector
Location – Adelaide, South Australia

Please note – if you are completing a Police Check for a Northern Territory placement, please follow the instruction provided by Flinders NT or your discipline specific checklist. In the absence of this advice, follow the above instructions to complete the application form.

Students are responsible for the cost of obtaining their Police Check (NCCHC).

Students completing placements in South Australia may choose to apply for a Police Check (NCCHC) directly through their local police, or through a commercial broker. If a Police Check (NCCHC) is required urgently (e.g. sooner than 4 – 5 weeks) then it is advisable to apply online through an accredited broker that offers fast turnaround.

Police Check (NCCHC) providers:

South Australia Police (SAPOL) - We strongly recommend you use the SAPOL Police Check as this the most accepted document.
Third party providers are https://flinders.checked.com.au and www.cvcheck.com.
State clearances are most widely accepted across organisations and interstate, third party provided clearances may not be accepted by host organisations outside of the control of the University.

Please note that Flinders University does not endorse these providers and cannot guarantee their turnaround times.

What happens if there are offences listed on my Police Check?

Students with criminal convictions should to refer to the SA Health Criminal and Relevant History Screening Policy Directive. Students with serious criminal convictions may be precluded from placement. Students with criminal convictions are advised to meet with their course coordinator to discuss their ability to satisfy the requirements of their placement topic.

Will you accept a Teachers Registration Board (TRB) Registration Certificate?

No. The Teachers Registration Board (TRB) undertakes a Police Check (Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check) as part of the registration process, however, no outcomes are listed on the registration certificate. You are required to obtain a separate Police Check (NCCHC).

How can I obtain a replacement Police Check?

Replacement Police Checks (NCCHCs) can sometimes be obtained by contacting the organisation that issued the original certificate. In many cases, students who have lost their Police Check (NCCHC) will need to apply for a new one.

Preparing for placement

During placement

Attendance

Venue orientation

All venues will provide a compulsory orientation for students prior to or on the first day of placement.

On your first day of placement you will:

produce your current compulsory pre-placement compliance documents
meet the venue staff
be shown around the venue
be advised of any specific requirements for the venue.

Arriving at placement

It is your responsibility to arrive at your venue at least ten minutes before the shift begins. This will ensure you arrive in a timely manner and receive instructions for the activities to be undertaken on the day.

Missed placement hours or shifts

Any hours missed during your placement must be ‘made up’ as you need to attend for the allocated duration. Missed placement hours may mean that you:

cannot complete the topic requirements for placement
may not meet the course graduation requirements,

Paid employment

As a placement student, you may not:

count paid employment hours towards your placement hours
undertake a placement in your place of employment (due to conflicting expectations around roles).

Elite athletes

If you are an elite athlete, you need to advise topic coordinators and the placement team of your status as soon as this is confirmed. This will enable appropriate placement arrangements can be accommodated. The University’s rule for Elite Athlete status provides further details, including the need to renew applications annually.

Australian Defence Force personnel

If you are a member of the Australian Defence Forces, and expect to be deployed or required for compulsory training exercises during a placement period, please advise your topic coordinator and the placement team as soon as details are known. Wherever possible, alternative arrangements will be made for your placement.

Withdrawing from placement

If you decide to withdraw from your placement either before or soon after it commences you need to email your placement team advising that you intend to withdraw from the topic - in some instances your placement can then be reallocated to another student.

Problem and concerns

This section provides guidance for finding solutions for issues that may arise during a placement, and suggestions about appropriate people to contact.

Issues sometimes arise on placement that you may not be able to resolve by yourself. Who to contact and potential solutions are covered below. Keep in mind that you are required to maintain professional behaviour and communication at all times, especially with those at the placement venue.

The placement communication framework (available below) provides information about who to contact when you have a question about your placement.

First point of contact

When an issue arises at the venue where you are doing your professional experience placement, the first person to contact is always your agency supervisor and/or your University supervisor.

Your supervisors are there to act as your advocate and to help resolve any matters of concern.

If the matter cannot be resolved with the assistance of your agency or University supervisors arrange to meet with your topic coordinator to discuss your concerns.

If you have done this and the problem is still not fixed - what to do next:

Make an appointment to speak with your course coordinator.
If the matter if still not resolved arrange to meet with the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning).

Where appropriate and as far as is possible, your anonymity will be preserved.

Remember that you have free access to the University Health, Counselling and Disability Services.

Are you experiencing bullying or harassment?

Flinders University is committed to ensuring that students can participate in workplaces that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, and where people are respected and diversity is embraced.

The College complies with the Flinders University principles outlined in No bullying at Flinders.

If you feel that you are being, or have been, bullied or harassed at a placement venue, report this immediately to your agency supervisor/University supervisor and/or your topic coordinator.

Also, seek support and assistance as soon as possible from the University Student Equal Opportunity Adviser, who provides assistance to resolve complaints that arise from harassment or bullying, under the University’s Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF).

What is breach of conduct?

A breach of conduct is when situations arise where there are serious deficits in the way a student conducts themselves or behaves while on placement, for example when a student:

behaves in an unprofessional manner or
does tasks outside their scope of practice
engages in unsafe professional practice

When a breach of conduct occurs, the student will be referred to the topic coordinator who will review whether they can continue activity within the topic, depending on the severity of the breach.

Unsafe professional practice include:

inadequate knowledge for safe practice
inadequate performance of skills, including communication
unprofessional behaviour that places people at risk of physical harm, unreasonable emotional distress or neglect
unlawful or unethical behaviour.

If the issue/s that caused the removal of a student from placement can be resolved, and the venue agrees, a student may continue their placement. Negotiation for the support of a Professional Learning Plan may also be considered.

The topic coordinator, in consultation with the agency and University supervisor will determine whether a student may be reinstated.

Further information about while you're on placement

Placement communication framework

Rural placements

You may be required to undertake a rural or remote placement during your study. A rural venue is defined by the Australian Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness Areas 2-5.

Rural placements will provide unique opportunities and challenges that aid in developing your personal independence and professional skills. Keep in mind that ehy will require you to be adaptable, flexible and resourceful.

You will be notified of all placement allocations through InPlace.

Financial assistance

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences understands that students can struggle financially with the costs of living away from home while undertaking placement. There are resources available to help:

Reimbursement Policy – students can recover some of the costs of travel and accommodation after their placement by completing the Student Placement Reimbursement form (PDF).
FUSA – FUSA’s Financial Advocacy service can assist with all things financial
Scholarships – Students are encouraged to check the Scholarships at Flinders page and apply for any scholarship for which they are eligible.

Flinders University Rural & Remote Health SA (FURRHSA)

Flinders University Rural & Remote Health SA (FURRHSA) facilitates high quality multidisciplinary health education and research in our State's regional areas.

We have a strong national and international reputation for providing community-engaged inter-professional training for medical, nursing and allied health students. This includes the MD Rural Stream (MDRS) program and multidisciplinary rural clinical placements.

Through this practice, we bring new and exciting opportunities to actively engage and work with rural communities.

Find out more about FURRHSA

Flinders NT placements

The Northern Territory offers unique placement experiences that pose both challenges and rewards for healthcare students. Placement sites vary from remote clinics and practices to large tertiary hospitals, and from isolated desert communities to the multi-cultural centres of Darwin and Alice Springs.

We encourage and support students to embrace the learning opportunities, become involved in the local communities and make a positive difference to the health of our population.

Find out more about Flinders NT placements

Reimbursement policy

Student Reimbursement Policy for SA rural, remote and interstate placements (1 February 2025)

This policy is for College of Nursing and Health Sciences students undertaking a rural or remote South Australian or any interstate placement.

Students will be eligible for reimbursement following each completed placement in line with this policy.

Reimbursement claims are processed at the completion of placement. Reimbursement claims must be submitted by the 15 January the following year for reimbursement of placement expenses the previous calendar year.

Students living in a rural or interstate location while completing their course qualify for reimbursement when they undertake placement in a metropolitan location.

Accommodation

Accommodation expenses will be reimbursed to a maximum of $150 per week for the duration of the placement period.

Students must provide evidence for payment of accommodation, a receipt is preferred where possible, bank statement or signed letter from landlord can also be provided as evidence. Bonds and security deposits for accommodation, paid by students, are not covered by this policy and will not be reimbursed.

It is expected students stay in their allocated rural placement location area when undertaking a rural placement experience. Usual living expenses, including rent at a semester address, will not be covered under this policy.

Travel

Travel will be reimbursed to a maximum of $500 for travel expenses to and from the placement venue, at the commencement and completion of the placement based on the receipts provided (such as flights, bus, taxi fare). Students will not be reimbursed for travel while on placement returning to their residential address (e.g. at the end of a shift or on weekends during placement).

Students travelling within SA to rural and remote locations by a private vehicle will receive a predetermined amount to cover fuel expenses. Students will not be required to submit receipts. The total amount students will receive is provided on the Personal Travel Reimbursement - SA Rural Locations (PDF).

Exemptions:

If the placement is in the Northern Territory, students will be entitled to be reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses to a maximum of $750. Accommodation can only be included, if it was required in travelling to the placement location, prior to and at the completion of the placement. The total travel and accommodation amount in these instances will not exceed the maximum allowance of $750.
If the placement is a project-based placement requiring the student to travel several times from metropolitan Adelaide to a rural venue, the student will be entitled to 2 return trips to a maximum refund of $500. To be eligible the student must provide supporting documentation in writing from their topic coordinator indicating this activity is essential.
Metropolitan Placements that require sporadic rural travel as part of the placement venues network are not eligible for reimbursement.
If a student is required to travel to more than one rural location during the placement period and the placement provider requires them to travel between the locations at their own expense the student will be eligible for reimbursement of travel to a maximum of $500 (this will include travel to and from placement location on first and last day of placement).
Students in this scenario will keep a log of the kilometres travelled, dates and destinations and submit this as evidence when seeking reimbursement. Travel will be reimbursed based on fuel at $1.80 per litre, with the average fuel consumption 11.1 L/100 km (ABS Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, Australia 2020).

Assessment

All accommodation and travel reimbursements will be subjected to the following criteria;

Rural and remote placements in South Australia must be within ASGS Remoteness 2021, Areas RA2 – RA5 outlined on the Doctor Connect website. Mt Barker will be excluded from this policy for both accommodation and travel reimbursement.
Interstate placements, including metro locations, are included when; the placement is approved and/or required by the college (the college via the WIL placement team will identify if a placement satisfies this test prior to confirmation).
Interstate placements, including metro locations, are not included when you choose to go to an interstate location where there is a suitable South Australian placement available to you as defined by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences WIL placement team. In these circumstances the students can still do this placement, but reimbursement will not be provided.
All placements will be confirmed by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences WIL placement team.
Scholarships, Stipends and Commonwealth Prac Payments received by the student for any placement will be taken into consideration when calculating the reimbursement. Student reimbursements from this policy will not exceed the total expenditure the student incurred for travel and accommodation.

Example:

Accommodation [$1,500] + Travel [$600] – Scholarship [$500] = $1,600 (Reimbursement)

Reimbursement process

Students are to submit reimbursement claims as per the following process:

At the completion of placement, fill out the Student Placement Reimbursement form (a fillable PDF) detailing expenses incurred while undertaking your placement.
Save the form and receipts/invoices of expenses in PDF format and email to cnhs.placements@flinders.edu.au with your student ID number and “Placement Reimbursement Claim Request” in the subject heading.
Payments are made into your nominated account within approximately 4 weeks of submitting your student placement reimbursement form.

You must ensure you keep your accommodation and travel expense receipts/invoices.

For more information please contact cnhs.placements@flinders.edu.au.

Travel and accommodation

During placement, you are required to cover the costs of your travel, accommodation and meals. You are eligible for financial assistance and reimbursement as detailed above.

Travel to many rural centres is available through private bus companies, including Stateliner and Yorke Peninsula Coaches.

Accommodation may be offered at a subsidised rate. When you are allocated to a rural placement, your details are forwarded to the Flinders Rural & Remote Health SA team who will contact you regarding the available accommodation options.