Tenants Advice Service has been involved in providing training for social work students for many years. Through TAS' association with Curtin University, second and fourth year students have benefited from the knowledge and skills gained at TAS in the area of tenancy law and advocacy.
The role of the social work student at TAS is to become familiar with tenancy law to the extent where they are able to offer advice to tenants and community workers, and where appropriate, take on tenancy case work. Students are also encouraged to develop an awareness of the issues surrounding housing for disadvantaged groups.
Students on placement are gradually introduced to this area by reading relevant materials ie Residential Tenancy Act, Tenants' Rights Manual and other policy materials relating to Homeswest. Further knowledge is also gained through attending TAS training courses.
The next stage of learning incorporates the student observing TAS staff members answering the advice line. Students are then given the opportunity to answer calls on the advice line under the supervision of TAS staff. When a student reaches a level of competency, they are then permitted to answer calls alone, whilst always referring to TAS staff if they have a query they are unsure of.
Field placement for social work students at TAS has proven to be a valuable learning experience over the years. The knowledge gained can be used in the future to assist members of the community with tenancy problems and equip individuals with information to enable them to secure their rights as tenants.
TAS also provides short term placement opportunities for community workers. Please contact TAS for details.
Back to feature articles menu.