Orientating to your Placement Agency 2

Summary

This video guides newcomers through the essential steps of orienting themselves within an organization during their placement. Key topics include understanding practical workplace details, mapping the agency's role in the broader community services context, and completing the Agency Analysis Report. The report helps identify the organization's purpose, ethics, and legal framework, and provides an opportunity to consult with supervisors. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but by the end of the placement, you should have a solid understanding of both the micro and macro aspects of your agency's role in community services.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's important to get oriented with the basic logistical details of your agency, such as work hours, lunch arrangements, workspace, and parking.
• 😀 Understanding the agency's policies, ethical guidelines, and relevant laws will help you navigate your placement effectively.
• 😀 Mapping your agency within the broader context of community services will give you a clearer understanding of where you fit.
• 😀 The Agency Analysis Report is a key tool for orientation, helping you explore the agency's goals, policies, and legal requirements.
• 😀 Completing the Agency Analysis Report involves engaging with your supervisor to understand the organization's mission, values, and legislative impact.
• 😀 You should refer to your agency's policy manual and the ACWA Code of Ethics when working on your Agency Analysis Report.
• 😀 Researching applicable laws and legislation and discussing them with your supervisor is essential for your report.
• 😀 The report is a draft document for refining your answers before submitting them on Moodle for evaluation.
• 😀 The completed report should be submitted before reaching 80 hours of placement and is worth 15% of your overall placement mark.
• 😀 Orientation may feel overwhelming at first, but over time, you will develop a solid understanding of both the micro and macro aspects of your agency.
• 😀 The goal is to gain insight into how your agency operates on a detailed level and how it fits within the larger community services landscape.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the agency analysis report?

The agency analysis report helps you orient yourself to the agency and the context of community services. It assists in understanding how the agency fits into the broader organizational and legislative framework.

What are some practical things you need to know when you first arrive at a placement?

You need to find out about basic logistics such as introduction to colleagues, lunch arrangements, office rules (e.g., phone calls), where to get supplies like tea and coffee, how to use facilities like the photocopier, and who to contact if you are late or sick.

What should you do to orientate yourself more broadly within the organization?

Once you're comfortable in your workspace, you can begin mapping the agency in relation to community services, including understanding its purposes, goals, legal and ethical requirements, and organizational culture.

What are some of the pieces that help you understand your agency's context?

Key pieces include the organization’s purposes and goals, legal and legislative requirements, ethical codes, organizational policies, and the overall culture that influences how programs are delivered.

What should you do with the agency's policies and procedures?

You should consult your supervisor to access the agency's policies and procedures documents, including the mission statement, values, and objectives. You can reference these directly in your report.

Where can you find the ACWA code of ethics?

The ACWA code of ethics is available on Moodle, which you will need to review and reference in your report.

How should you approach researching laws and legislation relevant to your agency?

You should discuss relevant laws and legislation with your supervisor and reference them in your work. This ensures that your understanding and reporting are accurate.

What is the purpose of the Word document form in the agency analysis report?

The Word document form serves as a draft for your report. It allows you to consult, research, and discuss your answers with your supervisor and liaison officer before refining and submitting them on Moodle.

What should you do once you've completed the questions in the Word document?

Once the questions are completed, you should copy and paste your answers into the short answer section on Moodle. After submission, inform your liaison officer so they can mark your work.

When is the agency analysis report due for submission?

The agency analysis report must be submitted before you reach 80 hours of placement, and it is worth 15% of your overall placement mark.