Student Placement - Hertfordshire Complex Needs Service

Role Responsibility

Essential

• Currently enrolled on a relevant course requiring a placement
• Willingness to learn and engage positively with feedback
• Respectful, non-judgemental approach
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Basic IT and communication skills

Desirable

• Interest in complex needs, social inclusion, or health inequalities
• Awareness of trauma-informed or person-centred practice
• Previous voluntary or support experience (not essential)

Time Commitment

• Placement length and hours to be agreed with the education provider
• Typically 1–3 days per week (flexibility may be available)
• Placement duration usually 8–12 weeks or longer, depending on course requirements

Training Provided

• Organisational induction
• Safeguarding adults and children
• Confidentiality and data protection
• Health and safety
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion

Safeguarding and Safer Placement

• This placement requires adherence to safeguarding policies
• A DBS check may be required depending on placement activities
• Students must comply with organisational codes of conduct and professional boundaries

The Ideal Candidate

What the Student Will Gain

• Real-world experience in a complex needs setting
• Exposure to multi-agency and partnership working
• Increased confidence and professional skills
• Insight into ethical, trauma-informed practice
• Reference or placement report in line with organisational policy

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to inclusive placement opportunities and welcome students from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be made wherever possible to support students to succeed in their placement.

Package Description

This student placement provides an opportunity to gain practical experience within a multi-disciplinary Complex Needs Service supporting individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage, including homelessness, mental ill health, substance use, involvement with the criminal justice system, and trauma.

The placement aims to support students in developing professional skills, understanding trauma-informed and person-centred practice, and gaining experience of working within a partnership-based service.

Learning Objectives

During the placement, students will:

• Develop an understanding of complex needs and multi-agency working
• Gain insight into trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches
• Build professional communication and organisational skills
• Observe and contribute to safe, ethical service delivery
• Reflect on practice through supervision and learning activities

Learning objectives will be agreed and reviewed in line with course requirements.

Turning Point