Host checklist

The information below references the following document: Host Placement Guide.

Understand the requirements of the placement as laid out in this placement guide and the student placement agreement that you have signed between Monash University and your organisation.
Submit the host organisation placement details form (see here) to provide the details of the placement tasks/projects and any requirements your organisation may have
Identify any additional requirements specific to your organisation (note: all students will already have a police check and a working with children’s check)
Assign a supervisor to the placement (this does not have to be a registered psychologist and does not need to be someone with clinical experience)
Identify appropriate experiences, training, tasks, projects that the student will undertake
Once a student has been allocated to your organisation, plan their initial placement induction and introduction with them
Arrange an adequate workspace, access to equipment, and resources for the student to use during their placement
Ensure students are aware of security access details, dress code, parking arrangements and any other relevant information

Please be aware that this placement may be the student's first professional experience within an external organisation. They may feel shy, unconfident, or nervous, so it is important to help them feel at ease and facilitate their integration into your team.
Introduce the student to their supervisor, team members and any other key personnel in your organisation.
Familiarise the student with the location of their desk (if applicable), fire exits, relevant resources, and other amenities.
Assist the student with gaining access to relevant equipment, software and login credentials to any online platforms.
Provide the student with relevant training for their placement as required.
Ensure the student is aware of key policies, including OH&S protocols, social media, dress code, workplace behaviour and privacy regulations.
Identify and communicate preferred methods for reporting and communication and make the student aware of your availability as the supervisor.
Establish modes and frequency of communication, including instructions, guidance, feedback, mentoring, questions, and evaluations.

Make a plan for regular supervision / mentoring meetings to discuss their goals, progress and opportunities for improvement. The student will complete a mid-program review that they are required to discuss with their placement supervisor.
Clearly communicate expectations to the student and provide feedback where required (both verbal and written) to support their learning progress.
Recognise and praise the student’s achievements, as this serves as a powerful motivator and reinforces their learning.
Foster a supportive learning environment by encouraging students to ask questions and share their ideas.
Motivate students to seek solutions independently before seeking assistance.
Encourage students to reflect on their successes and challenges to develop their professional judgement skills.
Help students understand how their tasks contribute to the broader goals of your organisation.
Be patient and understanding, recognising that this may be the student's first professional experience.
Whenever possible, give students a sense of ownership over their tasks, such as by assigning them specific projects.
Ensure the student understands instructions by asking them to repeat the tasks in their own words.
Inform the Monash University Placement team immediately if any issues arise or if the student encounters difficulties in meeting placement objectives. You can communicate this using this form (PSY3034 - Placement Feedback Form).

Complete the end of placement feedback report
Discuss any improvements for the student to make going forward and, if relevant, provide them with your details to act as a referee for future employment.