The ISPCC recognises the significant role that student placements play in the day to day functioning of the Society. Encouragement of student placements is a symbiotic relationship that is good for the agency in terms of meeting its aims and objectives while at the same time sharing over 100 years of learning and experience with students who will be working with children in the future. Of benefit to the student is the practical, on the ground experience they can gain from a placement with the ISPCC.
Students seeking placements with the ISPCC come from a wide variety of backgrounds. They may be in Transition year in Secondary school or they may be looking for a placement as part of their co-operative year. Common to all however is an interest in working in an NGO. While on placement a student can have the opportunity to develop their own skills and interests. It is also an opportunity to identify and work on their weaknesses before they enter paid employment.
Selection:
Any students who may be accepted for a placement with the ISPCC no matter how long in duration will have to follow all ISPCC policy and procedures. As such any student wishing to complete a placement with the ISPCC will be subject to the same the agency’s recruitment procedure. This will also enable the Society to identify whether the student is suitable and competent for the task that they have applied for, and it must also act, as a means by which the Society can identify the further training needs of any such applicant.
Application Procedure:
A student interested in completing a placement with the ISPCC should firstly submit a C.V. to the Office where they would like to be placed. Once this is received by the Society the staff member supervising students will identify whether he or she is suitable for placement. This is dependant on a number of factors such as length of placemen, whether he/she can take on clients etc. Once a student(s) is selected he/she will then be invited for interview by 2 staff members (staff and/or a manager). Where appropriate a member of the local Children’s Advisory Committee (CAC) may sit on the panel. A student seeking a placement with the ISPCC may also be asked for a letter from his/her College confirming that they are a student there.
Documentation:
The selected student will be required to complete a number of forms including
- Garda Vetting Form
- Statement of Agreement – confidentiality, conflict of interest and copyright.
He/she will also be required to provide the Society with a number of documents such as:
- copy of birth certificate or passport
- academic qualifications
- in some cases a medical clearance may be requested
Further requirements may be discussed following interview.
Referees will be contacted ASAP after the final interview. It is essential that all students are fully Garda Vetted before commencement of placement. University/College vetting is acceptable where available, if not then students will have to undergo ISPCC Vetting Procedures. Click here to read about ISPCC Garda Vetting Procedures.
