Dr Gerard Jefferies completed his PhD researching the utilisation of simulation to develop practice skills in social work education. This research explored the differences between simulation technology and traditional case studies to advance the professional skills students require for practice. Gerard has presented the findings from this research to both national and international conferences and published in academic peer previewed journals.
Gerard’s PhD research was titled ‘Rigor in authentic pre-placement assessment to strengthen student practice capacity’.
Gerard commenced at USC in 2012 as the Field Education Coordinator responsible for the coordination of the Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work placement courses. His practice experience includes youth justice, mental health, disability, alcohol rehabilitation and homelessness.
Professional memberships
- Member, Australian Association of Social Workers
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Member, Practice Group Sub-committee, Qld Branch AASW
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Member, Sunshine Coast Social Work Practice Group
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Chair, Queensland Field Education Network (2016 to present)
Awards and fellowships
- Vice-Chancellor and President's Award for Excellence in Engagement (2016)
- Associate Fellow (AFHEA) (2021)
Research grants
| Project name | Investigators | Funding body | Year(s) | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Community: Gifting Time | Dr Gerard Jefferies (PI); Dr Peter Innes; Dr Raj Yadav |
Sunshine Coast Council/University of the Sunshine Coast - Regional Partnerships Agreement, $22,293 |
2022-2023 |
Community engagement Research publications |
Research areas
- simulation in social work education
- volunteerism on the Sunshine Coast
- social work education
Teaching areas
Program coordinator
Recent publications
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Jefferies, G., Davis, C., & Mason, J. (In press). Developing Key Performance Indicators for Social Work Field Education in Australia: A Consensus Based Approach. Journal of Social Work Education.
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Jefferies, G., Davis, C., & Mason, J. (2021). COVID-19 and field education in Australia: exploring the use of simulation. Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1080/02185385.2021.1945951
- Jefferies, G., Davis, C., & Mason, J. (2021). Simulation and Skills Development: Preparing Australian Social Work Education for a Post-COVID Reality. Australian Social Work, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2021.1951312
Gerard Jefferies specialist areas of knowledge include simulation in social work education and social work education.