Gerard Jefferies

Dr. Gerard Jefferies is a Lecturer in Social Work at the University of the Sunshine Coast's School of Law and Society. He holds a PhD (Social Work) from UniSC and has been affiliated with the institution since 2012, initially as Field Education Coordinator. His research focuses on simulation-based learning in social work education, particularly in enhancing practice readiness through innovative pedagogical methods. He has led projects like the Building Community: Gifting Time initiative (2022-2023) and contributed to national conversations on field education standards. Dr. Jefferies has published extensively on simulation efficacy, pandemic-era education adaptations, and forensic social work specialisation gaps.

Education Background: PhD in Social Work (UniSC), MSocWk (Qld.UT), BSocSc (Human Services, Qld.UT).

Research Interests: Simulation technologies for skill development, volunteerism dynamics on the Sunshine Coast, and forensic social work specialisation. His work emphasizes bridging theory-practice gaps through evidence-based approaches like cognitive load theory and consensus-driven frameworks for competency assessment.

Awards: 2016 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Engagement Award and 2021 Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. He chairs the Queensland Field Education Network and actively collaborates with organizations like Sunshine Coast Council.

Grants: Led a $22,293 regional partnership grant for community engagement initiatives. His research often intersects with real-world challenges like post-pandemic education recovery and forensic practice training.

Labs/Teams: Actively involved in social work education innovation through the School of Law and Society’s research clusters, focusing on simulation development and forensic practice readiness.