MSW Field Orientation…the HEART of Social Work Education

Vivian Hurt, MSW,CSWField Director BSW and MSW Programs

Who’s Who in Field Placement

Field Director- Responsible for Placement contracts, matching students, trouble shooting

Field Instructor-MSW, post 2 years

Field Liaison- faculty member responsible for coordination and oversight of placement

Field Placement-agency where student is placed

Task Supervisor- agency staff person who oversees daily activity, under guidance of Field Instructor.

MSW Field

FOUNDATION YEAR200 Hours First Semester 200 Hours Second Semester

CONCENTRATION YEAR250 Hours First Semester 250 Hours Second Semester

TOTAL 900 Hours in Field -Does not include Pre Field Orientation, Travel, or Agency Training (only 16 hours per semester)

Experiential in Nature and Focus Application of theories and skills Field courses are sequenced with PRACTICE Courses

Field Program StandardsProfessional Comportment

Purpose of WKU MSW Program To prepare exemplary social workers

that are skilled in practice in rural sittings.

In keeping with this purpose, students are expected to possess, appreciate, be able to practice and continue to develop the following competencies.

Identifies as Professional SW Applies Ethical Principles Applies Critical Thinking/Professional Judgment Engages Diversity Advances Human Rights/Justice Engages in Research-Informed Practice and Practice-Informed

Research Knowledge of Human Behavior/Social Environment Engages in Policy Practice to Advance Economic Well-being and

Deliver Effective Social work Practice Responds to Contexts that Shape Practice Engages, Assesses, Intervenes, and Evaluates with Individuals,

Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

10 Core Competencies

CSWE and EPAS

Field Application Process Student gives top 3 choices.

Field Director and Student work together to find a “good fit”

Student approaches the placement process just like a job opportunity-always professional

Student “sells themselves” to the agency during the first contact and the interview

Agency-Field Instructor Visited/approved Current Contract/MOU Licensed/Exempt 2 years post degree experience willing to participate in teaching/learning abide by WKU field policy

Placements are carefully evaluated and developed

Placement “job tasks” are different from “regular work” each semester

Field Instructor and Employment Supervisor must be different

Must have a different Field Instructor each year Involved in the Process

Student Employment Supervisor Agency Administration Field Instructor Field Director (final approval)

Worksite Placements(WKU does not guarantee Worksite Placement)

Field Students Have realistic expectations Communicate with Field Director WATCH YOUR EMAIL Complete Pre-field ONLINE training Apply for Insurance Early Submit All Required Paperwork on

Time Responsible for Grade-Hours, journals, other

assignments, “Beginning Competence” on objectives- Pass/Fail

Student Concerns- Who Can Help

Anything involving the agency- go to the Field Instructor

Completing Hours, placement problems, grades, assignments- go to Liaison

If not resolved- FD takes to Program Director

You can always follow Grievance Policy

General Policy University does not provide any travel

reimbursement Student is responsible for health,

automobile and liability insurance (notify liaison/field director of health/safety hazards)

If you transport clients-WKU will not be responsible-student will (suggest rider)

Special Agency Requirements TB, Criminal Checks, Employment

Student Behavior Professional/Ethics

Represent WKU and Agency

Confidentiality Adhere to Personnel Practices/Use of

Materials Sick, phone numbers, show initiative, responsible for learning

Holidays Work schedule is at the discretion of Field

Instructor

Student Responsibility Case Recordings

Agency protocol, transfer or closing summary

Journals/Field Logs/Hours Student Evaluation of Practicum Keep Original Learning Plan and us it

at all Evaluations

Have a Great “Field” Experience

Visit the Field Website Often Vivian.Hurt@wku.edu Office Phone 745 8935 AC 114 Remember-

“Field Placement” is the HEART of SOCIAL WORK