BSW Field Orientation… the HEART of Social Work Education

1. BSW Field Orientation…the HEART of Social Work Education Vivian Hurt, MSW,CSW Field Director, BSW and MSW Programs

2. Who’s Who in Field Placement • Field Director- Responsible for Placement contracts, matching students, trouble shooting • Field Instructor-MSW or BSW, 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.

3. BSW Field 200 Hours First Semester 200 Hours Second Semester • TOTAL 400 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

4. BSW MISSION Prepare culturally competent professionals who work with diverse, multigenerational populations and client systems of various sizes. The program promotes a commitment to social justice and lifelong learning in order for students to work successfully in a global society.

5. 10 Core 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

6. CSWE and EPAS

7. 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

8. Worksite Placements(WKU does not guarantee Worksite Placement) • Placements are carefully evaluated and developed • Placement “job tasks” are different from “regular work” each semester • Field Instructor and Employment Supervisor must be different • Involved in the Process • Student • Employment Supervisor • Agency Administration • Field Instructor • Field Director (final approval)

9. 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

10. 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- Field Director and/or Program Director • You can always follow Grievance Policy

11. 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

12. 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

13. Student Responsibility • Case Recordings • Agency protocol, transfer or closing summary • Journals/Field Logs/Hours • Student Evaluation of Practicum • Keep Original Learning Plan and use it at all Evaluation points

14. 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