November 20, 2014 Building Successful Partnerships and Rotations: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) HPPAE Experience Jennifer Husted, LCSW VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

History of VA/HPPAE Partnership  10 year partnership between University of Pittsburgh HPPAE and the VA  25+ year relationship between University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and the VA  VA has committed to: At least 2 HPPAE students every academic year since 2004 VAPHS has between 7-9 MSW intern stipends each academic year

VA Student Selection Process  Centralized Application Process  Applications Due June 1  Application packets: Transcripts Letters of recommendation Writing sample Resume

VA Student Selection Process  Application packets of all potential candidates reviewed by Student Program Coordinator/Co-Coordinator  Interviews arranged In person Phone  Interviews format Opening questions PBI Questions

VA Student Selection Process  Review of student interviews, areas of interest, and potential field instructors  Matching of students with potential field instructors  Second interviews with student and field instructors  Final selection of students  Communication with university for accepted and declined students

HPPAE Selection Process  Anticipated that 2 HPPAE students are accepted each year  More than 2 could be selected based on overall applicants and available field instructors and sites

Serving Older Veterans Includes but not limited to: GRECC-Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centers Geriatric Evaluation and Management Clinic Inpatient Psychiatry Inpatient Acute Care (55% of Veterans served are 60 years or older)

Serving Older Veterans Community Living Center (CLC): 262 bed facility o Dementia Specialty Care Unit- Secured Unit for Veterans with dementia and wandering or exit seeking behaviors o Hospice/ Palliative Care Unit o Rehabilitation unit focuses on a shorter LOS with Short Stay rehabilitation therapies (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy) and resuming most independent functional living setting o Skilled nursing care o Transitional Care Unit o In House Respite Admissions o Long Term Care program provides resident-centered care to eligible Veterans who make the CLC their home

VA Placement Opportunities Experienced Instructors: Strong primary placement with dedicated field instructor Field instructors must be VA employee for at least 2 years and have at least a “fully successful” on performance evaluation Utilization of task supervisors for additional assignments Educational events Shadowing at alternate sites Participation with field instructors on committee work MSW intern group meetings Case presentations

VA Placement Opportunities Rotational Experience: Intra-rotational or internal rotations fit best with second year students Ex: VAMC opportunities; GRECC, GEM, Community Living Center, Spinal Cord Clinic

Intra-Rotational Experience Option 1: Switch Field Instructors Communication between Student Program Coordinator and the assigned field instructors One field instructor each semester Field instructor for semester takes ownership of field learning plan, evaluation, and school meetings Second semester field instructor will consider feedback from first semester If there are student issues, will readdress the placement plan

Intra-Rotational Experience Continued Example of rotations: 2 field instructors:  GEM Clinic/Inpatient Psychiatry o One student rotating assignment based on requested experiences ; 2 program areas o New field instructor at each assignment  Community Living Center o 2 students assigned each year to different units o 2 field instructors that switch at semester

Intra-Rotational Experience Continued Option 2: Maintain primary field instructor and add a task supervisor Field instructor has primary responsibility for student, including field learning plan, evaluations and meetings with school of social work Field instructor also provides formal weekly supervision to the student

Intra-Rotational Experience Continued Example Rotations: One field instructor, task supervisor  Often in closely related areas  First semester – inpatient behavioral health unit  Second semester – inpatient behavioral health and CTAD group work  Task supervisor provides supervision for all work in CTAD  Field instructor maintains responsibility for student

Challenges  Some students love the rotational options and the opportunity to have multiple experiences.  Others find it difficult to “switch gears” mid stream.

Benefits  Our goal through the rotational field model is that all HPPAE students gain proficiency in the CSWE geriatric competencies.

Communication with the University  Ongoing communication with HPPAE program directors  Processing past year with university staff  Setting goals for academic year with university staff

Multi-Faceted Relationship Between University of Pittsburgh and VA  MSW Internship Program  Field Instructors: University of Pittsburgh CE to field instructors (50% discount) HPPAE special programs for field instructors Reduced college credit Attend leadership presentations  Formal Case Presentations All University of Pittsburgh VA MSW students present VA and university staff attend the full-day event

University of Pittsburgh/VA Partnership Success “The HPPAE students have presented to field placement year after year with determination and focus. There is intention in their goal setting and a passion to make a difference in the field of social work.” –Jennifer Rochkind (Field Instructor and HPPAE Fellow)