MSW Field Orientation Kellye McIntyre, MSW,CSW Field Director, BSW and MSW Programs 1

MSW Field Generalist Year Specialized Year 200 Hours First Semester 200 Hours Second Semester Specialized Year 250 Hours First Semester 250 Hours Second Semester Total of 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 linked with PRACTICE Courses 2

Who’s Who in Field Placement Field Director- responsible for placement contracts, matching students, trouble shooting Field Instructor-MSW, post 2 years Task Supervisor- agency staff person who oversees daily activity, under guidance of Field Instructor Field Liaison- faculty member responsible for coordination and oversight of placement Field Placement- agency where student is placed 3

Field Program Standards Purpose of WKU MSW Program To prepare exemplary social workers that are skilled in practice in rural settings. In keeping with this purpose, students are expected to possess, appreciate, be able to practice and continue to develop the following competencies. 4

Core Competencies Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research- informed Practice Engage in Policy Practice Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 5

CSWE and EPAS 6

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 7

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 Must have a different Field Instructor each year Involved in the Process Student Employment Supervisor Agency Administration Field Instructor Field Director (final approval) 8

Field Students Communicate with Field Director WATCH YOUR WKU 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 9

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 10

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 11

Student Behavior Professional/Ethics Confidentiality Holidays 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 12

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 Evaluations 13

Field Forms Field information (applicable to BSW and MSW students) can be found at: http://www.wku.edu/socialwork/field/stude nt_toolbox.php Click on MSW field on this page for information only for MSW students. 14

Make the most of your field experience! Visit the field website often: www.wku.edu/socialwork/field/ Office Phone 270-745-5049 kellye.mcintyre@wku.edu Academic Complex 210A 15