1 MSW Field Orientation Kellye McIntyre, 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, 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 MSW Field FOUNDATION YEAR 200 Hours First Semester 200 Hours Second Semester CONCENTRATION YEAR 250 Hours First Semester 250 Hours Second Semester O TOTAL 900 Hours in Field -Does not include Pre Field Orientation, Travel, or Agency Training (only 16 hours per semester) O Experiential in Nature and Focus O Application of theories and skills O Field courses are sequenced with PRACTICE Courses

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

5 10 Core Competencies O Identifies as Professional SW O Applies Ethical Principles O Applies Critical Thinking/Professional Judgment O Engages Diversity O Advances Human Rights/Justice O Engages in Research-Informed Practice and Practice-Informed Research O Knowledge of Human Behavior/Social Environment O Engages in Policy Practice to Advance Economic Well-being and Deliver Effective Social work Practice O Responds to Contexts that Shape Practice O 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. O Field Director and Student work together to find a “good fit” O Student approaches the placement process just like a job opportunity-always professional O Student “sells themselves” to the agency during the first contact and the interview Agency-Field Instructor O Visited/approved O Current Contract/MOU O Licensed/Exempt O 2 years post degree experience O Willing to participate in teaching/learning O Abide by WKU field policy

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

9 Field Students O Communicate with Field Director O WATCH YOUR O Complete Pre-field ONLINE training O Apply for Insurance Early O Submit All Required Paperwork on Time O Responsible for Grade-Hours, journals, other assignments, “Beginning Competence” on objectives- Pass/Fail

10 Student Concerns- Who Can Help O Anything involving the agency- go to the Field Instructor O Completing hours, placement problems, grades, assignments- go to Liaison O If not resolved- FD takes to Program Director O You can always follow Grievance Policy

11 General Policy O University does not provide any travel reimbursement O Student is responsible for health, automobile and liability insurance (notify liaison/field director of health/safety hazards) O If you transport clients-WKU will not be responsible- student will (suggest rider) O Special Agency Requirements O TB, Criminal Checks, Employment

12 Student Behavior O Professional/Ethics O Represent WKU and Agency O Confidentiality  Adhere to Personnel Practices/Use of Materials O Sick, phone numbers, show initiative, responsible for learning O Holidays O Work schedule is at the discretion of Field Instructor

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

14 Learning Plans O Foundation Year LP: g_plan_fall_14.docx O Concentration Year LP: ing_plan_fall14.docx O Sample LP tasks: e_tasks_for_learning_plan.docx

15 Make the most of your field experience! O Visit the field website often: O O Office Phone O O Academic Complex 210A