msw field education manual 2017-2018 - daemen college field... · 2020. 6. 29. · eligibility...

FIELDEDUCATIONMANUALMASTEROFSOCIALWORK

Updated:August2017

FieldEducation

WelcometoyourFieldEducationExperience!TheDaemenCollegeMasterofSocialWorkProgramhascompiledthismanualtoaidyouasyouapproachandprogressthroughtheFieldEducationexperience.Thismanualprovidesguidanceregardingeligibility,rolesandresponsibilities,placementdetermination,policiesandprocedures,supervision,andevaluation.

FieldEducationplaysanintegralroleinbridgingthetheoreticalandconceptualcontributionoftheclassroomwithactualexperienceinthefield.Fieldexperienceisavitaldimensionofgraduateeducation.Itisdesignedtoprovidenewandchallengingexperiencestothestudentsandtomaximizelearningopportunities.

ThehoursofFieldEducationpracticewillprepareyoutoentertheworkforceasaprofessionalsocialworkpractitioner.FieldEducationprovidesalearningexperienceinwhichthedevelopmentoftherequiredcompetenciesandpracticebehaviorsofprofessionalpracticeisachieved.

YouareexpectedtoobservetheNationalAssociationofSocialWorkers(NASW)CodeofEthicsintheclassroom,fieldsetting,andthecommunitiesinwhichyouwork.Pleasekeepinmind,theattainmentofprofessionalstatusconfersaroleandauthoritythatmustbebalancedwithresponsible,culturallysensitive,ethical,andprofessionalbehaviortosupportthewellbeingofclientsandourcommunity.

Iencourageyoutoembracetheprocess,astherewardsofourchosenprofessionareendless.Associalworkers,wesupporttheempowermentofallpeopleandengagedeeplyincreativeproblem-solving,collaboration,andadvocacy.

Weareagentsofchangeinsocietyandinthelivesoftheindividuals,families,andcommunitiesweserve.

Itisaprivilegetosupportandguideyouintotherewardingfieldofsocialwork.

MaggieDreyer,LCSW-RDirectorofFieldEducation

FIELDEDUCATIONMANUALMASTEROFSOCIALWORKPROGRAM

TABLEOFCONTENTS

FIELDEDUCATION 5Overview 6KeyTermsUsedinFieldEducation 8EligibilityCriteria 9RolesandResponsibilities 10LearningOpportunitiesinFieldEducation 12PRE-PLACEMENTACTIVITIES 16ApplicationProcess 17ConflictofInterest 18Employment-BasedFieldPlacement 18AcceptingEmploymentatFieldPlacementOrganization 19InternationalFieldPlacement 19FieldPlacementInterview 19FieldPlacementDetermination 20FieldPlacementCommunication 22PLACEMENTACTIVITIES 23FieldOrientation 24FieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminar 24FieldEducationAttendanceandScheduling 25InclementWeather,Disaster,andOtherEmergencies 26HealthandPersonalEmergencies 27HealthServicesandInsurance 27RiskandSafetyGuidelines 27InternshipandOtherInsurance 27Non-DiscriminationandAccommodation 29SexualHarassment 30BackgroundChecksandOtherScreenings 30StudentWorkplaceConsiderations 31OpenIdentificationofMSWStudentStatus 31BehavioralExpectations 31AbsencefromFieldPlacement 32PrivacyandConfidentiality 32UseofSocialMedia 33ProfessionalDevelopment 34LearningContract 34Supervision 36FieldPlacementVisits 37

EVALUATIONACTIVITIES 38MonitoringStudentPerformanceand/orBehavior 39FieldEducationEvaluation 40ImprovementPlan 43FieldPlacementTermination 44ReasonsforFieldPlacementTermination 45FieldPlacementReassignment 46FieldEducationTermination 47FieldEducationCompletion 48EvaluationofFieldEducationExperience 48

APPENDICES 49FieldEducationApplicationEmployment-BasedFieldPlacementFieldPlacementSelectionForm-StudentFieldPlacementSelectionForm-FieldEducatorMemorandumofAgreementSafetyAcknowledgementFieldPlacementLearningContractandEvaluationForms–GeneralistandAdvanced(Clinical)WeeklySupervisionLogProfessionalismRubricStudentDocumentationofFieldEducationConcernsFieldEducation/TaskSupervisorDocumentationofConcernsImprovementPlanFieldEducationExperienceEvaluation-StudentFieldEducationExperienceEvaluation–FieldEducator

FIELDEDUCATION

OVERVIEWFieldEducationisthecriticalbridgebetweensocialworkeducationandpractice.Itisthearenainwhichstudentsexerciseandaffirmtheknowledge,values,andskillsrequiredforpracticeofprofessionalsocialworkwithinavarietyofsystems.AllMSWstudentsarerequiredtoparticipateinatwo-courseFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarsequence(SW519andSW520forGeneralistStudentsandSW619-620forAdvanced(Clinical)Students).Thefirstcoursefocusesontheenhancementofsocialworkskillsandtheintegrationoftheoryandpracticeconcurrentwiththestudent'sfieldplacement.Thecoursealsooffersstudentsanopportunitytoprocesstheirfieldplacementexperiencesinasafe,confidential,andeducationallyenrichingenvironment.Thesecondcoursefocusesonhelpingstudentstomakecriticalconnectionsbetweenthesocialworkcurriculumandthefieldplacementexperiencewhilealsobuildingtheirconfidenceinpreparationforcontinuededucationoremployment.Fortheirfinalproject,Studentsareexpectedtodemonstratetheirunderstandingofsocialworkmethodsbyengagingandassessingaclient(individual,family,group,organization,orcommunity);designingandimplementinganappropriateintervention;andevaluatingtheirpracticecommensuratewiththeirprogramlevel.Studentspresenttheirclientcasetotheirpeersandlocalsocialworkprofessionalsattheendofthesemester.StudentsmustbeenrolledinandtakingMSWcoursessimultaneoustotheirfieldexperience.StudentswhoareabsentfromtheirMSWclassesrepeatedlyorforaprolongedperiodwillnotbeallowedtocontinueattheirfieldplacementuntiltheyreturntoregularclassroomparticipation.Inaddition,studentsmustalsocompleteaSupervisedFieldEducationexperienceasrequiredbyournationalaccreditingbody,theCouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE).GeneralistMSWstudentsarerequiredtocompletea450-hour,SupervisedFieldEducationexperience(225hourspersemester).Thisactivityaffordsstudentstheopportunitytomaximizetheintegrationofgeneralistsocialworkknowledge,values,andskillsinacommunitysettingunderthesupervisionofaLicensedMasterSocialWorker(LMSW)orLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW).Studentsaregiventheopportunitytoworkwithdiverseclientsincludingindividuals,families,groups,organizations,andcommunitiesandencouragedtogrowtheirprofessionalnetworkbyengagingwithothersocialworkpractitioners.Advanced(Clinical)MSWstudentsarerequiredtocompletea500-hour,SupervisedFieldEducationexperience(250hourspersemester)underthedirectionofaLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW).Studentsmovetowardadvancedpracticebyemployingclinicalassessmenttoolsandtechniquesforappropriatediagnosisofchildren,youth,andadults.Advancedstudentsalsodemonstratetheabilitytoutilizeculturally-appropriate,evidence-basedresearchtoguidetheirpractice;analyzepolicy,procedures,andregulationsthatimpacttheirpractice;anddemonstrateskillinworkingasprofessionalsandacrossdisciplines.StudentswhodonotpassFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarIorIIIduringfallsemesterwillnotbeallowedtocontinueinFieldEducation.Insuchcircumstances,theStudentmustrepeatthecoursethefollowingschoolyear.

StudentswhodonotpassFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarIIduringthespringsemesteroftheirGeneralistyearwillnotbeallowedtocontinueinFieldEducation.Insuchcircumstances,theStudentmustrepeatmustrepeatbothFieldInstructionandSeminarIandIIthefollowingschoolyear.ToearnaMasterofSocialWorkdegreeatDaemenCollege,Studentsmustcomplete500-fieldhoursintheirAdvanced(Clinical)yearandpasstheFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarIIIandIVtwo-coursesequence.

CSWEEducationalPolicy2.3—SignaturePedagogy:FieldEducationSignaturepedagogyrepresentsthecentralformofinstructionandlearninginwhichaprofessionsocializesitsstudentstoperformtheroleofpractitioner.Professionalshavepedagogicalnormswithwhichtheyconnectandintegratetheoryandpractice.Insocialwork,thesignaturepedagogyisFieldEducation.TheintentofFieldEducationistoconnectthetheoreticalandconceptualcontributionoftheclassroomwiththepracticalworldofthepracticesetting.Itisabasicpreceptofsocialworkeducationthatthetwointerrelatedcomponentsofcurriculum—classroomandfield—areofequalimportancewithinthecurriculum,andeachcontributestothedevelopmentoftherequisitecompetenciesofprofessionalpractice.FieldEducationissystematicallydesigned,supervised,coordinated,andevaluatedbasedoncriteriabywhichstudentsdemonstratetheachievementofprogramcompetencies.

KEYTERMSUSEDINFIELDEDUCATIONCoreCompetency Competenciesaremeasurablepracticebehaviorsthatarecomprisedofknowledge,

values,andskills.TheCouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE),thenationalaccreditingbodyforSocialWork,hasidentifiedtencorecompetenciesaswellasadescriptionofcharacteristicknowledge,values,skills,andtheresultingpracticebehaviorsthatmaybeusedtooperationalizethecurriculumandassessmentmethods(EducationalPolicyStandards2008).

DirectorofFieldEducation

DaemenCollegestaffmemberassignedtolocateandcoordinatefieldplacementopportunitiesforStudents.TheDirectorofFieldEducationcontactsagenciestodeterminetheirinterestandwillingnesstohoststudentsattheirlocations.S/healsoidentifies,orients,andsupportsFieldEducatorsand/orTaskSupervisorsandprovidesdirectinstructiontostudentsthroughtheIntegrativeFieldSeminar.TheDirectorofFieldEducationisprimarilyresponsibleforaidingintheresolutionofchallengesthatmayariseinthefieldplacementsetting.

FieldEducator AsocialworkprofessionalemployedbytheagencywhoservesastheStudent’ssupervisoronavoluntary(unpaid)basis.Thisindividualmustmeetspecifiedcriteriaandisresponsiblefortheeducationofthestudent(s)whiletheyareattheiragency.

FieldLiaison Acollege-basedfaculty/staffmemberorcontractedlicensedsocialworkprofessionalassignedtoassistStudentsinobtainingandmaintainingqualitylearningexperiences.TheLiaisonmayprovidesupervision,conductsitevisitswiththeStudent,assistintheresolutionoffieldplacementissues,andworkwithTaskSupervisorstodeveloplearningexperiences,amongotherresponsibilities.

FieldPlacement AgencylocationwhereStudentcompletesFieldEducationworkhoursandreceivessupervisionfromFieldEducator.

LearningContract WrittendocumentdevelopedcollaborativelybyStudentandFieldEducator(andTaskSupervisorasneeded)toevaluateStudentprogressindevelopingtheCSWEcompetenciesandpracticebehaviors.

PracticeBehavior Measureableactionsthatdemonstratetheapplicationofsocialworkknowledge,skills,andvaluesforeffectivesocialworkpractice.Practicebehaviorsarespecificandareusedtomeasurecompetency.

TaskSupervisor Anagency-basedindividualwhodoesnotholdagraduatedegreeinsocialwork(MSWorequivalent)butisresponsibleforspecificactivitiesatthefieldplacementagency.ThisindividualisresponsibleforoverseeingactivitiesrelatedtotheStudent’sfieldexperienceonaday-to-daybasisandforassistinginidentificationandevaluationofstudentlearninggoals.StudentswhohaveaTaskSupervisorwillalsobeassignedaFieldEducatortoassistwithsupervision.

ELIGIBILITYCRITERIATobeeligibletoparticipateinFieldEducation,GeneralistStudentsmust:

1) BeacceptedasaMasterofSocialWork(Two-Year)ProgramstudentbyDaemenCollegefaculty.

2) CompleteaFieldEducationapplicationandinterviewwithDirectorofFieldEducationtoidentifytheirskills,availability,andareasofinterest.

3) InterviewwithandbeacceptedataFieldPlacementAgencyunderthesupervisionofaLicensed

MasterSocialWorker(LMSW)orLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW).

4) EnrollinSW519(FallSemester)andSW520(SpringSemester).

5) CompleteFieldEducationOrientation.

TobeeligibletoparticipateinFieldEducation,Advanced(Clinical)Studentsmust:

1) DemonstratethattheyareacademicallyreadytomoveintotheAdvanced(Clinical)curriculumbyreceivingagradeofB-orbetterintheirpracticeandFieldEducationcourses(withintheirBachelorofSocialWork(BSW)programorMSWGeneralistyear).

2) ReceiveanaveragescoreofthreeorhigheronatleastsevenoftencorecompetenciesincludedontheirfinalFieldEducationevaluation(withintheirBachelorofSocialWork(BSW)programorMSWGeneralistyear).

3) CompleteaFieldEducationapplicationandinterviewwithDirectorofFieldEducationtoidentifytheir

skills,availability,andareasofinterest.

4) InterviewwithandbeacceptedataFieldPlacementAgencyunderthesupervisionofaLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW).

5) EnrollinSW619(FallSemester)andSW620(SpringSemester).

6) CompleteFieldEducationOrientation(asdirected).

AllMSWStudentsmustdemonstrateprofessionalismincoursesandfieldplacement(asevidencedbyMSWProfessionalismRubric)tocontinueinFieldEducation.

ROLESANDRESPONSIBILITIES

Whiletheprimaryresponsibilityforlearninginthefieldplacementrestswithstudent,theFieldEducatorandDirectorofFieldEducationjoinwiththemtoensurethattheexperienceisascompleteandproductiveaspossible.ThechartbelowbrieflyoutlinestheresponsibilitiesofeachateachofthethreestagesofFieldEducationactivity:pre-placement,placement,andevaluation.

STUDENT FIELDEDUCATOR DIRECTOROFFIELDEDUCATION

PRE-PLAC

TIVITIES

Completesapplicationforfieldplacementandidentifiescareergoalsandinterests

Completesapplicationtobeafieldeducatorandidentifiesopportunitiesforfieldplacement

Identifiespotentialmatchesbetweenstudentinterestsandcareergoalsandfieldplacementopportunities.

WhengivenpermissionbyDirectorofFieldEducation,initiatescontactwithFieldEducatorregardinginterview

Hostsmeetingwithstudenttodetermineiffieldplacementisappropriate

ConfirmsfinaldecisionregardingplacementandtransmitsappropriatepaperworktoStudentandFieldEducator

SignsMemorandumofAgreementandpreparestoenterfieldplacement

SignsMemorandumofAgreementandpreparestohavestudentatfieldplacementlocation

EnsuresappropriatepaperworkhasbeensecuredandreviewssignedMemorandumofAgreement,InsuranceCertificate

Engagesinanypre-placementtrainingactivitiesasrequiredbyFieldPlacement

Facilitatesstudentparticipationinanyrequiredpre-placementtrainingsorpre-screenings

Assiststoensurestudentparticipationinanyrequiredpre-placementtrainings/screenings

AttendsFieldEducationorientationforStudentsandconfirmsfieldplacementstartdateandtime

AttendsFieldEducationorientationforFieldEducatorsandfinalizespreparationsforstudentplacement

FacilitatesStudentandFieldEducatororientationsessions;FinalizespreparationsforFieldPlacementactivities

TIVITIES

STUDENT FIELDEDUCATOR DIRECTOROFFIELDEDUCATIONNegotiatesfieldplacementtaskswithFieldEducatortocompleteLearningContract;ReviewsSafetyAcknowledgmentwithFieldEducator

EnsuresthatStudenttasksareclearlydefinedinLearningContract;ReviewsSafetyAcknowledgmentwithStudent

SchedulesmeetingtoreviewandapproveLearningContract;EnsuresCSWEcompetenciesandpracticebehaviorsarebeingaddressed;ReviewsSafetyAcknowledgment

InitiatesworkonLearningContractseekingassistancefromFieldEducatorasneeded

SupportsStudentworkonLearningContractbyprovidingappropriateresources

EnsuresStudentreflectiononfieldplacementexperiencethroughFieldSeminar

Preparesforandparticipatesinregularsupervisionmeetings

Engagesintrouble-shootingactivitiesasneeded

BringsissuesthatariseinfieldplacementtotheattentionofFieldEducatororDirectorofFieldEducationasappropriate

Provideshonest,on-goingfeedbackonperformancetoStudent;BringsissuestoattentionofDirectorofFieldEducation

ActsasmediatorbetweenStudentandFieldEducatortoaddressanyissues;Documentschallenges;Makesdecisionsaboutcontinuation

IONACT

IVITIES

STUDENT FIELDEDUCATOR DIRECTOROFFIELDEDUCATIONCompletesmid-yearplacementevaluationandsubmitstoFieldEducator;Discussesanyconcernsaboutfieldplacementandmakesplanforaddressingthem

Completesmid-yearplacementevaluationandreviewswithStudent;SubmitstoDirectorofFieldEducation;Discussesanyconcernsaboutfieldplacementandmakesplanforaddressingthem

Reviewsmid-yearplacementevaluation;Discussesmid-yearplacementevaluationwithStudentandFieldEducator;Documentsanyplantoaddressconcerns;Assignsgrade

Addressesconcernsraisedduringweeklysupervisionand/ormid-yearplacementevaluationasappropriate

EnsuresthatStudentmakesprogressonaddressingconcernsraisedduringweeklysupervisionand/ormid-yearplacementevaluationasappropriate

Engagesintrouble-shootingactivitiesasneeded;ActsasmediatorbetweenStudentandFieldEducatortoaddressanyissues;Documentsanyplantoaddressconcerns;Makesdecisionsaboutcontinuation

Participatesincheck-inmeetingwithFieldEducatorandFieldDirector;Discussesanyconcernsaboutfieldplacementandmakesplanforaddressingthem

Participatesincheck-inmeetingwithStudentandDirectorofFieldEducation;Discussesanyconcernsaboutfieldplacementandmakesplanforaddressingthem

Participatesincheck-inmeetingwithStudentandFieldDirector;Documents;Documentsanyplantoaddressconcerns;Ensuresactiononplan;Makesdecisionsaboutcontinuation

CompletesfinalplacementevaluationandsubmitstoFieldEducator

CompletesfinalplacementevaluationandreviewswithStudent;SubmitstoDirectorofFieldEducation

Reviewsfinalplacementevaluation;DiscussesfinalplacementevaluationwithStudentandFieldEducator;Assignsgrade

CompletesevaluationofFieldEducatorandFieldPlacementandsubmitstoDirectorofFieldEducation(web-based)

CompletesevaluationofFieldEducationProgram;SubmitstoDirectorofFieldEducation(web-based)

ReviewsfeedbackfromStudentsandFieldEducatorsandusesittoimproveFieldEducationprogramming

LEARNINGOPPORTUNITIESINFIELDEDUCATION

GeneralistMSWStudentsenteringFieldEducationwillbringwiththemabasicunderstandingofgeneralistpracticeincludingknowledgeofsocialworkwithindifferentsettingsandamongdiversepopulations.Underprofessionalsupervision,theStudentwill,ideally,movefrombeginner-levelactivitiestomorecomplicatedinteractionsandinterchangeswithclientsandothersystems.

WhatfollowsisadescriptionofdesirableGeneralistfieldplacementexperiences.

1. TechniquestoHelpaStudentBecomeaProfessional.ThisbeginswiththefieldplacementagencyorientationprocessandclarificationofexpectationsfortheStudent,FieldEducator,andotheragencystaff.OrientationtopicsmayincludeunderstandingofthepurposeofFieldEducationandweeklysupervisoryconferences,studentresponsibilitiesinmakingthefieldexperiencemeaningful,andthefieldeducatorandstudentrolesineachoftheseareas.Emphasisonvaluesandprinciplessuchasconfidentiality(specificallyrelatedtotheuseoftheagencymaterialsandtothepracticeofsocialworkingeneral)shouldbeintroducedimmediately.Agencypoliciesandproceduresshouldalsobereviewed.

2. InterviewingExperiences.Studentswhoenterfieldplacementhavehadsomepracticeininterviewingclientsandprofessionalsinvarioussystems.Sincetheseactivitieswereintroducedacademically,theycanbeconsideredrelativelylimitedexperienceswithinthecontextoftheprofession.Therefore,FieldEducatorsshouldbegin,asquicklyaspossible,tointroducethestudenttointerviewingexperiencesandhelpthemwithpreparationforinitialinterviews(i.e.howtoengage,assess,mutuallydefinetheproblem,whattodotowhenmeetingresistance).FieldEducatorsmayprefertobeginbyhavingthestudentobserveinterviewsconductedbyexperiencedagencystaff,roleplayinterviewsparticulartothefieldsetting,and/orparticipationinthestudent’sinitialinterviews.Theseopportunitiesshouldbefollowedbyevaluationandfeedback.Specificinstructionisessentialtohelpthestudentconnecttheorytopracticeandtofocusoriginalexperiencesininterviewingtowardthemorespecific,indepthtypeofinterviewsthatwillbecalledforinentry-leveljobs.Thestudentwillalsoneedhelpinadjustinginterviewingskillstothesystemsinvolved(micro,mezzo,ormacro)andtothenatureoftheexpectedprofessionalrole.

3. ExperiencesinRelatingtoIndividuals.Theuseofprofessionalselfinthehelpingrelationshipisafundamentalpartofgeneralistsocialworkandexperiencesshouldbeplannedtoenhancethisabilitywithinthestudent.Initially,thismaybepartofselectingactivitiesortaskswithaclientandothersystemsinconjunctionwithanothersocialworkerorthefieldeducator.However,withinthefirsttwomonths,thestudentshouldreceiveanassignmentthatallowsaclientsystemtobecometheresponsibilityofthestudent.Aprogressivestepfromthatpointwouldbeforthestudenttoseewhatisexpectedintheprofessionaluseofselfasworkadvanceswiththatclientsystemandasadditionalclientsystemsareadded.

4. ExperienceinRelatingtoFamiliesorFamilyMembers.Allstudentsshouldhaveclearawarenessoftheimportanceofunderstandingfamilyinteraction.Thisknowledgeisvitalinmakingdecisionsastowhetherthemembersofafamilyareworkedwithasindividuals,collaterals,orasafamilygroup.Sincethefamilyconstellation,traditionalornontraditional,isstillthemostsignificantprimarygroupinsociety,thestudentshoulddevelopsomebasicprofessionalskillsinworkingwithfamilynetworks.

5. ExperiencewithGroups.Itisessentialthatthestudent,whoalreadyhasknowledgeconcerningtheimportanceofgroups,continuestodevelopsocialworkskillsforworkingwithgroups.Regardingtaskgroups,thestudentshouldbeaparticipantinstaffmeetings,caseconference,andotheragencycommitteesandobservetaskgroupdynamics.Eventually,however,thestudentshouldhavetheopportunitytodevelop,lead,orattheleastco-facilitateagroup.Appropriategroupsincludethoseinvolvedinproblem-solving,self-help,mutualaid,education,informationexchange,therapy,oracombinationofthese.

6. ExperienceinWorkingwithOtherAgenciesandSettingsandTheirPersonnel.Brokering,advocacy,servicecoordination,andlinkageandreferralareimportantcomponentsofentry-levelgeneralistpractice.Thisexperienceislikelytohappenwithinthecontextoftheproblem-solvingprocess.Thestudent’sabilitytoarticulatetheiragencygoalsandobjectivetootheragenciesisanextremelyimportantpartofthefieldlearning.

7. ExperienceinCommunityActivities.Thestudentneedstounderstandtherelationshipoftheagency

tothewidercommunity.Identificationofcommunitysocialproblemsandofthemissionofotheragenciesworkinginthesamefieldcanbeconsideredasteptowardthestudent’sdevelopingskillsinworkingwithcommunities.Eventually,thestudentshouldhavespecificexperiencesinhelpingorganizeorbecomingpartofagroupworkingoncommunityproblems.Thiscouldincludesocialpolicychange,socialaction,orlocalneighborhoodorcommunitydevelopmentproject.

8. ExperiencesinSocialWorkDocumentation:RecordingProgressNotes,CaseSummaries,andOther

WrittenCommunications.Thestudentshouldbecomefamiliarwiththeagency’smethodofdocumentationincludingrecordingofsocialworknotesinindividualandgrouprecords,completionofsocialhistories,sessionsummaries,memoand/orletterwriting,releasingmaterialstootheragencies,andtechnicalwritingincludingresearchorpolicies.Aseachagencyhasadifferentmethodofrecording,studentswillbenefitfromareviewofcaserecordstoobservedifferentstylesaswellasspecificinstructionontherecordingprocessbythefieldeducator.

9. ExperiencewiththeProblem-solvingProcessofSocialWorkPractice.Theactivitiesinwhichthe

studentshouldhaveexperienceinclude:makinginitialcontacts,collectingdata,definingtheproblemsettinguppreliminarygoals,assessing,contractnegotiationandgoalsetting,intervention,evaluation,andtermination.Whetherintheclassroomorlifeexperiences,whetherthroughvolunteerorpaidexperience,studentshavehadexperienceintheproblem-solvingprocess.Inthefieldplacementsetting,theyneedtohaveexperienceinapplyingthegeneralistframeworktotherealityofsocialworkpractice.Althoughtheymaylearnbyreadingagencyrecordsastotheprocessstaffhavefollowed,theyneedtobegintheirfirstactualworkintheseactivitieswithinthefirstmonthofpractice.Althoughthedegreetowhicheachactivitymaybecarriedoutwiththedifferentsystemsmayvaryaccordingtheagencymission,theintentistoprovideexperienceswhichenablethestudenttointegratetheknowledgevalues,andskillsoftheproblem-solvingmethodtoallaspectsofsocialwork.

10. Evaluation.Thestudenthaslearnedthatevaluationisanimportantpartoftheproblem-solving

processregardlessofwhatsizesystemisinvolved.Theyshouldbeabletopracticeevaluationofinterventioneffectivenesswithclientsystemsinavarietyofways.Asforthestudent,self-evaluationandtheabilitytoacceptconstructivecriticismisalsoseenasanimportantpartofthelearningprocessinthefieldplacementexperience.

WorkingunderthedirectionofaLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW),Advanced(Clinical)studentsmovetowardadvancedpracticebyemployingclinicalassessmenttoolsandtechniquesforappropriatediagnosisofchildren,youth,andadults.Advancedstudentsalsodemonstratetheabilitytoutilizeculturally-appropriate,evidence-basedresearchtoguidetheirpractice;analyzepolicy,procedures,andregulationsthatimpacttheirpractice;anddemonstrateskillinworkingwithprofessionalsandacrossdisciplines.WhatfollowsisadescriptionofdesirableAdvanced(Clinical)fieldplacementexperiences.

1. TechniquestoHelpaStudentBecomeaProfessional.Atthislevel,studentsshouldreadilyidentifyassocialworkprofessionalsandengagetheperson-in-environmentandstrengthsperspectiveintheirpractice.Theyshouldalsorecognizeandmanagetheirpersonalvaluesanduseethicalguidelinesintheirdecision-making.Advanced(Clinical)studentsmustbeprovidedampleopportunitiestodevelop,manage,andmaintaintherapeuticrelationshipswithclientsanddemonstrateprofessionaluseofself(especiallyasitrelatestomitigationofclinicalrisk)withintheirfieldplacement.Opportunitiestoidentifytheirprofessionalstrengths,limitations,andchallengesshouldbeincludedasaregularpartofsupervisionwiththeirFieldEducator.Studentsshouldseekoutprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesthroughin-servicetrainings,conferences,andcontinuingeducationattheirfieldagencyorinthecommunity.Population-orskill-basedprofessionalcertificationprogramsshouldbeexplored.

2. InterviewingExperiences.Advanced(Clinical)studentsareexpectedtoengagedirectlywithclients(children,youth,adults)withintheirfieldplacement.Theyaretrainedtoengageclientsandsuccessfullycompletebio-psycho-social-spiritualandclientreadinessassessments.Studentsneedopportunitiestohonetheirinterviewingskillsincludinguseofevidence-basedinterviewschedulesandassessmenttools.Studentsshoulddemonstratefacilitywithidentifyingtheseresourcesaswellasappropriateuseofthem.Fieldeducatorsareaskedtoassiststudentsinsecuringneededtrainingrelatedtoagency-requiredinstruments.Studentsshouldalsodemonstratecapacitytoengageclientsinaculturallycompetentandsensitivemannerwhenconductinginterviews–acknowledgingtheeffectsofoppression,discrimination,andhistoricaltraumaaswellasprivilege.

3. ExperiencesinRelatingtoIndividuals.Wherepossible,Advanced(Clinical)studentsshouldhaveaccesstotheirownclientsinthefieldplacementsetting.Thiswillenablethemtodemonstratetheirabilitytoworkeffectivelywithdiverseanddisempoweredpopulationsandhelpthemlearntoutilizestandardizedclinicalassessmenttoolsandengageindifferentialdiagnosis.Partneringwiththeirclients,studentsshouldidentifymeasureablegoalsandobjectives(short-andlong-term)andutilizeappropriateevidence-basedtherapeuticinterventionstomaximizeclientresponsiveness.Fieldeducatorsplayanimportantroleinhelpingstudentstoeffectivelyusevarioustoolsandtechniquesandidentifyissuesrelatedtotransferenceandcounter-transferencewhenworkingwithclients.Similarly,FieldEducatorsprovidecriticalguidanceensuringthatstudentsmaintainfidelitytointerventionmodelsandcriticallyexamineandeffectivelyevaluatetheirpractice.

4. ExperienceinRelatingtoFamiliesorFamilyMembers.Whenworkingwithclients,studentsshouldacknowledgetheimportanceoffamilydynamicsandinteractionsaswellastheirpotentialimpactonindividualclients.Studentsshouldalsorecognizetheimportanceofdiversityanddifferencewhenengagingfamilies,clinicallyorotherwise.Throughtheircourses,studentsdevelopanunderstandingofevidence-basedtechniquesforuseinworkingdirectlywithfamilies.Wherepossible,studentsshouldsecureopportunitiestoengage,assess,orintervenewithfamiliesorfamilymembersthroughtheirfieldplacement.Beforedoingso,studentsshouldidentifyriskfactorsrelatedtoengagementwithfamiliesandinterveneappropriately–seekingguidancefromtheirFieldEducatorasneeded.

5. ExperiencewithGroups.Studentsshouldsecureexperienceworkingwithdifferenttypesofgroupsaspartoftheirfieldeducationexperience.Thismayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,participatingonacommitteeortaskforce;leadingskillstrainingorsupportgroups;and/orprovidingtreatmentgroupsusinganevidence-basedcurriculum.Theseactivitiesprovidestudentsopportunitiestopracticetheirgroupengagement,assessment,intervention,andevaluationskillsandhelptodeterminestrengthsandareasforfuturedevelopment.

6. ExperienceinWorkingwithOtherAgenciesandSettingsandTheirPersonnel.Studentsshoulddemonstratetheirabilitytoscantheenvironment(withinandoutsidetheirfieldplacementagency);identifyandassessservices;anddeterminetheirappropriatenessforaddressingclientneeds.Studentsshouldalsousevariousengagementskillstodeveloprelationshipswithpersonnelattheirfieldplacementorotheragenciestosupportclientlinkageandreferralandenableimprovedservicecoordination.

7. ExperienceinCommunityActivities.Inadditiontoscanningtheenvironment,studentsshould

examinetheimpactofpolicies,procedures,andregulationsontheirclientsaswellasthatofprograms,organizations,andsystems.WithguidancefromtheirFieldEducator,studentsshouldseekopportunitiestoinformadministratorsandotherdecision-makersabouttheirfindings.Studentsarefurtherencouragedtoworkcollaboratively,withotherprofessionals,toadvocateforand/orinitiatesustainablechange.

8. ExperiencesinSocialWorkDocumentation:RecordingProgressNotes,CaseSummaries,andOther

WrittenCommunications.Thestudentshouldbecomefamiliarwiththeirfieldplacementagency’sdocumentationmethodsincludingrecordingofclienthistories,assessments,diagnoses,treatmentplans,progressnotes,andevaluationreports.Trainingontheuseofelectronicclientrecords–relatedtosecurity,encryption,andstorageofrecords–isalsoconsideredcritical.

8. ExperiencewiththeProblem-SolvingProcessofSocialWorkPractice.Advanced(Clinical)studentsmustuseawiderangeofproblem-solvingskillsandprocessestoservetheirclient’sbestinterests.Theseskillsandprocessesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:clarifyingissues;formulatingkeyquestionsorideas;collatingandorganizingdata;synthesizingandanalyzinginformation;engagingcreativeorlateralthinking;advocating;negotiatingandpersuading;brokering;andcollaborating.

9. Evaluation.Advanced(Clinical)studentsshouldbeabletodemonstratetheirabilitytocritically

analyze,monitor,andevaluationinterventions–atthepracticeandprogramlevel-andutilizeevaluationresultstodetermineappropriatefuturedirections.Studentsshouldalsocontributetothesocialworkknowledgebasebysharingtheirfindingsandinsightswithcolleaguesandotherprofessionals.

PRE-PLACEMENTACTIVITIES

APPLICATIONPROCESS

Accesstoafieldplacementisbasedonformalacceptanceandrequiresthesubmissionofapplicationmaterials.ThesematerialscanbefoundintheAppendixaswellastheSocialWorkwebsiteandinclude:

1.) FieldEducationApplicationForm2.) FieldEducationSelf-Assessment3.) FieldEducationSelectionandGoals4.) FieldEducationStatementofUnderstanding5.) FieldEducationBackgroundCheckandScreeningStatement6.) FieldEducationReleaseofInformation

Upon receipt ofapplicationmaterials, theDirectorofFieldEducationreviewsthedocumentstodetermineisthestudentiseligibletoparticipateinFieldEducationandschedulesaprograminterview(See:EligibilityCriteria).Otherfacultyfeedbackmaybesecured,asneeded.TherearethreeprimaryreasonsfortheinterviewwithDirectorofFieldEducation.

ü First,theinterviewoffersanimportantopportunitytodiscussthestudent’scareergoals,placementpreferences,andpossiblechallengestoidentifyanappropriateplacement.

ü Second,theinterviewisdesignedtohelpprogramfacultydetermineifthestudentunderstandsthelevelofprofessionalismrequiredandisphysically,emotionally,andacademicallyreadytoenterfieldplacement.

ü Third,specific fieldplacementopportunitieswillbe discussedandatleastthree(3)initialoptionsidentified.

Pleasenotethat,forsomefieldplacements,federalandstatelawsmandatecriminalbackgroundchecks(includingreviewofarrestrecords)forindividualsworkingwithchildrenandyouth,personswithdisabilities,andseniorcitizens.IndividualsinvolvedinregularandsubstantialunsupervisedorunrestrictedcontactwithpersonsreceivingservicesfromNewYorkStateOfficeofMentalHealth(NYS-OMH)andNewYorkStateOfficeforPersonswithDevelopmentalDisabilities(NYS-OPWDD)programsandNewYorkStateOfficeforChildrenandFamilyServices(OCFS)residentialprogramsforchildrenarerequiredtohavetheircriminalhistoryinformationobtainedandreviewedbytheJusticeCenter.InquiriestotheStatewideCentralRegister(SCR)mayalsobeplacedtodeterminetheexistenceofanyindicatedreportsofchildabuseandmaltreatmentagainstaperson.Inaddition,studentsmayberequiredtobothtakeandpassadrugand/orcommunicablediseasescreeningforplacementpurposes.Itiscriticalthatstudentsidentifyanyspecialconcernstheymayhaveregardingfieldplacementduringtheprograminterview.Thismayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,challengesassociatedwithbackgroundchecks,drugandcommunicablediseasescreenings,incidentsinvolvingthepolice(includingbutnotlimitedtoarrests),conflictofinterest,transportation,accommodations,orspecialequipmentneeds.AstudentmustinformtheMSWProgramDirectorand/ortheDirectorofFieldEducationofthesecircumstancesassoonaspossible.FailuretoidentifythesecircumstancescouldresultinterminationfromFieldEducation.

Astudentcannotbedeniedfieldplacementbecauseoftheseconcernsiftheyidentifythemappropriately.Discussingtheconcernsduringtheprograminterviewwillenablestafftoprovideguidanceandtoidentifyanappropriatefieldplacementthatfitsthestudent’suniqueneedsandcircumstances.

Ifitisdeterminedthatthestudentisbotheligibleanddeemedreadyforfieldplacement,the DirectorofFieldEducationwillinitiatecontact withtheidentifiedagenciestodiscussopportunitiesforfieldplacementandtoidentifypossiblefieldeducators.Ifthereisasigned Releaseof Information, theDirectorofFieldEducationmay disclose informationaboutthestudenttofacilitateplacement.TheDirectorofFieldEducationwill endeavor tomake thebest possiblematchtoaddress studentandagencyneedswhileconsideringtheoverarchingconcernsofthesocialworkprogram.StudentsdeterminedtobeineligibleforFieldEducationmustreapplythefollowingschoolyearordiscontinueparticipationintheMasterofSocialWorkProgram.StudentswishingtoappealafinaldecisionmaydosocontactingtheChairoftheSocialWorkandSociologyDepartment.CONFLICTOFINTEREST

AsstatedinSection1.06oftheNASWCodeofEthics,socialworkersshouldbealerttoandavoidconflictsofinterestthatinterferewiththeexerciseofprofessionaldiscretionandimpartialjudgment.Conflictofinterestoccursincircumstanceswhereanindividual’sprimaryinterestisundulyinfluencedbyasecondaryinterest.Thereareseveralconflictsofinterestthatcanariseintheselectionofand/orduringafieldplacement.Forexample,astudentcannotbeplacedinanagencywheres/heoranimmediatefamilymemberiscurrentlyaclientorhasbeenaclientoverthepastfiveyearsasitmayimpacttheirrelationshipwithcolleaguesand/orotherclients.Additionally,afamilymemberorfriendcannotserveasaStudent’sFieldEducatororTaskSupervisor.StudentsshouldinformtheDirectorofFieldEducationofanyactualorpotentialconflictsofinterestthatcouldinfluencethefieldplacementselectionprocess.Onceinaplacement,StudentsshouldimmediatelyinformtheirFieldEducatorshouldarealorpotentialconflictofinterestariseandmustacttoresolvethematterexpeditiously.Theintentofthispolicyistoensurethateachstudent’sperformancereceivesasoundevaluationwithinanobjectivelearningenvironmentandtoensuremaximumprotectiontoclientinterests.StudentsarerequiredtosignaConflictofInterestStatementpriortobeginningworkintheirfieldplacementsetting.StudentswhoknowinglyattempttosecureormaintainaplacementinanagencywhereaconflictofinterestexistsmaybeterminatedfromFieldEducationforadministrativereasons.EMPLOYMENT-BASEDFIELDPLACEMENTS

StudentswhoarecurrentlyworkinginahealthandhumanserviceagencymaywishtocompletetheirFieldEducationexperienceintheirplaceofemploymentforvariousreasons.TheMSWProgramiswillingtoconsiderthisoptionprovidedthattheplacementdoesnotreplicatecurrentorpastworkassignmentsandisclearlyfocusedoneducation.

Tobeconsidered,theStudentmusthavecompletedhisorherprobationaryperiodattheirplaceofemploymentandmustcompletetheirFieldEducationexperienceinadifferentdepartmentorprogramarea.TheStudent’sFieldEducationexperiencecannotbesupervisedbytheircurrentmanagerorbyapersonwhomthestudenthaspreviouslytrainedorsupervised.Fieldhours,activities,andsupervisionmustbeclearlydelineatedandarticulatedintheEmployment-BasedFieldPlacementFormsubmittedtotheDirectorofFieldEducationforreviewandapproval(See:Appendix).TheDirectorofFieldEducationwillalsomeetwithAgencystafftoreviewproposalandsecuretheircommitmenttothefieldplacement.PleaseseetheDirectorofFieldEducationtodiscussthisopportunity.ACCEPTINGEMPLOYMENTATFIELDPLACEMENTORGANIZATION StudentsareoccasionallyofferedemploymentattheirfieldplacementorganizationwhilecompletingFieldEducation.Whilethismaybebeneficialtothestudents,financiallyandotherwise,thedualrolecanblurthedistinctionsbetweentheroleofstudentandemployee.Toinsuresuccessfulcompletionofthestudent’sfieldplacement,theemploymentarrangementshouldbestructuredtopreservetheintegrityoftheeducationalexperienceandthecontractualagreementbetweentheschoolandthefieldplacementorganization.Itispreferable,butnotalwaysfeasible,foremploymenttostartafterthestudentcompletesrequiredFieldEducationrequirements.IfemploymentbeginswhileFieldEducationisinprocess,employmentresponsibilitiesandsupervisionmustbedifferentthanFieldEducationresponsibilitiesandsupervision.StudentsmustconsultwiththeDirectorofFieldEducationbeforeacceptingemploymentattheirfieldplacementsetting.Failuretodosocouldresultinremovalfromfieldplacement.INTERNATIONALFIELDPLACEMENTSTheMSWProgramencouragesstudentstoexploretheoptionoffieldplacementinaninternationalsetting.DaemenCollegeactivelyseeksrelationshipswithcollegesanduniversitiesinothercountriesandcanassiststudentsinexploringfundingoptions.StudentswhoareinterestedinpursuingthistypeofplacementshouldadvisetheDirectorofFieldEducationoftheirinterestassoonaspossible.TheDirectorofFieldEducationwillworkwiththeDaemenCollegeGlobalProgramsOfficetoexploreoptionsanddetermineanappropriatestrategy.FIELDPLACEMENTINTERVIEW

Afterdetermininganagency’sinterestinprovidingafieldplacementandidentifyingaFieldEducator,theDirectorofFieldEducationwillprovidecontactinformationtotheStudent.TheStudentisresponsibleforcontactingtheFieldEducator-bytelephoneoremail-withintwobusinessdaystosetuptheirfieldplacementinterview.On-siteinterviewsarestronglypreferred–however,itispermissibletocompleteatelephoneorweb-basedinterview,ifnecessary.

ThefieldplacementinterviewpresentsanopportunityfortheStudentandtheFieldEducatortomeetoneanotherandtoexchangeinformationtodetermineiftheproposedplacementwouldbea“goodfit”foreachparticipant.TheStudentandFieldEducatormustalsodetermineiftheproposedplacementhasthepotentialtoprovideapositive learningexperienceincludingampleopportunitiesforprofessionalgrowth.

Thefieldplacementprocessishighlycompetitive.Assuch,theStudentshouldpresenthimselforherselfprofessionally(e.g.,dress,mannerisms,presentationofself).Studentsarestronglyadvisedtopreparefortheinterviewbyresearchingtheagencyanditsservicesaswellasidentifyingtheirpersonallearninggoals.Duringtheinterview,theStudentcanexpecttolearnmoreabouttheagencyandtheeducationalopportunitiesavailabletothematthefieldplacement.TheFieldEducatorwilllikelyaskquestionsabouttheStudent’sbackground,education,careerplans,andwhytheymightbeinterestedinaparticularplacement.Duringtheinterview,agencypersonnelwillbeassessingthestudent’slevelofinterest,motivation,andsuitabilityforthetypesofworkassignmentstheyhaveinmind.Studentsshouldbepreparedtoaskspecificquestionsoftheagencyrelatedtoclientsand/orcommunitiesserved,natureoffieldplacementsetting(structuredorunstructured;fastorslowpaced),methodsofsupervision,andopportunitiesforskilldevelopment.Possiblequestionsareincludedbelow.

1. Whatactivities,tasks,and/orprojectswillIbeabletoparticipatein?Lead?2. WhatspecificskillswillIbeabletodevelopatthisagency?3. Doesthisagencyhaveaparticulartheoreticalapproachtointervention?4. Whatistheapproachtoandstructureofsupervision?5. Whatkindsofinteractiondoesastudenthavewithotherstudentsandwithpermanentstaff?6. Whatopportunitiesexistforinter-professionalcollaborations?7. Whattypesofprofessionaldevelopmentworkshopsorconferenceswillbeavailabletome?8. Whatkindsofcasesand/orprojectsdoyouanticipateassigningtome?9. Whatkindsofskillsdoyouhopeastudentwillbringtotheagency?10. Howwillthisplacementhelpmetodevelopskillsinworkingwithdiversepeopleorgroups?

Studentsmayalsowishtoaskaboutexpectationsrelatedtotransportationandreimbursementforagency-relatedexpenses.Studentsshouldinquireaboutanypre-placementrequirementsincludingparticipationinorientation,trainings,orcertificationprogramsaswellasanyrequiredsecurityorbackgroundchecks,drugorcommunicablediseasescreenings,fingerprinting,and/oridentificationtagsneeded.Finally,studentsshouldidentifyanyspecialconcernstheymayhaveregardingfieldplacementduringthefieldplacementinterviewbasedonfeedbacksecuredfromtheDirectorofFieldEducationand/ortheMSWProgramDirectorattheprograminterview.Thismayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,challengesassociatedwithtransportation,backgroundchecks,drugandcommunicablediseasescreenings,conflictofinterest,accommodations,orspecialequipmentneeds.FIELDPLACEMENTDETERMINATION

Followingtheinterview,theStudentandtheFieldEducatorwillhaveanopportunitytoconsidertheinformationgatheredbeforemakingafinaldeterminationaboutthepotentialfieldplacement.Withintwodaysofthescheduledinterview,theDirectorofFieldEducationwillaskeachparticipanttocompleteaFieldPlacementSelectionFormviaemail(See:Appendix).Timelycompletionofthisformisrequested.Followingcompletionofthisformbybothparties,boththeStudentandFieldEducatorwillreceive official notification of theplacement decision from theDirectorofFieldEducation.Keepinginmindthatthisisamutualselectionprocess,therearefouroptionsavailableattheendofthefieldplacementinterview.

1.BothStudentandAgencyAcceptPlacementOnceastudentacceptsaplacementoffer,s/heismakingcommitmenttotheagencytobeginplacementwiththemthefollowingsemester.Thisshouldbeviewedasnon-negotiableandcannotbechangedwithoutconsultationwithDirectorofFieldEducation.Astudentwillnotbeallowedtoswitchfieldplacementssimplybecauses/hediscoversaplacementtheylikebetter.Pleasekeepinmindthatagenciesoftenturndownplacementrequestsfromotherstudentsonceanofferhasbeenaccepted.StudentswhofailtofollowthroughontheircommitmenttoanagencywilllikelyexperienceadelaytotheirstartinFieldEducation.2.StudentDeclines,AgencyAcceptsPlacementAstudentmaydeclineanagencyfieldplacementforanyreason.However,theSocialWorkProgramstronglydiscouragesstudentsfromusingthefieldplacementinterviewprocesstoshopforthe“perfect”fieldplacement.StudentsareremindedthatAgencystaffmembersareverybusyandseektomeetwithstudentswhohaveasincereinterestinplacementwiththeirorganization.Studentsdecliningaplacementofferfromanagencymusthaveaface-to-facemeetingwiththeDirectorofFieldEducationtodiscusstheirspecificreasonsfordecliningthefieldplacementbeforebeingprovidedwithasecondreferral.StudentswhorepeatedlydeclinefieldplacementopportunitieswilllikelyexperienceadelaytotheirstartinFieldEducation.3.AgencyDeclines,StudentAcceptsPlacementStudentsareremindedthatfieldplacementisahighlycompetitiveprocess.Someagenciesprefertointerviewseveralstudentsbeforemakingaselectionorhavespecificqualitiesorcharacteristicstheyarelookingforinfieldplacementcandidates.Invariably,thismeansthatsomestudentswillbedeclinedplacementandwillneedtointerviewwithanotheragency.Thisisnotasignoffailureorcauseforalarm–itisanopportunityforfurtherassessment,advisement,andprofessionalgrowth.StudentswhoarenotacceptedbythefirstpotentialfieldplacementwillbeprovidedasecondreferralbytheDirectorofFieldEducationassoonaspossible.Ifthestudentisnotacceptedforasecondpotentialfieldplacement,thestudentwillbere-evaluatedbytheDirectorofFieldEducation.TheDirectorofFieldEducationreservestherighttoreferStudentstotheMSWProgramDirectorforfurtherassessmentastoreadinessandfitforfieldplacement.StudentswhodonotcomplywithrequestsforadditionalinterviewsinatimelymannerwilllikelyexperienceadelaytotheirstartinFieldEducation.4.BothStudentandAgencyDeclinePlacementStudentswhodonotacceptandarenotacceptedbythefirstpotentialfieldplacementwillbeprovidedasecondreferralbytheDirectorofFieldEducationassoonaspossible.Ifthestudentisnotacceptedforasecondpotentialfieldplacement,thestudentwillbere-evaluatedbytheDirectorofFieldEducation.TheDirectorofFieldEducationreservestherighttoreferStudentstotheMSWProgramDirectorforfurtherassessmentastoreadinessandfitforfieldplacement.StudentswhodonotcomplywithrequestsforadditionalinterviewsinatimelymannerwilllikelyexperienceadelaytotheirstartinFieldEducation.

Onceagreementhasbeenreachedaboutafieldplacement,theDirectorofFieldEducationwillsendacopyoftheMemorandumofAgreementtotheAgencyAdministratorforsignature(See:Appendix).TheMemorandumofAgreementmustbesignedandreturnedtotheDirectorofFieldEducationbeforetheStudentcanbeginworkatthefieldplacement.Proofofinsurancecoveragemustalsobesecured.ANYCHANGESINFIELDEDUCATIONPLACEMENTMUSTBEAPPROVEDBYDIRECTOROFFIELDEDUCATION.FIELDPLACEMENTCOMMUNICATION

PleasebeawarethatmanythingscanchangebetweenthetimeaStudentagreestoafieldplacementandthestartofthesemester.ItisimperativethatStudentsrespondtoanycorrespondence(mail,telephone,email)fromthefieldplacementagencyand/orMSWProgrampromptly–evenifschoolisnotinsession.Studentsareexpectedtoremainincontactwiththeirfieldplacementagencyfromthetimeoffieldplacementacceptancethroughthebeginningofthefollowingsemester.Thisprovidesstudentwithanopportunitytobecomemorefamiliarwiththeagencyandcompleteanypre-placementrequirements.ItalsoensuresthattheStudentisawareofanychangesthatmightjeopardizeplacement.StudentsshouldreachouttotheirFieldEducatorviatelephoneoremailatleastoneweekpriortothestartofthesemestertodiscusstheiranticipatedfieldplacementstartdate.FieldEducators(and/orTaskSupervisors)andStudentsmustattendtheirrespectiveFieldEducationOrientationbeforetheStudentcanbegintheirworkatthefieldplacement.TheFieldEducatorFieldEducationOrientationtakesplaceinmid-AugustandStudentFieldEducationOrientationtakesplaceduringthefirstweekofclassesduringthefallsemester.IfaFieldEducator(and/orTaskSupervisor)orStudentmissestheirscheduledorientation,theDirectorofFieldEducationmustprovideanorientationtothembeforeworkbeginsatthefieldplacement.

PLACEMENTACTIVITIES

FIELDEDUCATIONORIENTATION

BothFieldEducators(andTaskSupervisors,asnecessary)andStudentsarerequiredtoparticipateinFieldEducationOrientationpriortobeginningfieldplacementactivities.Thesessessionswillbeheldinmid-lateAugust.

TheFieldEducatorFieldEducationOrientationwillincludeanoverviewofeachofthefollowingtopics:

• DaemenCollegeMSWProgram• Competency-BasedSocialWorkEducation• FieldEducationRolesandResponsibilities• StudentLearning• ObservingtheCSWECoreCompetenciesandPracticeBehaviors• Supervision• StudentEvaluation• FieldEducationManual• ManagingSpecialIssuesinFieldEducation

TheStudentFieldEducationOrientationwillincludeanoverviewofeachofthefollowingtopics:

• DaemenCollegeMSWProgram• Competency-BasedSocialWorkEducation• FieldEducationRolesandResponsibilities• FieldEducationManual• StudentBehavioralExpectations• StudentLearning• AchievingtheCSWECoreCompetenciesandPracticeBehaviors• Supervision• StudentEvaluation

FieldEducators(andTaskSupervisors,asnecessary)andStudentsmustattendtheirrespectiveFieldEducationOrientationbeforetheStudentcanbegintheirworkatthefieldplacement.IfaFieldEducator(and/orTaskSupervisor)orStudentmissestheirscheduledorientation,theDirectorofFieldEducationmustprovideanorientationtothembeforeworkbeginsatthefieldplacement.FIELDINSTRUCTIONANDINTEGRATIVESEMINAR

AllMSWstudentsarerequiredtoparticipateintheFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarcourseduringboththefallandspringsemesters(SW519andSW520forGeneralistStudentsandSW619-620forAdvanced(Clinical)Students).ATTENDANCEISMANDATORY.Oneormoreunexcusedabsenceswillresultinafailingcoursegrade.Pleasecontactyourinstructorifyouhaveanemergencyandcannotattendasessiontoscheduleamake-upsession.Thefirstcourse(SW519orSW619)focusesontheenhancementofsocialworkskillsandtheintegrationoftheoryandpracticeconcurrentwiththestudent'sfieldplacement.Thecoursealsooffersstudentsanopportunitytoprocesstheirfieldplacementexperiencesinasafe,confidential,andeducationallyenrichingenvironment.

Thesecondcourse(SW520orSW620)focusesonhelpingstudentstomakecriticalconnectionsbetweenthesocialworkcurriculumandthefieldplacementexperiencewhilealsobuildingtheirconfidenceinpreparationforcontinuededucationoremployment.Fortheirfinalproject,studentsareexpectedtodemonstratetheirunderstandingofsocialworkmethodsbyengagingandassessingaclient(individual,family,group,organization,orcommunity);designingandimplementinganappropriateintervention;andevaluatingtheirpracticecommensuratewiththeirprogramlevel.Studentspresenttheirclientcasetotheirpeersandlocalsocialworkprofessionalsattheendofthesemester.FIELDPLACEMENTATTENDANCEANDSCHEDULINGItiscriticallyimportantthatstudentsintegratewhattheyarelearningintheclassroomwithintheirfieldplacement.Likewise,studentsbenefitgreatlyfromopportunitiestosharetheirFieldEducationexperiencesintheclassroom.Theseactivitiesaredesignedtoworktogethertostrengthenstudentknowledge,values,andskillsandcontributetotheiroveralldevelopment.StudentsmustbeenrolledinandtakingMSWcoursessimultaneoustotheirfieldexperience.StudentswhoareabsentfromtheirMSWclassesrepeatedlyorforaprolongedperiodwillnotbeallowedtocontinueattheirfieldplacementuntiltheyreturntoregularclassroomparticipation.StudentswhoattendtheirfieldplacementwithoutattendingtheirMSWclasseswillhavetheirbehaviordocumentedthroughanImprovementPlanandmaybesubjecttoremovalfromclass,fieldplacement,orfromtheMSWprogram.TheCouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE)requiresMSWStudentstocompleteasetnumberofhoursaspartoftheirFieldEducation.GeneralistMSWStudentsarerequiredtocompletea450-hour,SupervisedFieldEducationexperience(225hourspersemester).Thisactivityaffordsstudentstheopportunitytomaximizetheintegrationofgeneralistsocialworkknowledge,values,andskillsinacommunitysettingunderthesupervisionofaLicensedMasterSocialWorker(LMSW)orLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW).Studentsaregiventheopportunitytoworkwithdiverseclientsincludingindividuals,families,groups,organizations,andcommunitiesandencouragedtogrowtheirprofessionalnetworkbyengagingwithothersocialworkpractitioners.Advanced(Clinical)MSWStudentsarerequiredtocompletea500-hour,SupervisedFieldEducationexperience(250hourspersemester)underthedirectionofaLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW).Studentsmovetowardadvancedpracticebyemployingclinicalassessmenttoolsandtechniquesforappropriatediagnosisofchildren,youth,andadults.Advancedstudentsalsodemonstratetheabilitytoutilizeculturally-appropriate,evidence-basedresearchtoguidetheirpractice;analyzepolicy,procedures,andregulationsthatimpacttheirpractice;anddemonstrateskillinworkingwithprofessionalsandacrossdisciplines.Inmostcases,studentswillworktwodaysperweekbasedonoperatinghoursoftheirfieldplacementagency.Studentsmayselectanalternativeregularschedulebasedontheirpersonalneedsand/ortheneedsoftheirplacementagency.Todoso,studentsmustsecurewrittenpermissionfromboththeirFieldEducatorandtheDirectorofFieldEducationandmustdocumenttheirplannedschedule.

StudentsmusttrackhoursandweeklyactivitiesthroughSonia–DaemenCollege’sStudentPlacementSoftwareApplication.ThisactivitywillbereviewedbytheStudent’sFieldEducatoraspartofregularsupervisionandatthemid-yearandyear-endevaluation.Changestothestudent’sregularschedulecanbemadewithapprovalfromtheFieldEducatorandDirectorofFieldEducation.However,studentsshouldexercisesound,professionaljudgmentwhenrequestingchangestotheirregularschedule–balancingtheneedsoftheirclientsandfieldplacementagencywiththeirownneeds.Thefieldplacementexperienceshouldapproximaterealworldworkexperiences.Therefore,itisexpectedthatstudentswilldemonstratereasonableflexibilityinschedulingtoaccommodateclientandagencyobligations(e.g.,attendingaspecialeventonaweekendorevening).Studentsmustbemadeawareofschedulingadjustmentswellinadvanceoftheiroccurrence.Similarly,studentsmayaskpermissionforreasonableflexibilityintheirregularscheduletoaccommodatepersonalneeds(e.g.,doctor’sappointments,funerals).Insuchinstances,studentsmustprovideadvancednoticetotheirFieldEducatorandareexpectedtomakeupanyfieldplacementhoursmissedatamutuallyagreeduponlaterdate.Studentsareexpectedtobeattheirfieldplacementduringregularagencyworkdays.Ifafieldplacementagencyisclosedonaregularlyscheduledfieldday,thestudentwillbecreditedforthetimeasiftheywereintheirfieldplacement.Studentsshouldbemadeawareofanyagencyholidaysand/orbreaks.TheonlyexceptionstotheregularagencyworkdayschedulingpolicyarestudentobservanceofmajorreligiousholidaysandDaemenCollegeholidaysand/orbreaks.ItisDaemenCollege’spolicytorespectstudentobservanceofmajorreligiousholidays.NostudentwillbepenalizedformissingFieldEducationduetoreligiousobservance.StudentsareaskedtoadvisetheirFieldEducatoraboutreligiousobservancesatleastoneweekinadvance.TheyarealsoaskedtodiscussanalternativearrangementtosatisfytheirFieldEducationhourrequirementwiththeirFieldEducator.DaemenCollegeholidaysand/orbreaksarelistedontheFieldCalendar.Studentsarenotrequiredtoreporttofieldplacementonthesedays.StudentsareaskedtoremindtheirFieldEducatoraboutholidaysand/orbreaksatleastoneweekinadvance.StudentswhoneedtomakeupfieldplacementhoursmaybegrantedtheopportunitytodosoduringDaemenCollegeholidaysand/orbreakswithwrittenpermissionfromtheirFieldEducatorandtheDirectorofFieldDirector.INCLEMENTWEATHER,DISASTERS,ANDOTHEREMERGENCIESStudentsshouldbemadeawareofspecificagencypoliciesandproceduresregardinginclementweather,disasters,orotheremergencies.Pleasebesuretoasktobeincludedonanyagencycalllistsand/orsecurespecificinstructionforidentifyingwhethertheagencyisopenorclosed.Ifanagencyclosesonaregularlyscheduledfielddayortheworkdayisshortenedduetoinclementweather,disaster,orotheremergency,thestudentwillbecreditedforthetimemissedasiftheywereintheirfieldplacementthefullday.

Studentsshouldexercisereasonablecautionwhentravellingtotheirfieldplacementagencyduringtimesofinclementweather,disaster,orotheremergency.HEALTHANDPERSONALEMERGENCIESIfastudentisillorhasapersonalemergencyandcannotattendfieldplacement,theFieldEducatorand/orotherdesignatedagencypersonnelmustbenotifiedatthebeginningoftheregularlyscheduledworkdayusingtheirpreferredmodeofcommunication.Studentswillberequiredtomakeupanyfieldplacementhoursmissedatamutuallyagreeduponlaterdate.ExtendedillnessesmustbereportedtotheFieldEducator,DirectorofFieldEducation,andDaemenCollegepercollegepolicy.ThestudentisexpectedtobeprofessionallyresponsibleinworkingwiththeFieldEducatortodetermineclientcoverageneedsduringperiodsofprolongedabsence.Thismayincludeprovidinginformationaboutcurrentcases,activities,and/orfiles.HEALTHSERVICESANDINSURANCEDaemenCollegerecommendsthatStudentsconsiderupdatingtheirtetanus,TBtesting,andimmunizationforhepatitisB(asappropriate)priortoenteringfieldplacements.Studentsaresimilarlyadvisedthatsomeagenciesmightrequireaphysicalexaminationandspecificimmunizations.TheHealthServicesandInsuranceOffice(WickCenter;716-839-8446)canassiststudentswithnecessaryhealthevaluationsaswellasinobtainingrequiredimmunizationspriortofieldplacement.TheOfficealsooffersconfidentialassistancereferringstudentstoareahealthcareprovidersintheeventofillnessoraccidentandcanassistwithhealthinsurancequestionsandclaimsubmissions.Allfull-timeDaemenCollegestudentsarerequiredtobeenrolledinasatisfactoryhealthinsuranceplan.Studentswhoarecoveredbyaprivateplan(theirownortheirparents)mustsendaHealthInsuranceWaiverFormtotheOfficeofStudentAccountsbythepublishedduedateeachyear.Ifthewaiverformisnotreturnedbytheduedate,studentsareenrolledintheDaemenCollegeplanandtheapplicablepremiumisaddedtotheirstudentbill.TheDaemenCollegeStudentHealthInsurancePlanprovidesbasichealthinsurancecoverage.Coverageisfullyexplainedintheinsurancebrochuresenttoeachstudent.Twoenrollmentperiods(atthebeginningofthefallandspringsemesters)areavailableforstudentstoenrollintheinsuranceplan.Personalpropertyandliabilityinsurance,whilerecommended,istheresponsibilityofeachindividualstudent.RISKANDSAFETYGUIDELINES

Theprovisionofeffectivesocialservicesassumesthatsocialworkersarepreparedtoundertaketasksnecessarytounderstandtheirclient’ssituationandtoplanandimplementappropriateinterventions.Thenatureofsocialworkalsoincludesanelementofriskespeciallywhendeliveringservicestopersonsinneed.Youhavetherighttobeinformedofpotentialrisksassociatedwiththisaspectofyoureducationalandprofessionalexperience.

Pleasefindalistofcommonrisksassociatedwithfieldplacementandprofessionalsocialwork,ingeneral.

1. ChallengingClientBehavior:Asasocialworker,itisnotuncommontoencounterclientswhobecomeeasilyupset,agitated,and/orhostile.Likewise,itispossiblethatyouwillbeplacedinsettingsinwhichclientbehaviorisunpredictableand/orthreatening.ItisimportantthatyoudiscussthesematterswithyourFieldEducatorearlyoninyourplacementtobeinformedofagencypoliciesaswellasrecommendedcoursesofactionshouldsuchaneventoccur.Ifyoueverfeeluncomfortablewithaclient,informyourFieldEducatorassoonaspossible.ItisalwaysacceptableforyoutorequestthatyourFieldEducatororanotheragencystaffmemberaccompanyyouwhenengagingwithsuchclients.

2. TransportingClients:Studenttransportofclientshasinherenthazardsandmayonlybeundertakenwhenusinganagency-ownedvehiclewithanappropriatelicenseandagencyapproval.Ifyouareaskedtotransportaclientinanagencyvehicle,pleasereviewyourfieldplacementagency’stransportationpolicyandpersonalliabilityprotectionswithyourFieldEducator.Atnotimeisitacceptableforyoutouseyourpersonalvehicletotransportclients.Ifyouareaskedtotransportclientsinyourpersonalvehicleasapartofyourfieldplacementactivities,speakwithyourFieldEducatorimmediately.

3. HomeVisits:Itisnotuncommonforsocialworkerstoconductshomevisitsthatmayhaverisksassociated.ItisimportantthatallhomevisitsbemadewiththefullknowledgeofyourFieldEducator—includingtimeofdeparture,anticipatedtimeofreturn,andplannedactivitieswhileinthefield.Donottakerisks.Forexample,donotconductahomevisitifyoufeeluncomfortableorthreatened.Donotmakeavisitwhenthepresenceofalcoholordrugsisdetected.Alwaysbeawareofdogsorotherhouseholdpetsthatmightbeathreat.Knowwhotocallorwhatstepstotakeshouldyouexperienceaprobleminthefield.Ifyoubecomescaredoruncertainofyoursafety,returntoyourfieldplacementagency.AlwaysreportanydisturbingexperiencestoyourFieldEducatorimmediately.ItisalwaysacceptableforyoutorequestthatyourFieldEducatororanotheragencystaffmemberaccompanyyouwhenvisitingclientsintheirhome.

4. TBSkinTest(PPD-S):TheprevalenceofTuberculosis(TB)hasincreasedinrecentyears.IfyouanticipateafieldplacementsettingthatservespopulationsatriskforTB,itisrecommendedthatyoutakethistestpriortoenteringthefield.Somefieldplacementsmayalsorequireyoutotakethistestpriortoplacement.

5. HepatitisBVaccine:Ifyouanticipateaplacementsettingwherethereisthechanceofbeingexposedtoblood-bornepathogens,itisrecommendedthatyougetthisvaccination.Thisinvolvesaseriesofthreeinjectionsovera6-monthperiodoftime.Thesecondinjectionisgivenonemonthfollowingthefirstwithathirdinjectionfivemonthslater.Giventhesetimerequirements,isitimportantthatyoubeginimmunizationatatimethatwouldgiveyoumaximumprotectionbythetimeyouenterthefield.

6. AfterHoursmeetings:Somesocialserviceagencieshaveactivitiesthatoccuroutsidenormalbusinesshours.Beawareoftheneighborhoodorcommunitywheresuchactivitiestakeplace,notestreetlighting,openspaces,shrubs,andothergrowththatmightimpairvision.ItisalwaysacceptableforyoutorequestthatyourFieldEducatororanotheragencystaffmemberaccompanyyoutoyourcarafterdark.Donottakerisks.

7. Liabilityinsurance:StudentsinfieldplacementarecoveredunderanInternshipInsurancepolicyissuedbyDaemenCollege.Coverageincludesgeneralliability,studentmalpractice,automobileliability,excessliability,workers’compensation,andemployers’liability.ACertificateofInsurancewillbeprovidedtothestudentandagency.Atthebeginningofthefieldplacementexperience,FieldEducatorsarealsoaskedtoinformthestudentofagencyliabilitycoverage.

Attheirdiscretion,studentsmayalsocarryprofessionalliabilityinsuranceoverandabovethecoverageprovidedthroughexistingcollegeandagencypolicy.CoverageisavailablethroughtheNationalAssociationofSocialWork(NASW).MembershipapplicationsareavailablethroughtheSocialWorkProgram.Studentswhoapplyforfieldplacementaccepttherisksidentifiedaboveandacknowledgethattheyrequireagooddealofguidanceandsupportfromsocialworkprofessionalstoavoidormitigatethem.Tothatend,itisimperativethatgoodjudgmentbeexercisedandimmediateplanningdonewiththeFieldEducatortoavoiddangeroussituationsandtoselectalternativesand/ormodifysituationstominimizerisk.Studentsmustalsolearntoconfrontpersonalanxietieswithaprofessionaldisciplineastominimizethepotentialnegativeimpactontheirabilitytohelpothers.Animportantaspectofprofessionalpracticeistounderstandthelimitsofyourknowledgeandskillsandtoavoidsituationsthatarenotwithinyourareaofcompetence.Wheneveryouhaveaquestionaboutthehandlingofacaseandwhetherornotagiveninterventionisappropriate,seeyourFieldEducator.Students,FieldEducators,andtheDirectorofFieldEducationwillreviewandsignaDaemenCollegeSafetyAcknowledgmentrelatedtothefieldplacementexperience.AcopyoftheSafetyAcknowledgementisfoundintheAppendix.INTERNSHIPANDOTHERINSURANCEStudentsinfieldplacementarecoveredunderanInternshipInsurancepolicyissuedbyDaemenCollege.Coverageincludesgeneralliability,studentmalpractice,automobileliability,excessliability,workers’compensation,andemployers’liability.ACertificateofInsurancewillbeprovidedtothestudentandagency.Atthebeginningofthefieldplacementexperience,FieldEducatorsareaskedtoinformthestudentofagencyliabilitycoverage.Inaddition,studentsmaycarryprofessionalliabilityinsuranceoverandabovethecoverageprovidedthroughexistingcollegeandagencypolicy.ProfessionalliabilityinsuranceisavailablethroughtheNationalAssociationofSocialWork(NASW).NASWmembershipapplicationsareavailablethroughtheSocialWorkProgram.NON-DISCRIMINATIONANDACCOMMODATIONDaemenCollegedoesnotdiscriminateonbasisofrace,class,age,gender,ethnicornationalorigin,religionorcreed,disability,sexualorientation,orotherdiversityfactor.Likewise,astudentcannotbedeniedplacementbecauseofspecialneeds.

StudentswithspecialneedsareencouragedtodisclosepertinentinformationtotheDirectorofFieldEducationand/orMSWProgramDirectorassoonaspossible.RequestsforreasonableaccommodationwithinthefieldplacementsettingshouldbebroughttotheattentionoftheDirectorofFieldEducationatthetimeofapplicationandwillbeaddressedinconsultationwiththeDaemenCollegeDisabilityServicesTeam(asnecessary).StudentswillbeaccommodatedinthefieldplacementsettingbasedontheirdisclosureandinaccordancewiththepoliciesidentifiedintheDaemenCollegeStudentHandbook.SEXUALHARASSMENTSexualharassmentisaviolationofbothfederalandstatelawandcollegepolicy.Accordingly,noacademicorpersonneldecisions,suchasawardingofgradesandjobs,shallbemadeonbasisofgrantingordenialofsexualfavors.Forpurposesofthispolicy,sexualharassmentisdefinedasfollows:Unwelcomedsexualadvances,requestsforsexualfavors,andotherverbalorphysicalconductofasexualnatureconstitutessexualharassmentwhen(I)submissiontosuchconductismadeeitherexplicitlyorimplicitlyasatermorconditionofanindividual’semploymentoracademicadvisement,(2)submissiontoorrejectionofsuchconductbyanindividual isusedasthebasisforemploymentdecisionsoracademicdecisionsaffectingsuchindividual,or(3)suchconducthasthepurposeoreffectofunreasonablyinterferingwithan,individual’sworkoracademicperformanceorcreatinganintimidating,hostile,oroffensiveworkingoracademicenvironment.Asdefinedabove,sexualharassmentisaspecificformofdiscriminationinwhichpowerinherentinafacultymemberorsupervisor’srelationshiptohisorherstudentsorsubordinatesisunfairlyexploited.Whilesexualharassmentmostoftentakesplaceinasituationofpowerdifferentialbetweenpersonsinvolved,thispolicyrecognizes also that harassment may occur between persons of the same university status, (i.e., student-student,faculty-faculty,staff-staff).The sexual harassment policy is designed to encourage students, faculty, and employees to express freely,responsibly, and in an orderly way their options and feelings about any problem or complaint of sexualharassment. Any act by a university employee or agent of reprisal, interference, restraint, penalty,discrimination,coercionorharassment–overtlyorcovertly–againstastudentoranemployeeforusingthepolicy,willnecessitateappropriateandpromptdisciplinaryaction. Thispolicyshallnotbeused frivolously,falsely,ormaliciouslytoconveychargesagainstfellowstudents,facultymembers,oremployees.BACKGROUNDCHECKSANDOTHERSCREENINGSStudentsshouldbeawarethatsecurity,criminalbackground,JusticeCenter,and/orStatewideCentralRegister(SCR)checksmayberequiredbytheirfieldplacementagency.Theyarealsoadvisedthattheymayneedtobothtakeandpassadrugand/orcommunicablediseasescreeningforplacementpurposes.Agenciesrequiringbackgroundchecksandotherscreeningsaresolelyresponsibleformakingdeterminationsabouttheirabilitytoplacestudentsbasedontheirfindings.

STUDENTWORKPLACECONSIDERATIONSAllstudentsmustbeprovidedreasonablespacetoconducttheirworkasprofessionalsinthefieldplacementsetting.Ataminimum,thisshouldincludeaplacetosecurelystorepersonalbelongings(e.g.,bags,cellphones)andaspacewheretheycanengageinconfidentialand/orprivateconversationswithclientsorotherindividualsasneeded.Whenpossible,studentsshouldalsohavereadyaccesstoacomputerandtelephone.StudentTransportation

Studentsarenotrequiredtohaveavehicletoparticipateinfieldplacement.Effortsaremadetoensurethatselectedfieldplacementsitescanreasonablyaccommodatestudentswithoutaccesstoacar.Studentsshouldnotusetheirownvehicletotransportclients.Studentsmay,however,driveanagency-ownedvehicleiftheyhavetheappropriatelicenseandagencyapproval.Studentsareadvisedtoreviewthefieldplacementagency’stransportationpolicyandpersonalliabilityprotectionswiththeirFieldEducator.StudentReimbursement

Agenciesareexpectedtoreimbursestudentsforexpensesincurredaspartoftheirfieldplacement,iftheysimilarlyreimbursestaff.Thisincludesreimbursementformileageand/orothertransportation-relatedexpenses,meals,andtrainings.StudentDress

Studentsmustcomplywiththedresscodeofthefieldplacementagency.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytodiscussthiswiththeirFieldEducator.FieldEducatorshavetherighttosendstudentshomeiftheyarefoundtobedressedinappropriatelyforfieldplacement.OPENIDENTIFICATIONOFMSWSTUDENTSTATUS

ItisthepolicyoftheDaemenCollegeMasterofSocialWorkProgramandspecifiedintheNASWCodeofEthicsthatstudentsmustidentifythemselvesasstudentsorinternsintheirfieldplacementwithclientsandotheragencyrepresentatives.BEHAVIORALEXPECTATIONS

StudentsareexpectedtoadheretotheNationalAssociationofSocialWorkers(NASW)CodeofEthicsinallsettings.Eachstudentmustalsoadheretoagencyregulationsandschedules.Thisincludesrecordkeeping,attendingstaffmeetings,andcompletingagencyformsorotherexpectationsassetbyagencyfieldeducator.Studentsshouldalsoattendconferences,workshops,andprofessional/coalitionmeetingsasdeterminedbytheirFieldEducatororTaskSupervisor.Whilestudentswillapproachtheirfieldexperiencewithvaryinglevelsofintellectualabilityandpersonalmaturity,eachstudentshouldseekincreasinglevelsofresponsibilityandbeencouragedbytheirfieldeducatortoworkindependentlyasthesemesterprogresses.

Studentsshouldbeengagedinclientserviceprovisionintheirfieldplacement.Theirexperiencesmayincludetheclientengagement;completionofassessments,formulationofgoalsandobjectives,introductionofinterventionstoassistclientsinachievingtheirgoals,orothertasksappropriatetothefieldplacementsetting.Activitiesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,writingsocialhistories;assistingindividualsandfamiliesinidentifyingandutilizingcommunityresources;interveningininterpersonalrelationshipswhenproblemsarise;organizingandconductinggroups;participatingincommunityorganizingstrategiesandpolicyadvocacy;andconductingresearch.ABSENCEFROMFIELDPLACEMENT

Intheroleofthesocialworkintern,studentsareimportanttotheirclientsandtotheagency’sdependabledeliveryofservice.Unscheduledabsencescanbedisruptivetoclients,thefieldeducator,andthestudent’soverallperformancenomatterhoweffectives/hemaybeinperformingspecificassignments.Excessiveabsencesand/orexcessivereschedulingoftimeatthefieldplacementagencyaregroundsforterminationfromfieldplacementand/orfieldeducation.PRIVACYANDCONFIDENTIALITY

InaccordancewiththeNASWCodeofEthics,studentsshouldbeparticularlyconcernedwithprotectingprivacyandconfidentialitywhileinthefieldplacementsettingandintheclassroom.Section1.07oftheNASWCodeofEthicsadvises:

a) Socialworkersshouldrespectclients'righttoprivacy.Socialworkersshouldnotsolicitprivateinformationfromclientsunlessitisessentialtoprovidingserviceorconductingsocialworkevaluationorresearch.Onceprivateinformationisshared,standardsofconfidentialityapply.

b) Socialworkersmaydiscloseconfidentialinformationwhenappropriatewithavalidconsentfromaclient,orapersonlegallyauthorizedtoconsentonbehalfofaclient.

c) Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofallinformationobtainedinthecourseofprofessionalservice,exceptforcompellingprofessionalreasons.Thegeneralexpectationthatsocialworkerswillkeepinformationconfidentialdoesnotapplywhendisclosureisnecessarytopreventserious,foreseeable,andimminentharmtoaclientorotheridentifiablepersonorwhenlawsorregulationsrequiredisclosurewithoutaclient'sconsent.Inallinstances,socialworkersshoulddisclosetheleastamountofconfidentialinformationnecessarytoachievethedesiredpurpose;onlyinformationthatisdirectlyrelevanttothepurposeforwhichthedisclosureismadeshouldberevealed.

d) Socialworkersshouldinformclients,totheextentpossible,aboutthedisclosureofconfidentialinformationand,whenfeasible,beforethedisclosureismade.Thisapplieswhethersocialworkersdiscloseconfidentialinformationasaresultofalegalrequirementorbasedonclientconsent.

e) Socialworkersshoulddiscusswithclientsandotherinterestedpartiesthenatureofconfidentialityandlimitationsofclients'righttoconfidentiality.Socialworkersshouldreviewwithclientcircumstanceswhereconfidentialinformationmayberequestedandwheredisclosureofconfidentialinformationmaybelegallyrequired.Thisdiscussionshouldoccurassoonaspossibleinthesocialworker-clientrelationshipandasneededthroughoutthecourseoftherelationship.

f) Whensocialworkersprovidecounselingservicestofamilies,couples,orgroups,socialworkersshouldseekagreementamongthepartiesinvolvedconcerningeachindividual'srighttoconfidentialityandobligationtopreservetheconfidentialityofinformationsharedbyothers.Socialworkersshould

informparticipantsinfamily,couples,orgroupcounselingthatsocialworkerscannotguaranteethatallparticipantswillhonorsuchagreements.

g) Socialworkersshouldinformclientsinvolvedinfamily,couples,marital,orgroupcounselingofthesocialworker's,employer's,andagency'spolicyconcerningthesocialworker'sdisclosureofconfidentialinformationamongthepartiesinvolvedinthecounseling.

h) Socialworkersshouldnotdiscloseconfidentialinformationtothird-partypayersunlessclientshaveauthorizedsuchdisclosure.

i) Socialworkersshouldnotdiscussconfidentialinformationinanysettingunlessprivacycanbeensured.Socialworkersshouldnotdiscussconfidentialinformationinpublicorsemipublicareassuchashallways,waitingrooms,elevators,andrestaurants.

j) Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofclientsduringlegalproceedingstotheextentpermittedbylaw.Whenacourtoflaworotherlegallyauthorizedbodyorderssocialworkerstodiscloseconfidentialorprivilegedinformationwithoutaclient'sconsentandsuchdisclosurecouldcauseharmtotheclient,socialworkersshouldrequestthatthecourtwithdrawtheorderorlimittheorderasnarrowlyaspossibleormaintaintherecordsunderSAl,unavailableforpublicinspection.

k) Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofclientswhenrespondingtorequestsfrommembersofthemedia.

l) Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofclients'writtenandelectronicrecordsandothersensitiveinformation.Socialworkersshouldtakereasonablestepstoensurethatclients'recordsarestoredinasecurelocationandthatclients'recordsarenotavailabletootherswhoarenotauthorizedtohaveaccess.

m) Socialworkersshouldtakeprecautionstoensureandmaintaintheconfidentialityofinformationtransmittedtootherpartiesthroughtheuseofcomputers,electronicmail,facsimilemachines,telephonesandtelephoneansweringmachines,andotherelectronicorcomputertechnology.Disclosureofidentifyinginformationshouldbeavoidedwheneverpossible.

n) Socialworkersshouldtransferordisposeofclients'recordsinamannerthatprotectsclients'confidentialityandisconsistentwithstatestatutesgoverningrecordsandsocialworklicensure.

o) Socialworkersshouldtakereasonableprecautionstoprotectclientconfidentialityintheeventofthesocialworker'sterminationofpractice,incapacitation,ordeath.

p) Socialworkersshouldnotdiscloseidentifyinginformationwhendiscussingclientsforteachingortrainingpurposesunlesstheclienthasconsentedtodisclosureofconfidentialinformation.

q) Socialworkersshouldnotdiscloseidentifyinginformationwhendiscussingclientswithconsultantsunlesstheclienthasconsentedtodisclosureofconfidentialinformationorthereisacompellingneedforsuchdisclosure.

r) Socialworkersshouldprotecttheconfidentialityofdeceasedclientsconsistentwiththeprecedingstandards.

USEOFSOCIALMEDIA

Socialmediachannels,suchasFacebook,Twitter,SnapChat,Flickr,andLinkedIn,offerexcitingopportunitiestoconnectwithothersandshareinformation.However,therapidgrowthofthesecommunicationtoolsandtheireaseofaccessibilitycanalsohaveunintendedandpotentiallydamagingconsequences.StudentsareexpectedtofollowtheNASWCodeofEthicsandtoengageinprofessionalconductwhenusingsocialmediacommunicationtools.CommonissuesthatStudentsneedtounderstandandmanagewhenutilizingsocialmediainclude,butarenotlimitedto,privacyandconfidentiality(Section1.07),conflictsofinterestanddualrelationships(Section1.06),andinformedconsent(Section1.03)inrelationshipswithclientsandcolleagues,andinpracticesettings.

Towardthatend,Studentsareaskedto:

ü Reviewandadheretoallpoliciesregardinguseoftechnologyatyourfieldplacementagency.ü Useonlytheiragencye-mailaddressandphonenumbertocommunicatewithclients. ü Ensurethatanycorrespondencewithclientsisofaprofessionalandlimitednature. ü Donot“friend”orfollowcurrentorpastclientsandavoidprovidingyourpersonalcontactinformation

(e.g.,cellphone,homeaddress,personalemail,socialmediaaccountinformation)tothem.ü Refrainfromsharingclientinformationviaemail,text,oranyformofsocialmedia.ü Refrainfromcommentingaboutclients,colleagues,supervisors,and/oryourfieldplacementagency

viaemail,text,oranyformofsocialmedia.ü Maintainapositiveimagewhenusingemail,text,orsocialmedia.ü Monitorpersonalandprofessionalsocialmediaaccountsregularly.

Utilizingsocialmediacommunicationtoolsasasocialworkprofessionalrequiresongoingattentiontoethicalchallenges.ItisimperativethattheStudent’son-lineimageisguidedbysocialworkvaluesandethicalstandardsandextendsbeyondtheclassroomandfieldplacementsetting.Asasocialworker,onemustbecognizantofthelegal,ethical,andclinicalresponsibilitiesheorshehasasaprofessionalandthattheseresponsibilitiesextendtothevirtualworldandincludetheuseofsocialmediacommunicationtools.PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTAttendanceatsocialworkconferences,trainings,andprofessionalmeetingscancontributeinameaningfulwaytothedevelopmentofstudents.Agenciesareencouragedtoallowstudentstoparticipateintheseopportunitieswhenpossible.Attendanceattheseeventscanbecountedtowardthecompletionoffieldplacementhours.DaemenCollegemayalsoprovideopportunitiesforstudentstoparticipateinprofessionaleventswhileintheirfieldplacement.Theserequestswillbemadewithadvancednoticewithreleasetimecreditedtowardthecompletionofstudentfieldplacementhours.StudentsareexpectedtobeprofessionallyaccountableformeetingserviceresponsibilitiesandwillberequiredtosecurepermissionfromtheirFieldEducatorpriortoparticipation.Finally,studentsareaskedtoattenddepartmentalmeetings(typicallyonehour;twicepersemester)andwillbecreditedforthetimeasiftheywereintheirfieldplacement.CurrentlyscheduleddepartmentalmeetingsarelistedontheFieldCalendar.StudentsareaskedtoremindtheirFieldEducatoraboutthesemeetingsatleastoneweekinadvance.LEARNINGCONTRACT

TheLearningContractisadocumentthatservestoguidethestudentthroughtheirFieldEducationexperience.

Generaliststudentsareresponsibleforidentifyingindividualizedtasksthatwillenablethemtodemonstratetheten(10)corecompetenciesandforty-one(41)associatedpracticebehaviorsidentifiedforgeneralistsocialworkpracticebyournationalaccreditingbody,theCouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE).Advanced(Clinical)studentsareresponsibleforidentifyingindividualizedtasksthatwillenablethemtodemonstratetheten(10)corecompetenciesandthirty-six(36)advancedpracticebehaviorsidentifiedbytheDaemenCollegeMSWProgramascriticaltoclinicalpracticewithchildrenandfamilies.Studentsareexpectedtonegotiate,withtheirFieldEducator(andTaskSupervisor,asnecessary),asetofeducationally-soundlearningexperiencesforeachcompetencybasedonopportunitiesprovidedatthefieldplacement,thelearningneedsandprioritiesofthestudent,andtheskills,ethics,values,andbehaviorsneededfortheprofession.TheStudentshouldalsotakeintoconsiderationanycourseworkorassignmentsthatwillcontributetotheirlearningduringthesemester.TheLearningContractisenteredintoSonia–DaemenCollege’sStudentPlacementSoftwareApplication.TheContractbecomesfinalizedwhentheStudent,FieldEducator,andDirectorofFieldEducationmeettoreviewandsignoffonitinOctoberorearlyNovember.TheLearningContractshouldbeviewedas“workingdocument”orplanandmayberenegotiated,asneeded,overtime.Importantly,theLearningContractservesasthebasisforassessingStudentperformanceinFieldEducation.ThisinformationisalsoenteredintoSonia–DaemenCollege’sStudentPlacementSoftwareApplication.TherearetwoformalevaluationsofprogressontheLearningContract.Themid-termevaluationcanbeviewedasaformativeevaluationaimedatgatheringfeedbackthatcanbeusedtofosterimprovementintheFieldEducationcontext.BoththeStudentandtheFieldEducator(aswellasTaskSupervisor,asnecessary)willreviewtheStudent’smovementonthelearningexperiencesidentifiedintheLearningContractaswellastheirprogressinmeetingCSWEcorecompetencies.TheFieldEducatorwillofferconstructiveevaluativefeedback:identifyingstrengthsandareasofneededimprovementandsuggestingstrategiesforattainmentofcompetenciesbytheendoftheFieldEducationexperience.ThisreviewisdocumentedontheformprovidedbyDaemenCollegeandsenttotheDirectorofFieldEducationattheendofthefallsemesterforreview.ThefinalevaluationisasummativeevaluationmeasuringthelevelofsuccessorproficiencythathasbeenachievedbytheendofFieldEducation.Here,again,theStudentandtheFieldEducator(aswellastheTaskSupervisor,asnecessary)willreviewtheStudent’soverallperformanceandprovidevitalfeedbackdescribingthelevelatwhichtheyhaveincorporatedthecorecompetenciesandassociatedpracticebehaviorsofgeneralistsocialworkpracticeasdefinedbytheCouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE)oradvanced(clinical)socialworkasdefinedbyDaemenCollegeSocialWorkfaculty.AdditionalinformationabouttheevaluativeaspectsoftheLearningContractareavailableintheEvaluationActivitiessectionofthismanual.AcopyoftheFieldPlacementLearningContractandEvaluationFormcanbefoundintheAppendix.

SUPERVISION

Supervisionisacriticalpartofsocialwork.Throughsupervision,anindividualreceivescriticalfeedbackfromanexperiencedpractitionerandusesthatfeedbacktoorganize,plan,evaluate,modify,andfurtherdevelophisorherpractice.SupervisionisanessentialpartofFieldEducation.AllMSWstudentsparticipatinginFieldEducationmusthaveatleastonehourofsupervisioneachweekprovidedbytheprofessionalsocialworkerservingastheirFieldEducator.ForGeneralistStudents,thisindividualmustbeaLicensedMasterSocialWorker(LMSW)orLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW).ForAdvanced(Clinical)Students,thisindividualmustbeaLicensedClinicalSocialWorker(LCSW).Inaddition,s/hemusthaveobtainedaMasterofSocialWork(MSWorequivalent)degreefromaCSWE-accreditedinstitutionatleasttwoyearspriortobecomingaFieldEducator.DocumentationofdegreeandlicensurestatusmustbeprovidedtotheDirectorofEducationandaninterviewcompletedbeforeanindividualcanassumetheroleofFieldEducator.Occasionally,anagencymaybeabletoofferanexcellentfieldplacementopportunitybutmaynothaveaprofessionalsocialworkerthatmeetscriteriaand/oriswillingtoserveasaFieldEducatoronstaff.Insuchcases,theSocialWorkProgramiswillingtoworkwiththeagencytoidentifyanindividualwhohasstrongknowledgeoftheorganizationanditsservices,meetscriteria,andcanassumeFieldEducatorresponsibilities.Insuchcircumstances,theagencymustprovideaTaskSupervisorwhowillprovidetheStudentwithday-to-daytasksandsupportrelatedtoworkassignmentsidentifiedintheLearningContract.TheagencymustalsoensurethattheStudentreceivesweeklysupervisionfromtheiridentifiedFieldEducator.BoththeFieldEducatorandtheTaskSupervisorarerequiredtoparticipateinFieldEducatorOrientation.DaemenCollegeprovidesaccesstoin-servicetraining,licensurepreparation,accesstotheDaemenCollegelibrary,researchassistance,andotheroncampusactivitiesasathankyoutoFieldEducatorsandTaskSupervisorsaswellastheiragencies.DaemenCollege’sMSWProgramalsooffersFieldEducators/TaskSupervisorsuptothree(3)courseORuptotwelve(12)hoursofcontinuingeducationtuitionwaiversperstudent,persemester.NatureofSupervisionWhileguidanceandtasksupportwilllikelybeprovidedonaday-to-daybasis,itisduringsupervisionthattheStudentandtheirFieldEducationareabletoengageindeeperreflectiononthepracticeofsocialworkandtomorefullyconsiderthecomplexityofsocialworkvalues,ethics,skills,andbehaviors.BoththeStudentandtheFieldEducatorareexpectedtoactivelyparticipateinsupervisionsessions.Itisrecommendedthatsupervisiontakesplace,face-to-face,andatthesametimeandlocationeachweek.TheMSWProgramdoes,however,recognizethatthismaynotbefeasibleinallfieldplacementsettings.FieldEducatorsshouldfeelfreetodiscussthepossibilityofutilizingweb-basedtechnologyand/orgroupsupervisionwiththeDirectorofFieldEducation–particularlyifthesetoolsandtechniquesareusedtoaugmentStudentlearningexperiences.Inpreparationforsupervision,theStudentshoulddevelopanagendaandsubmittedittotheFieldEducatorpriortothestartofthesession.TheStudentshouldalsotakeresponsibilityforidentifyingtheprimaryissuesthatneedtobediscussedduringsupervision.Sessionsmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,providingopportunitiesfortheStudenttoaskquestions,raiseconcernsorethicalissues,processpracticeexperiences,discusscases,andidentifychallengesassociatedwithclients,theorganization,systems,andpolicy.

Studentsshouldtakeresponsibilityfordocumentingwhatoccurredinsupervisionsessionsaswellasthenumberofhoursworkedandtheactivitiesundertakeninthefieldsettingonaweeklybasis.TheSocialWorkProgramprovidesapaperandelectroniccopyoftheWeeklySupervisionFormforthispurpose(see:AppendixandSoniaApplication).FIELDPLACEMENTVISITS

VisitsofferauniqueopportunityfortheDirectorofFieldEducationtolearnmoreabouttheStudentandFieldEducatorasindividualswhilealsolearningaboutthefieldplacementagency’sprogramming,focus,andclientele.TheDirectorofFieldEducationwillvisittheStudentandFieldEducatoratthefieldplacementlocationatleasttwiceoverthecourseoftheFieldEducationexperience.TheinitialvisitisscheduledtotakeplaceinOctoberorearlyNovemberandisdesignedtoensurethatreasonableexpectationsforStudentlearninghavebeenestablished.TheDirectorofFieldEducation,FieldEducator,andStudentwillreviewtheLearningContractanddiscussanyquestionsabouttheCSWEcorecompetenciesandassociatedpracticebehaviors,plannedlearningexperiences,and/ortheevaluationprocessbeforesigningthedocument.ThesecondvisittakesplaceinFebruaryandincludesareviewofthemid-termevaluationoftheLearningContractandStudentprogressonlearningexperiencestodate.TheDirectorofField,FieldEducator,andStudentwillalsodevelopastrategytoensurethattheStudentmeetsCSWEcorecompetenciesbytheendoftheFieldEducationinMay.Additionalfieldplacementvisitscanbescheduledasneededordesired.VisitsmayberequestedbytheDirectorofFieldEducation,FieldEducator,and/ortheStudentforanyreasonincluding,butnotlimitedto,changesinthefieldplacementsetting;needforadditionalsupportorguidanceforFieldEducatorsorStudents;needforclarificationonFieldEducationpoliciesand/orprocedures;andconcernswithperformanceand/orbehavior.TheDirectorofFieldEducationisresponsiblefordocumentingfieldplacementvisitsandforcompletinganImprovementPlan(describedintheEvaluationActivitiessection)shouldconcernsaboutstudentperformanceand/orbehaviorbeidentified.

EVALUATIONACTIVITIES

MONITORINGSTUDENTPERFORMANCEAND/ORBEHAVIORGatekeepingisanimportantpartofsocialworkeducationandtheprofessionofsocialwork.Thismechanismensuresthatgraduatesnotonlypossessthecompetenciesnecessaryforgeneralistoradvanced(clinical)socialworkpracticebutalsothehigheststandardsofprofessionalism.Towardthatend,theprogramusesavarietyofformalandinformalmechanismstomonitorStudentperformanceand/orbehavior.Thismonitoringisongoingandextendsbeyondclassroomandfieldplacementevaluations.ItbeginswhentheStudententersrequiredSocialWorkclassesasdescribedbelow.ProfessionalismRubricTheMasterofSocialWorkProgramhasdevelopedarubrictoassessStudentprofessionalisminallrequiredSocialWorkCourses(See:Appendix).Therubricmeasuresprofessionalismusingeight(8)performanceindicatorsincludingattendance,timeliness,preparation,participation,listeningskills,abilitytofollowinstructions,interprofessionaldynamics,andrespectforothers.Eachperformanceindicatorismeasuredonafour-pointscale,withafour(4)representinghighlevelsofprofessionalismandaone(1)representinglowlevelsofprofessionalism.TherubricalsoincludesaquestionontheStudent’soverallprofessionalism(scoredasexcellent,good,fair,orpoor)andallowsforcomments.SocialWorkFacultyusetheProfessionalismRubrictodocumentStudentprofessionalismintheclassroomtypicallytwiceduringthesemester(mid-termandfinal).IninstanceswhereaStudentscoresatwo(2)orloweronanyoftherubric’sperformanceindicators,FacultyareinstructedtoreporttheissuetotheMSWProgramDirectorsoanImprovementPlan(describedbelow)canbecompleted.TheProfessionalismRubricisalsousedtodetermineiftheStudentiseligibletocontinueinFieldEducation.Studentswhoareidentifiedashavingmultipledeficienciesrelatedtoprofessionalism(i.e.,scoringatwoorlessontwoormoreperformanceindicatorsand/orproblemswithprofessionalisminmultipleclasses)maybedeniedpermissiontocontinueinFieldEducation.TheDirectorofFieldEducationand/ortheMSWProgramDirectorwillmakefinaldeterminationsastowhethertheStudentcancontinueinFieldEducationrelatedtoprofessionalism.Otherfacultyfeedbackmaybesecured,asneeded.FieldPlacementVisitsTheDirectorofFieldEducationisresponsibleforconductingatleasttwositevisitsattheStudent’sfieldplacementlocation.TheinitialvisitisscheduledtotakeplaceinOctoberorearlyNovemberandisdesignedtoensurethatreasonableexpectationsforstudentlearninghavebeenestablished.ThesecondvisittakesplaceinFebruary-Marchandincludesareviewofthemid-termevaluationoftheLearningContractandStudentprogressonlearningexperiencestodate.Additionalfieldplacementvisitscanbescheduledasneededordesired.VisitsmayberequestedbytheDirectorofFieldEducation,FieldEducator,and/ortheStudentforanyreasonincluding,butnotlimitedto,changesinthefieldplacementsetting;needforadditionalsupportorguidanceforFieldEducatorsorStudents;needforclarificationonFieldEducationpoliciesand/orprocedures;andconcernswithperformanceand/orbehavior.TheDirectorofFieldEducationisresponsiblefordocumentingfieldplacementvisitsandforcompletinganImprovementPlan(describedbelow)shouldconcernsaboutstudentperformanceand/orbehaviorbeidentified.

ReportingConcernsFaculty,Staff,andFieldEducatorsareinstructedtoreportanyconcernsaboutstudentperformanceand/orbehaviortotheDirectorofFieldEducationand/orMSWProgramDirector.Thismayincludeconcernsaboutactivitiesoccurringoutsidetheclassroomorfieldplacementsettingincluding,butnotlimitedto,reportsofharmtoselforothers,problemdrinking,druguseorabuse,violence,and/orpoliceinvolvementwhileatDaemenCollegeorinthecommunity.AnImprovementPlan(describedbelow)willbedevelopedasneeded.TheDirectorofFieldEducationorMSWProgramDirectorwillassumeresponsibilityforreportingtoDaemenCollege’sStudentSupportTeam,theOfficeoftheVicePresidentforStudentAffairs,and/ortheDeanofStudents(StudentAffairs)asappropriate.Additionally,bothMSWStudentsandFieldEducators/TaskSupervisorsarefreetoidentifyanyconcernsrelatedtoperformanceandbehaviortotheDirectorofFieldEducationand/orMSWProgramDirector.AcopyoftheStudentConcernsFormandtheFieldEducator/TaskSupervisorsConcernsFormisincludedintheAppendix. IntegrativeSeminarStudentperformanceand/orbehavioraremonitoredaspartoftheweeklyFieldEducationSeminarcoursetaughtbytheDirectorofFieldEducation.ATTENDANCEISMANDATORY.Studentsareexpectedtoactivelyparticipateincoursediscussionsandactivitieswhileinclass.Concernsaboutperformanceand/orbehaviorwhileinIntegrativeSeminarshouldbesharedwiththeMSWProgramDirectorassoonaspossible.AnImprovementPlan(describedbelow)willbedevelopedasneeded.FieldEducationSupervisionStudentperformanceand/orbehavioraremonitoredaspartoftheweekly,one-hoursupervisionsessions(face-to-faceorother)withtheirFieldEducator.Studentsareexpectedtobepreparedforandactivelyparticipateinsupervision.Concernsaboutperformanceand/orbehaviorwhileinsupervisionshouldbesharedwiththeDirectorofFieldEducationassoonaspossible.AnImprovementPlan(describedbelow)willbedevelopedasneeded.FIELDEDUCATIONEVALUATIONAsFieldEducationservesasthecriticalbridgebetweensocialworkeducationandpractice,itplaysanimportantroleintheoverallevaluationofStudents–particularlyasitrelatestodeterminingwhetherStudentshaveacquiredthecompetenciesdeterminedtobenecessaryforgeneralistsocialworkpracticebytheCouncilonSocialWorkEducation(CSWE)oradvanced(clinical)practiceasdefinedbyDaemenCollageSocialWorkfaculty.TheMasterofSocialWorkProgramtakestheevaluationofFieldEducationveryseriously.StudentswhodonotpassFieldInstructionandSeminarIorIIIduringfallsemesterwillnotbeallowedtocontinueinFieldEducation.Insuchcircumstances,theStudentmustrepeatthecoursethefollowingschoolyear.

StudentswhodonotpassFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarIIduringthespringsemesteroftheirGeneralistyearwillnotbeallowedtocontinueinFieldEducation.Insuchcircumstances,theStudentmustrepeatmustrepeatbothFieldInstructionandSeminarIandIIthefollowingschoolyear.ToearnaMasterofSocialWorkdegreeatDaemenCollege,Studentsmustcomplete500-fieldhoursintheirAdvanced(Clinical)yearandpasstheFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarIIIandIVtwo-coursesequence.FieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminar(I,II,III,IV)iscomposedoftwoactivities.TheSupervisedFieldEducationexperienceoccursatthefieldplacementagencyandisevaluatedbyFieldEducators/TaskSupervisors.IntegrativeSeminarisledandevaluatedbytheDirectorofFieldEducation.Adescriptionoftheevaluationproceduresforeachcomponentisprovidedbelow.SupervisedFieldEducationExperienceEvaluation

EvaluationoftheSupervisedFieldEducationexperiencerequirementfocusesonthecompletionofindividualizedtasksdescribedintheStudent’sLearningContract.Theselearningopportunitiesenablethestudenttodemonstratethattheyhaveacquiredtheten(10)corecompetenciesandassociatedpracticebehaviorsforGeneralistorAdvanced(Clinical)practice.TherearetwoformalevaluationsofprogressontheLearningContract.Themid-termevaluationtakesplaceinDecemberandisaimedatgatheringfeedbackthatcanbeusedtofosterimprovementintheFieldEducationcontext.ThefinalevaluationtakesplaceinMayandmeasuresthelevelofsuccessorproficiencyinachievingthecorecompetencies.FormoreinformationontheLearningContract,pleaseseethePlacementActivitiessectionofthismanual.ForboththeMid-YearandFinalevaluation,theStudentandFieldEducatorarerequiredtoevaluatestudentperformanceonagivencompetencybyscoringtheassociatedpracticebehaviorsusingthescaleprovidedbelow.Studentscompletetheevaluationaspartofaself-assessment.TheMasterofSocialWorkProgramusesonlytheFieldEducator’sevaluationscoresforassessmentpurposes.StudentsandFieldEducatorsareinstructedtoleaveascoreblankifthestudenthasnotyetengagedinactivitiesrelatedtothepracticebehavior.Theyarealsoaskedtoincludeinformationaboutplannedactivitiesandstartdatesinthenarrativesection(describedbelow).

AdvancedCompetence(Scoredas5)

Expertlydemonstratesawareness,knowledge,andskillsasasocialworkfieldplacementstudent.Studentdisplayscreativity,flexibility,andimaginativenessreflectingtheabilitytoperformthesetofpracticebehaviorsassociatedwithagivencompetencyatasuperiorlevel.

Competence(Scoredas4)

Demonstratesawareness,knowledge,andskillsasasocialworkfieldplacementstudent.Studentabletoperformthesetofpracticebehaviorsassociatedwithagivencompetencywellandwithconsistency.

EmergingCompetence(Scoredas3)

Demonstratesbeginningawareness,knowledge,andskillsasasocialworkfieldplacementstudent.Whiletheremaybeunevenness(includinglimitedregressionorimmobilizationduringtimesofstressorpressure),Studentoffersevidenceofboththemotivationandcapacitytoperformthesetofpracticebehaviorsassociatedwithagivencompetencysatisfactorily.

InsufficientProgress(Scoredas2)

Demonstratesminimalawareness,knowledge,andskillsasasocialworkfieldplacementstudent.Studentappearstofacedifficultiesindevelopingtheabilitytoperformthesetofpracticebehaviorsassociatedwithagivencompetencyanddoessominimally.

UnacceptableProgress(Scoredas1)

Demonstrateslittleawareness,knowledge,andskillsasasocialworkfieldstudent.Studentisunabletodemonstratetheabilitytoperformthesetofpracticebehaviorsassociatedwithagivencompetency.

Inadditiontoscoringeachpracticebehavior,anaveragescoreiscalculatedforeachcompetencyarea.Thisscoreisusedtodeterminewhetherthestudentismakingappropriateprogressoneachcompetency.Followingthis,theStudentandFieldEducatorcompletesabriefnarrativediscussingspecificactivitiesundertakenbytheStudenttoprovideevidenceofthedevelopmentofeachcorecompetencyandassociatedpracticebehaviorduringtheperiodinquestion.Finally,boththeStudentandFieldEducatorcanidentify“KeyStrengths,”“KeyAreasforDevelopment,”andtoprovidecomment.FieldEducatorsmayalsoidentify“AreasWhereGrowthWasMostEvident”and“FutureLearningNeedsandRecommendations.”Importantly,theLearningContractshouldbeviewedasa“workingdocument”orplan.Studentsmaynotcompletealltasksonthetimelineoriginallyspecified.StudentsmayneedtoadjustormodifyindividualizedtasksidentifiedintheLearningContractandsomeflexibilityisrequiredinevaluatingresults–particularlyduringthefallsemester.Additionally,theLearningContractshouldcaptureStudentdevelopmentandprofessionalgrowthovertime.ItisanticipatedthatStudentsdemonstrate“EmergingCompetence”inmostareasatthefallevaluation.Studentsshoulddemonstrate“Competence”inmostareasand“AdvancedCompetence”infew,ifany,areasbythespringevaluation.Studentsdeterminedtobemaking“InsufficientProgress”or“UnacceptableProgress”inoneormorecompetencyarea(s)-basedontheaveragescore-willberequiredtomeetwiththeDirectorofFieldEducationandtheMSWProgramDirector.Duringthismeeting,facultywillseektounderstandthenatureofthechallengesfacedbytheStudentinthefieldplacementanddetermineifs/heshouldbeallowedtocontinueinFieldEducation.Ifthestudentisallowedtocontinueinfieldplacement,anImprovementPlan(describedbelow)willbedevelopedandimplemented.TheSupervisedFieldEducationexperiencecomponentofFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarisgradedonapass/failbasisforboththefallandspringsemester.AfailgradewillbeassignedtoanyStudentwhoisdeterminedtobemaking“InsufficientProgress”or“UnacceptableProgress”inthreeormorecompetencyareas.Studentsthatdonotsubmitthemid-yearorfinalFieldEducationevaluationwillnotreceiveagradeforthesemester.AstudentcannotcontinueinFieldEducationorgraduatewithaMasterofSocialWorkuntils/hehasafinalgradeinplace.IntegrativeSeminarEvaluationAllMSWstudentsparticipateinaclassroom-basedIntegrativeSeminaraspartofthetwo-courseFieldInstructionandIntegrativeSeminarsequence(SW519andSW520forGeneralistStudentsandSW619-620forAdvanced(Clinical)Students).Thefirstcoursefocusesontheenhancementofsocialworkskillsandtheintegrationoftheoryandpracticeconcurrentwiththestudent'sfieldplacement.Thecoursealsooffersstudentsanopportunitytoprocesstheirfieldplacementexperiencesinasafe,confidential,andeducationallyenrichingenvironment.ThesecondcoursefocusesonhelpingStudentstomakecriticalconnectionsbetweenthesocialworkcurriculumandthefieldplacementexperiencewhilealsobuildingtheirconfidenceinpreparationforcontinuededucationoremployment.

Studentsareevaluatedonclassroomparticipation,completionofreflectivejournalentries,andthepresentationofaclientcasefromtheirfieldplacementexperience.Studentsareexpectedtodemonstratetheirunderstandingofsocialworkmethodsbyengagingandassessingaclient(individual,family,group,organization,orcommunity),designingandimplementinganappropriateintervention,andevaluatingtheirpracticecommensuratewithstudentlevel(GeneralistorAdvanced(Clinical)).Studentspresenttheirclientcasetotheirpeersandtolocalsocialworkprofessionalsattheendofthesemester.AlongwiththeSupervisedFieldEducationexperience,theIntegrativeSeminarisgradedonapass/failbasisforboththefallandspringsemester.Studentsthatdonotsubmitrequiredassignmentswillnotreceiveagradeforthesemester.AstudentcannotcontinueinFieldEducationorgraduateuntils/hehasafinalgradeinplace.IMPROVEMENTPLANTheMasterofSocialWorkProgramhasdevelopedanImprovementPlantodocumentconcernswithStudentperformanceand/orbehaviorswhileenrolledinrequiredSocialWorkcoursesand/orfieldplacement.TheImprovementPlanmayalsobeusedtoidentifyactivitiesoccurringoutsidetheclassroomorfieldplacementsettingincluding,butnotlimitedto,reportsofharmtoselforothers,problemdrinking,druguseorabuse,violence,and/orpoliceinvolvementwhileatDaemenCollegeorinthecommunity.AcopyoftheImprovementPlanisincludedintheAppendix.TheDirectorofFieldEducationand/orMSWProgramDirectorwilltakeresponsibilityforcompletingtheImprovementPlaninassociationwithrelevantpartiesincludingtheStudent,FacultyMember,FieldEducator,DirectorofFieldEducation,andMSWProgramDirectorasnecessaryand/ordesired.Usingtheformatprovided,theDirectorofFieldEducationand/orMSWProgramDirectorwillidentifythenatureoftheconcernsidentifiedandlocationswheretheseconcernswereobserved(e.g.,classroom,fieldplacement,departmentalmeeting/event,campus,community,other).Ifpreviousattemptshadbeenundertakentoaddresstheconcern,theseattemptsaredocumentedalongwithassociatedoutcomesandrecommendationforaction(e.g.,developplanforresolution,removalfromclass,removalfromfieldplacement,removalfromsocialworkprogram,disciplinaryreferraltoDeanofStudents,other).Aplanforresolutionisdevelopedincludingspecificactionstoachievegoalsanddatesforcompletion.TheImprovementPlanalsoincludesinformationaboutexpectedbehaviorsincludinglinkagestotheCSWEcorecompetenciesandpracticebehaviorsaswellasaplanforevaluation.Theplanforevaluationincludesspecificindicatorsofprogressandcompletiondates.TheImprovementPlanisdiscussedandsignedbyrelevantparities,includingtheStudent,FacultyMember,FieldEducator,DirectorofFieldEducation,andMSWProgramDirector,onceagain,asnecessaryand/ordesired.Insigningthedocument,thepartiesacknowledgethattheyunderstandtheinformationpresentedaboveandhavebeenprovidedacopyofthedocumentsfortheirrecords.

TheDirectorofFieldEducationand/orMSWProgramDirectorwillberesponsibleforevaluatingprogressontheImprovementPlanonaregularbasis.Basedonthisevaluation,theDirectorofFieldEducationand/orMSWProgramDirectorwillmakefinaldeterminationsastowhethertheStudentcancontinueinFieldEducation.StudentswhodonotmakeprogressontheirImprovementPlan(basedontheactivities,behaviors,andcompletiondatesspecified)maybedeniedpermissiontocontinueinFieldEducation.StudentswishingtoappealafinaldecisionmaydosobycontactingtheChairoftheSocialWorkandSociologyDepartment.FIELDPLACEMENTTERMINATIONAgreatdealofeffortisinvolvedinmatchingaStudent,FieldEducator,andfieldplacementagencyforanoptimallearningexperience.Assuch,itisexpectedthattheentirefieldplacementwillbecompletedatonefieldplacementlocationandwithinaspecifiedperiod(twoacademicsemesters).Thereare,however,timeswhenitbecomesnecessarytoterminateafieldplacementforthewell-beingofthestudent,aswellasthatoftheirclients,theorganization,and/orthesocialworkprofession.Anypartycaninitiateaconversationabouttheneedtoterminateorotherwisemodifyafieldplacementarrangement,regardlessofreason.Inmany,butnotallcases,concernssurfacerelatedtothevariousmonitoringandevaluationactivities.Concernscanbedocumentedbythestudent,FieldEducator/TaskSupervisor,and/orMSWFacultyusingtheappropriateDocumentationofConcernsform(See:Appendix).Followinginitiationoftheconversation,theStudent,FieldEducator,andDirectorofFieldEducationwillmeettodiscusstheprimaryconcernsandtodetermineifthesituationisreparable.Ifadecisionismadetocontinuethefieldplacement,thepartieswillworktogethertocompleteanImprovementPlanandcommittoitsimplementation.ThisplanmayrequiretheStudenttoseekassistancethroughDaemenCollege’sCounselingCenter(716-839-8337),LearningCenter(716-839-8228),and/orHeathandInsuranceServices(716-839-8446)toensurethats/hehasthenecessarysupporttobesuccessfulinfieldplacement.STUDENTSINACTIVEDISTRESSWILLNOTBEALLOWEDTOWORKWITHCLIENTSATFIELDPLACEMENT.Progressontheplanwillbemonitoredandadeterminationwillbemadeastowhethertheidentifiedconcernshadbeenaddressed.Ifadecisionismadetoterminatethefieldplacement,stepsaretakentominimizetheeducationaldisruptionexperiencedbytheStudentwhilealsoprotectingtherelationshipbetweentheMasterofSocialWorkProgramandtheAgencyinquestion.

1.) WorkingwiththeStudentandFieldEducator,theDirectorofFieldEducationwilldetermineanappropriatetimelineforremovingtheStudentfromthefieldplacement.

2.) Usingthistimeline,theStudentwillcompleteanexitprocesswiththeFieldEducatorincludingcompletinganynecessarypaperwork,terminatingand/orreassigningclients,closingorreassigningprojectsorcommitteework,andfulfillingadministrativerequirementsasrequestedbythefieldagency.

3.) TheFieldEducatorwillprovideabrief,writtensummaryofthestudent’sfieldexperience-includingthenumberofhoursworkedtodate,natureofactivitiescompleted,andreason(s)fordiscontinuanceoffieldplacement-totheDirectorofFieldEducation.ThissummarymustbesharedwiththeStudent,fortheirreviewandsignature,andwillbecomepartoftheStudent’sofficialrecord.

TheDirectorofFieldEducationwilldeterminethenumberofhours,ifany,theStudentwillbecreditedforparticipatingintheterminationprocess.StudentswishingtoappealafieldplacementterminationdecisionmaydosobycontactingtheChairoftheSocialWorkandSociologyDepartment.REASONSFORFIELDPLACEMENTTERMINATIONThereareseveralreasonsforconsideringterminationofafieldplacementincluding,butnotlimitedto:StudentWell-Being

• Studentinabilitytomanageemotionsinfieldplacementsetting;• Studentinabilitytoutilizeappropriatecopingmechanisminfieldplacementsetting;• Studentinabilitytoaddressphysical,emotional,orpsychologicalhealthconcerns;• Studentinabilitytoengageinminimalself-careinfieldplacementsetting;• Studentlackofself-awareness;and/or• Concernsabouttraumaresponsesand/orvicarioustraumatization.

FieldPlacementSuitability

• Agencyorprogramclosure;• Agencyorprograminvestigationbygovernment,funder,orotherentity;• Agencyreorganizationthatreducesornegateslearningopportunities;• AgencyreorganizationthathindersStudentsupervisionand/ortaskassignment;• Agencyresourcesviewedasinadequatetosupportfieldplacement;• Agencylearningexperiencesviewedastoolimitedtosupportfieldplacement;• FieldEducatorand/orTaskSupervisorleavestheagency;• FieldEducatorand/orTaskSupervisorinabilitytomeetexpectationsassociatedwithFieldEducation;• FieldEducatorand/orTaskSupervisordesireorneedtoberelievedofFieldEducationresponsibilities;• FieldEducatorand/orTaskSupervisorexperienceschangeinpositionorresponsibilitiesandcannot

continueFieldEducation;• StudentorDirectorofFieldEducation’sconcernsaboutconflictofinterest;• StudentorDirectorofFieldEducation’sconcernsaboutstudentsafetyorwell-being;and/or• StudentorDirectorofFieldEducation’sconcernsaboutthegeneralsuitabilityofthefieldplacement.

Performanceand/orBehaviorConcerns

• Studentdisregardingtheprinciplesofprivacyandconfidentiality;• Studentdemonstratinganinabilitytoaccuratelyassessstrengthsandlimitationsastheyrelateto

professionalpracticeandeffectiveuseofself;• Studentbeingunwillingtoreceivesupervisionandconstructivefeedbackinapositivemanner;• Studentbeingunwillingtouseconstructivefeedbacktoenhanceprofessionaldevelopment;

• Studentconsistentlydemonstratingpoorwrittenand/ororalcommunicationskillswithoutseekingappropriateassistance;

• Studentconsistentlydemonstratingunacceptableworkhabitsintheareasofpunctuality,attendance,team/groupparticipation,andconflictresolution;

• Studentengagingininappropriateordisruptivebehavior;• Studentmakingderogatoryorpejorativeoralorwrittenstatementsabout/towardsothers,including

otherstudents,faculty,fieldeducators,professionalcolleagues,andclients;• Studentdemonstratinganinabilitytoworkwithpersonsfrompopulationsreflectingracial,ethnic,

disability-based,religious,socioeconomic,political,gender,andsexualorientationdifference;and/or• Studentbeingunabletoengageinpracticeatthelevelexpectedfortimespentatfieldplacement.

FIELDPLACEMENTREASSIGNMENTBasedontheassumptionthatastudentwhoisunsuccessfulinonefieldsettingmayhavethecapacitytobesuccessfulinanotherfieldsetting,theDirectorofFieldEducationwillmeetwiththeStudentandtheMSWProgramDirectortodetermineifreassignmentisinthebestinterestoftheStudent,aswellaspotentialclients,theorganization,andthesocialworkprofession,andwillmakeplansaccordingly.Studentwhoreceiveapprovalcanbeginthereassignmentprocess–oncetheyhaveexitedfromtheirpreviousfieldinternship-byfollowingthesesteps:

1.) TheStudentmeetswiththeDirectorofFieldEducationtodiscusshisorherlearninggoalsandpossiblefieldplacementlocations.

2.) TheDirectorofFieldEducationinitiatesthereassignmentprocessbycontactinganewagency.IfthereisnoexistingMemorandumofAgreement(MOA)betweentheagencyandtheMasterofSocialWorkProgram,theDirectorofFieldEducationinitiatesthatprocess.

3.) TheStudentinterviewswiththeFieldEducatoratthenewfieldplacementassoonaspossibleandadeterminationaboutplacementisreached.

4.) TheDirectorofFieldEducationcommunicateswithFacultyaboutthechangeinStudentfieldplacementandrequestsadjustmentstoassignmentsand/orduedates(asappropriate)tofacilitateasmoothtransitionandcontinuedintegrationbetweenclassroomandfieldplacementactivities.

5.) TheDirectorofFieldEducationvisitsStudentandFieldEducatoratthereassignedplacementtoassist

inthecompletionoftheLearningContract.

6.) TheStudentandFieldEducatormakearrangementsfortheStudenttomake-upanytimelastduringthetransition.

7.) TheDirectorofFieldEducationcloselymonitorsthetransitionandmakesadjustmentsasneeded.

TheDirectorofFieldEducationwilldeterminethenumberofhours,ifany,theStudentwillbecreditedforparticipatinginthereassignmentprocess.

StudentswhodonotreceiveapprovalforreassignmentwillberequiredtowaituntilthefollowingschoolyearordiscontinueparticipationintheMasterofSocialWorkProgram.StudentswishingtoappealthisdecisionmaydosobycontactingtheChairoftheSocialWorkandSociologyDepartment.FIELDEDUCATIONTERMINATIONTocompleteFieldEducation,Studentsmustperformanceacademically;demonstratethecapacitytomasterskillsnecessaryforgeneralistoradvanced(clinical)socialworkpractice;andbehaveinamannerthatisconsistentwiththeNASWCodeofEthicsandstandardsforprofessionalismestablishedbytheMasterofSocialWorkProgram.EveryeffortwillbemadetoassistStudentsintheMasterofSocialWorkPrograminthecompletionoftheirFieldEducationexperience.Aspartofitsroleasgatekeepertotheprofessionandobligationtoensurethatitsgraduatespossessthecompetenciesnecessaryforgeneralistoradvanced(clinical)socialworkpracticeandhighstandardsofprofessionalism,theMasterofSocialWorkProgramhasalsoidentifiedcriteriaforterminatingastudentfromFieldEducation.

AstudentmaybeterminatedfromFieldEducationrelatedtoacademicperformanceincluding:

• FailuretomaintainanoverallGradePointAverageof3.0orbetter• FailuretomaintainaSocialWorkGradePointAverageof3.0orbetter• Failuretosuccessfullycompletethefollowingrequiredcourses:

o SW511–FoundationsofMicro/MezzoPractice(“B-”orBetter)o SW512–FoundationsofMacroPractice(“B-”orBetter)o SW519–FieldInstructionIandIntegrativeSeminar(Pass/Fail)o SW520–FieldInstructionIIandIntegrativeSeminar(Pass/Fail)o SW619–FieldInstructionIIIandIntegrativeSeminar(Pass/Fail)o SW620–FieldInstructionIVandIntegrativeSeminar(Pass/Fail)

AStudentmaybeterminatedfromFieldEducationrelatedtofieldplacementperformanceincluding:

• Terminationfromfieldplacementwithoutreassignment• “InsufficientProgress”or“UnacceptableProgress”inthreeormorecompetencyareasonMid-Year

FieldPlacementEvaluation• “InsufficientProgress”or“UnacceptableProgress”inthreeormorecompetencyareasonFinalField

PlacementEvaluation

Finally,aStudentmaybeterminatedfromFieldEducationforadministrativereasonsincluding:• BreachofanystandardsoftheNASWCodeofEthics• Multipledeficienciesrelatedtoprofessionalism(i.e.,scoringatwoorlessontwoormoreperformance

indicatorsand/orproblemswithprofessionalisminmultipleclassesand/orfield)• FailuretomakesufficientprogressonImprovementPlan• FailuretoidentifyaknownConflictofinterestinfieldplacement• ViolationofpoliciesandproceduresasstatedinMSWFieldManual• ViolationofpoliciesandproceduresasstatedinMSWStudentHandbook• ViolationofpoliciesandproceduresasstatedinDaemenCollegeStudentHandbook

StudentsindangerofbeingterminatedfromFieldEducationwillhaveanopportunitytomeetanddiscusstheirsituationwiththeDirectorofFieldEducationandtheMSWProgramDirectorbeforeafinaldecisionisreached.StudentswishingtoappealafinaldecisionmaydosobycontactingtheChairoftheSocialWorkandSociologyDepartment.FIELDEDUCATIONCOMPLETIONStudentscompletingFieldEducationareadvisedto:

1.) CompleteanexitprocesswiththeirFieldEducatorincludingcompletinganynecessarypaperwork,terminatingand/orreassigningclients,closingorreassigningprojectsorcommitteework,andfulfillingadministrativerequirementsasrequestedbythefieldagency.

2.) Makepersonalcopies(paperand/orelectronic)ofanyprojectscompletedatfieldplacementthatdemonstrateStudent’sacquisitionofcompetenciesandassociatedpracticebehaviors(Note:Allmaterialsmustbede-identifiedandpermissionmustbeobtainedbythefieldplacementforcopies).

3.) Securecopiesofanyprofessionaldevelopmenttrainingcertificates.

4.) Makepersonalcopies(paperand/orelectronic)ofLearningContractandFieldEducationEvaluations.

5.) IncorporatefieldplacementmaterialsintoStudentLearningPortfolioincludingcasestudies,

evaluations,researchreports,trainingcertifications,etc.

6.) Securecontactinformationforanyagencystaffmemberscapableofprovidingareferenceforgraduateschooloremploymentpurposes.

EVALUATIONOFFIELDEDUCATIONEXPERIENCEFeedbackiscriticaltotheMasterofSocialWorkProgram.Theprovisionofhonest,comprehensivefeedbackcanhelpustoimproveourcurriculumand/orFieldEducationexperience.Assuch,StudentsandFieldEducatorswillbeaskedtoprovidetheirevaluationoftheFieldEducationExperience(see:Appendix).Studentsareaskedtocompleteevaluationsofthefollowingusingaweb-basedtool:

• FieldEducator• FieldPlacement• DirectorofFieldEducation• FieldEducationExperience

FieldEducatorsareaskedcompleteevaluationsofthefollowingusingaweb-basedtool:• DirectorofFieldEducation• FieldEducationExperience

IndividualswishingtoprovideadditionalfeedbackmaycontacttheMSWProgramDirectororChairoftheDepartmentofSocialWorkandSociology.

APPENDICES

DAEMENCOLLEGE–MASTEROFSOCIALWORKFIELDEDUCATIONAPPLICATIONPROCESS

FieldEducationisthecriticalbridgebetweensocialworkeducationandpractice.Itisthearenainwhichstudentswillexerciseandaffirmtheknowledge,values,andskillsrequiredforpracticeofprofessionalsocialworkwithinavarietyofsystems.Accesstofieldeducationplacementisbasedonformalacceptanceandrequiresthesubmissionofthefollowingitems:

1.) ACompletedApplicationForm2.) FieldPlacementSelfAssessment3.) FieldEducationSelectionandGoals4.) SignedFieldEducationStatementofUnderstanding5.) SignedFieldPlacementBackgroundCheckandScreeningStatement

Materialsshouldbesubmittedintheorderlistedabove.Besuretoincludeyourfullnameonallofyourmaterials.Followingsubmission,studentswillreceiveinformationabouthowtoscheduletheirpre-fieldinterviewwiththeDirectorofFieldEducationShouldyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheapplicationprocess,pleasecontacttheDirectorofFieldEducation.

DAEMENCOLLEGE–MASTEROFSOCIALWORKFIELDEDUCATIONAPPLICATIONFORM

PersonalInformationSalutation: ()Ms.()Mrs.()Mr. ()Other__________Name: __________________________________________________________________ LastName FirstName MiddleInitialDateofBirth: _____________________________ Month Date YearLocalAddressLocalAddress: __________________________________________________________________ Number Street

__________________________________________________________________ City State ZIPCodeLocalPhone: ()-CellPhone: ()-DaemenE-mail: __________________________________________________________________PermanentAddressPermanentAddress:

__________________________________________________________________ Number Street

__________________________________________________________________ City State ZIPCodePermanentPhone: ()-EmergencyContactEmergencyContact: _________________________________________________________________ Name RelationshipEmergencyPhone: ()-

EducationHighSchool: ___________________________________________________________________College: ___________________________________________________________________ College: ___________________________________________________________________ FieldofStudy Degree

OVERALLGPA: _________________ExpectedGraduationDate: _________________________________________________ Month YearWorkExperienceOrganizationName PositionHeld Dates–From/ToVolunteer/ExtracurricularExperiencePleaselistanyvolunteer,community,and/orextracurricularactivitiesinwhichyouhavebeeninvolved.OrganizationName PositionHeld Dates–From/ToSpecialTraining/CertificationsPleaseidentifyanyspecializedtrainingand/orcertificationsyouhavesecured.

FieldPlacementInformationForeachoftheitemsbelow,pleasecheckallthatapply.Whichofthefollowingbestdescribestopics(s)ofinterestinsocialwork?

1Addictions1Administration/Management1Aging1ChildWelfare1CommunityDevelopment1CriminalJustice/Courts1Developmental/RehabilitativeDisabilities1Health1HealthHomes1Housing/Homelessness1InternationalSocialWork1MentalHealth1MilitarySocialWork

1OccupationalSocialWork1Philanthropy/Foundations1PrivatePractice1PoliticalSocialWork1Poverty1PublicHealth1SchoolSocialWork1SocialWorkEducation1Trauma1Violence1Other:________________________1Other:________________________1Other:________________________

Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourpopulation(s)ofinterestinsocialwork?

1Adolescents1Adults1Children1DisplacedPersons,Refugees1Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender(LGBT)1Military/Veterans

1OlderAdults1Non-NativeEnglishSpeakers1PersonswithDisabilities1VictimsofInterpersonalViolence1Other:________________________ 1Other:________________________

Whichofthefollowingbestdescribesyourinterest(s)inadditionalskilldevelopment?

1Administration1Advocacy1AssessmentSkills1CommunicationSkills1CounselingSkills1GrantWriting1GroupWork1BudgetandFinance1HumanResources

1Interviewing1ProjectCoordination1Planning1PolicyAnalysis1ProgramDevelopment1Research1UseofTechnology1Other:________________________ 1Other:________________________

Pleasedescribeanyspecialneedsorconcernsyouhaveasyouenterfieldplacement(includingtransportationand/orlocation).

DAEMENCOLLEGE-MASTEROFSOCIALWORK

FIELDEDUCATIONSELFASSESSMENT

1. Describepersonalqualitiesthatcontributetoyourabilityasaprofessionalsocialworker.Describepersonalqualitiesthatmaydetractfromyourabilityasaprofessionalsocialworker.

2. Whatareyourshort-term,intermediate,andlong-termcareergoals?

3. Inwhatkindsofworksettingsdoyoufeelyouaremosteffective?Whatkindsofworksettingsaredifficultorchallengingforyou?

4. Whatisyourworkpacing?Doyoupreferafast-pacedenvironmentthatisconstantlychanging?Doyouprefer

anenvironmentthatisslowanddeliberate?

5. Consideringyourpersonalhistory,whatsituations,clientgroups,oractivitiesmightbechallengingforyou?

6. Howdoyoutypicallyrespondwhenyouareinapersonallystressfuloranxiety-producingsituation?Whathelpsyoutocopeinsuchsituations?Bespecific.

7. Howdoyoutypicallyrespondwhenothersareinacrisisorinastressfulandanxioussituation?Whathelps

youinsuchsituations?Bespecific.

8. Howdoyouliketowork?Doyouprefercompletingassignmentsonyourown?Doyouprefertoworkaspartofateam?

9. Whatkindofsupervisionismostbeneficialtoyou?Describethecharacteristicsofyour“dream”supervisor.

Whatkindofsupervisionismostdifficulttoyou?Describethecharacteristicsofyour“nightmare”supervisor.

10. Reflectingontheitemsabove,describeyourbestpossiblefieldplacementenvironment.

DAEMENCOLLEGE-MASTERSOCIALWORKFIELDEDUCATIONSELECTIONANDGOALS

Pleaseidentifyyourtopthree(3)choicesforfieldplacementbelow.Includetheorganizationalandprogramname(wherepossible).

1. _____________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________________ Pleaseidentifywhyyouareinterestedinsecuringafieldplacementwiththeseorganizations/programs.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Pleaseidentifythreetofive(3-5)goalsyouhaverelatedtoyourfieldplacementexperience.Thesegoalsmayberelatedtospecificsocialworkskillsyouwouldliketodevelop,knowledgeorexperiencesyouwouldliketogain,orpersonaldevelopment.Pleasebeasclearandspecificaspossible.

1. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

DAEMENCOLLEGE–MASTEROFSOCIALWORK

FIELDEDUCATIONSTATEMENTOFUNDERSTANDINGStudentsareexpectedtobefamiliarwiththepoliciesandpracticesofFieldEducationatDaemenCollege.AsastudentpreparingforFieldEducation,Ihavereadandunderstandeachofthefollowingdocuments:

FieldEducationOverview YES NOResponsibilitiesinFieldWork YES NOProcessforSecuringaFieldPlacement YES NOSuggestedExperiencesforStudentLearning YES NOSafetyAcknowledgement YES NODaemenCollegeGuidelinesforOffCampusLearningExperiences YES NOLearningContractandEvaluation(Mid-andFinal) YES NO

Iunderstandthecommitmentanddedicationthatfieldeducationwillrequireofme.Ifurtherrecognizethattheseactivitiesaredesignedtopromotemyprofessionaldevelopmentasabeginninggeneralistpracticesocialworker.

YES NOIagreetoparticipateinallrequiredpre-placementorientationsand/ortrainingsprovidedbytheDaemenCollegeMasterofSocialWorkandtheorganizationwhereIwillhavemyfieldplacement.

YES NO

Iagreetocompletetherequiredhoursatmyfieldplacementduringthefallandspringsemesters.

YES NOIagreetoabidebytheNationalAssociationofSocialWorkers(NASW)CodeofEthicsinthefieldsetting.

YES NOIunderstandthatIwillbeunabletocompletetheMasterofSocialWorkProgramifIdonotcompletemyFieldEducationexperience.

YES NOMysignaturebelowverifieseachofmyresponsesabove._________________________________________________________________________________________StudentSignature Date_________________________________________________________________________________________PrintedName

DAEMENCOLLEGE

MASTEROFSOCIALWORKPROGRAMBACKGROUNDCHECKSANDSCREENINGSTATEMENT

Pleasebeawarethatfederalandstatelawsmandatecriminalbackgroundchecks(includingreviewofarrestrecords)forindividualsworkingwithchildrenandyouth,personswithdisabilities,andseniorcitizens.IndividualsinvolvedinregularandsubstantialunsupervisedorunrestrictedcontactwithpersonsreceivingservicesfromNewYorkStateOfficeofMentalHealth(NYS-OMH)andNewYorkStateOfficeforPersonswithDevelopmentalDisabilities(NYS-OPWDD)programsandNewYorkStateOfficeforChildrenandFamilyServices(OCFS)residentialprogramsforchildrenarerequiredtohavetheircriminalhistoryinformationobtainedandreviewedbytheJusticeCenter.InquiriestotheStatewideCentralRegister(SCR)maybeplacedtodeterminetheexistenceofanyindicatedreportsofchildabuseandmaltreatmentagainstaperson.Individualswhohaveacriminalorabuserecordmaybedeterminedtobeineligibleforfieldplacementincertainagenciesand/orprograms.Inaddition,agenciesreservetherighttorequirestudentstotakeandpassadrugand/orcommunicablediseasescreeningbeforeacceptingthemintofieldplacement.Studentswhorefusetoparticipateinascreeningorscreenpositivefordrugsand/orcommunicabledisease(s)mayalsobedeterminedtobeineligibleforfieldplacementinacertainagencyand/orprogram.ItistheresponsibilityoftheDaemenCollegeMasterofSocialWorkProgramtoworkwithstudentstoidentifyfieldplacementopportunitiesthatmeettheireducationalandpersonalneeds.Studentswhofacepotentialchallengesrelatedtobackgroundchecksand/orscreeningsareinstructedtomaketheirsituationknowntotheDirectorofFieldEducationand/orMSWProgramDirectorassoonaspossible.Thiswillenablethemtoprovideappropriateguidancetothestudentregardingfieldplacement.FailuretodosowillresultinthedevelopmentofaStudentImprovementPlan.StudentswhofailtocompletetheirfieldplacementrequirementwillbeunabletocompletetheMasterofSocialWorkdegree.Bysigningthisform,youareverifyingthatyouhavereadandunderstandtheinformationprovidedabove._________________________________________________________________________________________StudentSignature Date_________________________________________________________________________________________PrintedName

DAEMENCOLLEGE–MASTEROFSOCIALWORKRELEASEOFINFORMATION

TheDaemenCollegeDepartmentofSocialWorkandSociologyrequestspermissiontoreleasepertinentinformationaboutaStudent’seducation,serviceandvolunteerexperience,and/orinterestswithpotentialemployersand/orgraduateschoolprograms.Withoutawrittenrelease,theDepartmentisunabletoprovidethisinformationastheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)prohibitssuchactivity.1ThereleaserequestislimitedtoinformationabouttheStudent’sacademicperformance,fieldplacementactivities,andserviceworkundertakenwhileastudentintheDaemenCollegeMasterSocialWorkProgram.ItalsoincludesinformationincludedontheStudent’sprofessionalresumeand/orinformationspecificallysharedbytheStudentforthispurpose.Thisinformationisoftendeemednecessarytomakeappropriatedecisionsregardingthe“goodnessoffit”foremploymentoreducationalprogramming.AsastudentintheDaemenCollegeMasterofSocialWorkProgram,Ihavereadandunderstandtheinformationpresentedabove.

YES NO

IunderstandthatIhavetheauthoritytograntordenypermissionforthereleaseofmypersonalinformation.YES NO

Igrantpermissiontoreleasemypersonalinformationtopotentialemployers.

YES NOIgrantpermissiontoreleasemypersonalinformationtopotentialgraduateschoolprograms.

YES NOIunderstandthat,onceplaced,thisreleasewillremainineffectinperpetuityunlessrevokedbyme.

YES NO

IunderstandthatImayrevokethisconsentatanytime,butsuchrevocationwillonlybeeffectivefromdateoftheDepartment’sreceiptofwrittenrevocationgoingforward.

YES NOSIGNATURE

__________________________________________________________________________________________________StudentSignatureDate

__________________________________________________________________________________________________Student’sName(Print)

1FERPAisaFederallawthatprotectstheprivacyofstudenteducationrecordsandrestrictsfederallyfundedcollegesanduniversitiesfromdisclosingpersonallyidentifiableinformationtoathirdpartywithouttheirwrittenconsent.

EMPLOYMENT-BASEDFIELDPLACEMENTDAEMENCOLLEGE–MASTEROFSOCIALWORK

TOBECOMPLETEDBYSTUDENT

StudentName: _________________________________________________________________PlacementType: ________ MSW,Generalist

________ MSW,Advanced(Clinical)Employer: _________________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________Telephone: __________________________________________________________________E-mail: __________________________________________________________________CurrentJobTitle: __________________________________________________________________Status: Full-time:________ Part-time:________DateStarted: ________________Hours: ________________CurrentJobResponsibilities:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________FieldPlacementLocation: __________________________________________________________________ProposedFieldEducator: __________________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________Telephone: __________________________________________________________________E-mail: __________________________________________________________________PlannedStartDate: __________________________________________________________________ProposedHours: ________________ProposedActivites:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Howareproposedactivitiesdifferentfromcurrentjobroleandresponsibilities?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________StudentSignature: __________________________________________________________________Date: __________________________________________________________________

TOBECOMPLETEDBYEMPLOYERCurrentSupervisor: __________________________________________________________________JobTitle: __________________________________________________________________Department: __________________________________________________________________ProposedFieldEducator: __________________________________________________________________JobTitle: __________________________________________________________________Department: __________________________________________________________________PastDaemenPlacements: __________________________________________________________________ProposedActivites:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describehowfieldplacementresponsibilitieswillbedifferentfromcurrentpositionresponsibilities.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describehowagencywillmaximizestudent’sknowledgeandskilldevelopmentbeyondtheircurrentposition.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Employerpledgestomakemaintainaclearseparationbetweenfieldplacementandemploymentactivities.Tomaximizestudentlearningopportunitiesandskilldevelopment,theemployerguaranteesthatcurrentemploymentresponsibilitieswillnottakeprecedenceoverthefieldplacement.Non-adherencetothisagreementmayresultinterminationofstudent’sfieldplacementatplaceofemployment.SupervisorSignature: __________________________________________________________________Date: __________________________________________________________________FieldEducatorSignature: __________________________________________________________________Date: __________________________________________________________________

DAEMENCOLLEGE–MASTEROFSOCIALWORKFIELDPLACEMENTSELECTIONFORM-STUDENT

StudentName: _______________________________________________________

PlacementAgencyName: _______________________________________________________

PlacementAgencyProgram: _______________________________________________________

PlacementAddress: _______________________________________________________

AgencyInterviewer: _______________________________________________________

FieldEducator: _______________________________________________________

TaskSupervisor(asneeded): _______________________________________________________

DateofInterview: _______________________________________________________

What,ifany,concernsdoyouhaveaboutthisfieldplacement?Pleasedescribe.______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Pleasedescribeanyspecialconsiderationsdiscussedduringinterview.______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Pleaseinitialyourchoiceandsignbelow.______ Iacceptthisplacement.______ Ideclinethisplacement.______________________________________________________________________________________StudentSignature Date

DAEMENCOLLEGE–MASTEROFSOCIALWORKFIELDPLACEMENTSELECTIONFORM–FIELDEDUCATOR