Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement School of Social Work The Agency / School Field Internship Agreement shall serve as a letter of understanding between the agency in which the Students complete their BSW Field Internships (herein after referred to as the “Field Setting”), specifically the Agency Coordinator and the Field Instructor and the Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Social Work (herein after referred to as the “School”). The BSW program and field internships are solidly grounded in the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) Standards for Accreditation (2013). These standards state that: 1. Field education is considered a central component of social work education because the integration of knowledge, values and skills in the context of field education is a critical and distinctive aspect of social work education (3.2 Preamble). 2. The purpose of field education is to connect the theoretical/conceptual contributions of the academic setting with the practice setting, enabling the student to acquire practice skills that reflect the learning objectives for students identified in the Standards (3.2 Preamble). 3. The field education curriculum provides opportunities for students to acquire, apply, and demonstrate knowledge and skills congruent with social work values and with the core learning objectives for students as defined in the Standards (SB/M 3.2.4). 4. Field internships provide multiple opportunities for developing and refining a range of practice skills (SB/M 3.2.16). 5. The field education curriculum is consistent with the school's mission and goals and reflects the values of the relevant Social Work Codes of Ethics (SB/M 3.2.1). 6. Field instructors at the BSW level normally hold, at a minimum, a BSW degree from an accredited social work program, have two years of social work practice experience after graduation, are interested in social work education, and have support from the setting to permit adequate time for assuming field instruction responsibilities. (SB 3.2.21) This agreement was signed on this ___day of _______________, 20___ between the School and (Field Setting) Revised 11/2014 Page 1 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R Whereas the School is seeking to place Bachelor of Social Work Students with the Field Setting so that these Students may obtain field experience; And whereas the Field Setting is agreeable to negotiating with the School to provide field internships for BSW Students; This Agency / School Field Internship Agreement witnesses that the parties have agreed that the terms and conditions of the relationship be as follows: 1. The Field Setting and the School mutually agree: 1.1 To collaborate in the establishment and provision of field internships for BSW Students; 1.2 To identify responsible persons in their respective organizations to assist with the identification, development, and implementation of BSW Field Internships; 1.3 To keep confidential all documents, data, information, and other material provided to or obtained by either of the parties related to: patient/client care; Student performance; the particular mental health or physical challenges or conditions, or any personal circumstances of the Student; and all other information identified by either party as confidential or personal information, in accordance with social work values and the CASW Code of Ethics, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) and other applicable privacy legislation, the terms of the Agency - School Information Sharing Agreement (Appendix F-2), and the Application (Appendix S-2), including Student Brief Resume (Appendix S-3). Within the School, said information may be accessed by School-based Field Instructors, Field Education Coordinators, Field and Undergraduate Secretaries, and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies. Within Field Settings, said information may be accessed by the Field Instructors, Agency Mentors, and Agency Coordinators. The Director of the School shall have access to said information in the case of an appeal or other special circumstances. Other persons may have access to said information, subject to mutual agreement by the Student, the Field Setting, and the School. Confidentiality in Professional Practice: A cornerstone of professional social work relationships is confidentiality with respect to all matters associated with professional services to clients. Social workers demonstrate respect for the trust and confidence placed in them by clients, communities, and other professionals by protecting the privacy of client information and respecting client rights to control when or whether this information will be shared with third parties. Social workers only disclose confidential information to other parties (including family members) with the informed consent of clients or clients’ legally authorized representatives, or when required by law or court order. The general expectation that social workers will keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or others. In all instances, social workers disclose the least amount of confidential information necessary to achieve the desired purpose. (CASW Code of Ethics, 2005) Revised 11/2014 Page 2 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R 2. Responsibilities of the School: 2.1 The School will designate representatives (Field Education Coordinators) with responsibility for BSW field education development, coordination, administration, evaluation, and monitoring. (SB/M 3.2.11) 2.2 The School will designate representatives (Field Education Coordinators) in order to maintain close, reciprocal, and ongoing relationships with field instructors; exchange important information; monitor Student educational experience in BSW Field Internships; and consult and collaborate with field instructors and Students regarding Student progress or problems. (SB/M 3.2.15) 2.3 Field Education Coordinators will facilitate appropriate matches Between Students, Field Instructors, and Field Settings. (SB/M 3.2.13) 2.4 Prior to the commencement date of BSW Field Internships, the School will provide Field Settings with well-defined objectives of the BSW Field Internship. The School also will provide Field Settings with relevant information regarding: 1) Student academic preparation and performance; and, where applicable, 2) Student past field internship experience. Student signature on the BSW Student Application for Field Internship and the Student-School BSW Field Internship Agreement signifies Student consent to the disclosure of said information to the Field Setting. 2.5 Prior to the commencement date of the BSW Field Internship, the School also will provide the Field Setting with relevant information regarding the Student’s particular mental health or physical challenges or conditions, or any personal circumstances disclosed to the School by the Student, provided the Student consents to the disclosure of said information on the BSW Student Application for Field Internship. If the Field Setting agrees to provide a Field Internship for the BSW Student and if, prior to the confirmation of the Internship, the Student discloses any mental health or physical challenges or conditions, or any personal circumstance that may require accommodation, the Field Setting agrees to provide reasonable accommodation during the Internship. 2.5.1 2.5.2 If the Student does not disclose, prior to the confirmation date of the BSW Field Internship, information concerning any pre-existing mental health or physical challenges or conditions, or any pre-existing personal circumstance that may require accommodation during the Internship, the Field Setting is not expected to accommodate the Student. 2.5.3 If, during the course of the BSW Field Internship, there arise any unforeseen mental health or physical challenges or conditions, or any unforeseen personal circumstance that may require accommodation, the Field Setting agrees to negotiate the provision of reasonable accommodation during the BSW Field Internship, wherever possible. Said negotiations may involve a meeting (in person and/or utilizing distance technology) that will include the Student, Field Instructor, Agency Mentor and/or Agency Coordinator of the Field Setting or delegate, the Field Education Coordinator or delegate, and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies or delegate. Revised 11/2014 Page 3 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R 2.5.4 Reasonable accommodation means adjusting a course, program, policy, procedure, or the physical environment that adversely affects the Student without compromising academic integrity or changing the essential educational requirements of the BSW Field Internship. 2.6 The School is responsible for ensuring that Students sign a BSW Student Application for Field Internship and a Student-School BSW Field Internship Agreement. 2.7 The School acknowledges and agrees that there will be, from time to time, exceptional circumstances that arise whereby the Field Setting may find it necessary to require a Student to leave the Field Setting on a temporary or permanent basis for what is deemed as inappropriate conduct or unacceptable performance on the part of the Student or for circumstances related to the Field Setting. While the School acknowledges and agrees that the Student never must knowingly compromise the well-being of the patients/clients (individual, family, group, or community) of the Field Setting , and that the Field Setting is the final authority on all aspects of care/intervention for the patients/clients (individual, family, group, or community) that are the focus of service, any decision to ask a Student to leave the Field Setting on a temporary or permanent basis will be taken only subsequent to a meeting (in person and/or utilizing distance technology) that will include the Student, the Field Instructors, the Agency Mentor and/or Agency Coordinator of the Field Setting or delegate, and the Field Education Coordinator or delegate. Other persons may be invited to the meeting, subject to mutual agreement by the Student, Field Setting, and School. In exceptional circumstances, the BSW Field Internship may be suspended temporarily until a formal meeting is convened. Only after the concerns have been fully explored and alternative actions considered will a decision be made to discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship. When such a course of action is taken, the School will discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship at that Field Setting and the Field Setting will provide a written assessment of the Student’s learning and performance up to and including the time the internship was discontinued. The Student shall have access to this written assessment, as per the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA). When the BSW Field Internship is terminated, those present in the aforementioned meeting will discuss the grading outcome for the Student. It may be recommended that: 1) the Student receive a Fail grade; or 2) the Student will not receive a Fail grade and will be permitted to continue SCWK 3300 or SCWK 4302 in a subsequent Field Setting. The final decision regarding the grading outcome of the termination rests with the Field Education Coordinator and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies. 2.8 The School acknowledges and agrees that there will be, from time to time, exceptional circumstances that arise whereby the Student may find it necessary to leave the Field Setting on a temporary or permanent basis due to concerns with the Field Instruction / Field Setting or due to personal circumstances. Revised 11/2014 Page 4 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R Any decision by a Student to leave the Field Setting on a temporary or permanent basis will be taken only subsequent to a meeting (in person and/or utilizing distance technology) that will include the Student, the Field Instructor, the Agency Mentor and/or Agency Coordinator of the Field Setting or delegate, and the Field Education Coordinator or delegate. Other persons may be invited to the meeting, subject to mutual agreement by the Student, the Field Setting , and the School. In exceptional circumstances, the BSW Field Internship may be suspended temporarily until a formal meeting is convened. Only after the concerns have been fully explored and alternative actions considered will a decision be made to discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship. When such a course of action is taken, the School will discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship at that Field Setting and the Field Setting will provide a written assessment of the Student’s learning and performance up to and including the time the internship was discontinued. The Student shall have access to this written assessment, as per the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA). When the BSW Field Internship is terminated, those present in the aforementioned meeting will discuss the grading outcome for the Student. It may be recommended that: 1) the Student will receive a Fail grade; or 2) the Student will not receive a Fail grade and will be permitted to continue SCWK 3300 or SCWK 4302 in a subsequent Field Setting. The final decision regarding the grading outcome of the termination rests with the Field Education Coordinator and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies. 2.9 The School acknowledges and agrees that there will be, from time to time, exceptional circumstances that arise whereby the School may find it necessary to terminate a BSW Field Internship on a temporary or permanent basis due to concerns with the Student or with the Field Instruction / Field Setting. Any decision by the School to terminate a BSW Field Internship on a temporary or permanent basis will be taken only subsequent to a meeting (in person and/or utilizing distance technology) that will include the Student, the Field Instructor, the Agency Mentor and/or Agency Coordinator of the Field Setting or delegate, and the Field Education Coordinator or delegate. Other persons may be invited to the meeting, subject to mutual agreement by the Student, the Field Setting, and the School. In exceptional circumstances, the BSW Field Internship may be suspended temporarily until a formal meeting is convened. Only after the concerns have been fully explored and alternative actions considered will a decision be made to discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship. When such a course of action is taken, the School will discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship at that Field Setting and the Field Setting will provide a written assessment of the Student’s learning and performance up to and including the time the internship was discontinued. The Student shall have access to this written assessment, as per the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA). When the BSW Field Internship is terminated, those present in the aforementioned meeting will discuss the grading outcome for the Student. It may be recommended that: 1) the Student will Revised 11/2014 Page 5 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R receive a Fail grade; or 2) the Student will not receive a Fail grade and will be permitted to continue SCWK 3300 or SCWK 4302 in a subsequent Field Setting. The final decision regarding the grading outcome of the termination rests with the Field Education Coordinator and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies. 3. Responsibilities of the Field Setting: 3.1 The Field Setting shall designate a representative (Agency Coordinator) to coordinate BSW Field Internships with the School. 3.2 The Field Setting shall permit the School to place BSW Students for Field Internships. 3.3 The Field Setting shall have sole authority and discretion to determine the number of Students that shall be accepted by the Field Setting. 3.4 The Field Setting shall be willing to accept Students without discrimination as defined by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and provincial human rights legislation. In addition, the Field Setting shall be free of discriminatory practices both in personnel practices and in the delivery of services. (SB/M 3.2.17) 3.5 If the Field Setting agrees to provide a Field Internship for the BSW Student and if, prior to the confirmation of the Internship, the Student discloses any mental health or physical challenges or conditions, or any personal circumstance that may require accommodation, the Field Setting agrees to provide reasonable accommodation during the Internship. 3.5.1 If the Student does not disclose, prior to the confirmation date of the BSW Field Internship, information concerning any pre-existing mental health or physical challenges or conditions, or any pre-existing personal circumstance that may require accommodation during the Internship, the Field Setting is not expected to accommodate the Student. 3.5.2 If, during the course of the BSW Field Internship, there arise any unforeseen mental health or physical challenges or conditions, or any unforeseen personal circumstance that may require accommodation, the Field Setting agrees to negotiate the provision of reasonable accommodation during the BSW Field Internship, wherever possible. Said negotiations may involve a meeting (in person and/or utilizing distance technology) that will include the Student, Field Instructor, Agency Mentor and/or Agency Coordinator of the Field Setting or delegate, the Field Education Coordinator or delegate, and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies or delegate. 3.5.3 Reasonable accommodation means adjusting a course, program, policy, procedure, or the physical environment that adversely affects Students without compromising academic integrity or changing the essential educational requirements of the BSW Field Internship. 3.6 Field Setting personnel have a commitment to social work education and professional training. There is a clear differentiation between work and Student learning assignments. Field instruction is educationally-focussed. (SB 3.2.21) Revised 11/2014 Page 6 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R 3.7 Field Settings assure that field instructors have sufficient time and resources within the work schedule to develop planned learning opportunities and tasks, to prepare for educational supervision with the Student, to attend school-sponsored workshops and meetings, and to prepare reports and evaluations. (SB/M 3.2.18) Field instructors will set aside time for weekly field supervision of the Student in accordance with the educational objectives and performance expectations as referred to in the BSW Field Education Manual. 3.8 Field Settings shall ensure that, at all times, a Student is under the direct supervision of a designated field instructor who is acceptable according to the CASWE Standards for Accreditation. Field instructors at the BSW level should possess, at a minimum, a BSW or MSW degree from a recognized professional programme and two years of social work practice experience after graduation. (SB 3.2.21) 3.9 When a field instructor does not have a BSW or MSW degree, the School will assign a qualified social worker to provide field instruction. 3.10 Field Settings shall provide each Student with all relevant Field Setting rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, in advance of the Student’s field work with clients/patients (individual, family, group, or community). In addition, Field Settings shall advise each Student that she/he is required to adhere to the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Field Setting. 3.11 Field Settings shall provide adequate facilities, equipment, and learning materials appropriate to the Student's responsibilities and in keeping with available resources. (SB/M 3.2.19) 3.12 Field instructors, in collaboration with Students, shall complete a learning contract and a midterm and final evaluation, which shall be submitted to the Field Secretary in a timely manner. 3.13 The Field Setting acknowledges and agrees that there will be, from time to time, exceptional circumstances that arise whereby the Field Setting may find it necessary to require a Student to leave the Field Setting on a temporary or permanent basis for what is deemed as inappropriate conduct or unacceptable performance on the part of the Student or for circumstances related to the Field Setting. While the Field Setting acknowledges and agrees that the Student never must knowingly compromise the well-being of the patients/clients (individual, family, group, or community) of the Field Setting , and that the Field Setting is the final authority on all aspects of care/intervention for the patients/clients (individual, family, group, or community) that are the focus of service, any decision to ask a Student to leave the Field Setting on a temporary or permanent basis will be taken only subsequent to a meeting (in person and/or utilizing distance technology) that will include the Student, the Field Instructors, the Agency Mentor and/or Agency Coordinator of the Field Setting or delegate, and the Field Education Coordinator or delegate. Other persons may be invited to the meeting, subject to mutual agreement by the Student, Field Setting, and School. In exceptional circumstances, the BSW Field Internship may be suspended temporarily until a formal meeting is convened. Revised 11/2014 Page 7 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R Only after the concerns have been fully explored and alternative actions considered will a decision be made to discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship. When such a course of action is taken, the School will discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship at that Field Setting and the Field Setting will provide a written assessment of the Student’s learning and performance up to and including the time the internship was discontinued. The Student shall have access to this written assessment, as per the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA). When the BSW Field Internship is terminated, those present in the aforementioned meeting will discuss the grading outcome for the Student. It may be recommended that: 1) the Student receive a Fail grade; or 2) the Student will not receive a Fail grade and will be permitted to continue SCWK 3300 or SCWK 4302 in a subsequent Field Setting. The final decision regarding the grading outcome of the termination rests with the Field Education Coordinator and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies. 3.14 The Field Setting acknowledges and agrees that there will be, from time to time, exceptional circumstances that arise whereby the Student may find it necessary to leave the Field Setting on a temporary or permanent basis due to concerns with the Field Instruction / Field Setting or due to personal circumstances. Any decision by a Student to leave the Field Setting on a temporary or permanent basis will be taken only subsequent to a meeting (in person and/or utilizing distance technology) that will include the Student, the Field Instructor, the Agency Mentor and/or Agency Coordinator of the Field Setting or delegate, and the Field Education Coordinator or delegate. Other persons may be invited to the meeting, subject to mutual agreement by the Student, the Field Setting, and the School. In exceptional circumstances, the BSW Field Internship may be suspended temporarily until a formal meeting is convened. Only after the concerns have been fully explored and alternative actions considered will a decision be made to discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship. When such a course of action is taken, the School will discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship at that Field Setting and the Field Setting will provide a written assessment of the Student’s learning and performance up to and including the time the internship was discontinued. The Student shall have access to this written assessment, as per the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA). When the BSW Field Internship is terminated, those present in the aforementioned meeting will discuss the grading outcome for the Student. It may be recommended that: 1) the Student will receive a Fail grade; or 2) the Student will not receive a Fail grade and will be permitted to continue SCWK 3300 or SCWK 4302 in a subsequent Field Setting. The final decision regarding the grading outcome of the termination rests with the Field Education Coordinator and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies. Revised 11/2014 Page 8 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement 3.15 Appendix R The Field Setting acknowledges and agrees that there will be, from time to time, exceptional circumstances that arise whereby the School may find it necessary to terminate a BSW Field Internship on a temporary or permanent basis due to concerns with the Student or with the Field Instruction / Field Setting. Any decision by the School to terminate a BSW Field Internship on a temporary or permanent basis will be taken only subsequent to a meeting (in person and/or utilizing distance technology) that will include the Student, the Field Instructor, the Agency Mentor and/or Agency Coordinator of the Field Setting or delegate, and the Field Education Coordinator or delegate. Other persons may be invited to the meeting, subject to mutual agreement by the Student, the Field Setting, and the School. In exceptional circumstances, the BSW Field Internship may be suspended temporarily until a formal meeting is convened. Only after the concerns have been fully explored and alternative actions considered will a decision be made to discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship. When such a course of action is taken, the School will discontinue the BSW Student’s Field Internship at that Field Setting and the Field Setting will provide a written assessment of the Student’s learning and performance up to and including the time the internship was discontinued. The Student shall have access to this written assessment, as per the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA). When the BSW Field Internship is terminated, those present in the aforementioned meeting will discuss the grading outcome for the Student. It may be recommended that: 1) the Student will receive a Fail grade; or 2) the Student will not receive a Fail grade and will be permitted to continue SCWK 3300 or SCWK 4302 in a subsequent Field Setting. The final decision regarding the grading outcome of the termination rests with the Field Education Coordinator and the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies. 4. Insurance and Indemnification: 4.1 The School and the Field Setting acknowledge and agree that the purpose of this Article 4 is to ensure that neither is responsible for actions or omissions of the other party. 4.2 The School agrees to indemnify and save harmless the Field Setting from all loss, cost, expense, judgement, or damage on account of injury or damage to persons or property, including death, in any way caused by the negligence or wilful act of the School, its servants, agents, Students, or employees related to or arising from the BSW Field Internship or other matters to which this Agreement pertains, together with all legal costs and expenses incurred by the Field Setting in defending any legal action pertaining to the above. 4.3 The School agrees to maintain sufficient liability insurance to satisfy its obligations under 4.2 of this Agreement. 4.4 The Field Setting agrees to indemnify and save harmless the School from all loss, cost, expense, judgement, or damage on account of injury or damage to persons or property, including death, in any way caused by the negligence or wilful act of the Field Setting, its servants, agents, or employees related to or arising from the BSW Field Internship or other matters to which the Revised 11/2014 Page 9 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Appendix R Agreement pertains, together with all legal costs and expenses incurred by the School in defending any legal action pertaining to the above. 4.5 The Field Setting agrees to maintain sufficient liability insurance to satisfy its obligations under article 4.4 of this Agreement. 4.6 The parties acknowledge and agree that Students participating in BSW Field Internships, with the exception of paid internships, are not employees of the Field Setting and shall not be entitled to employee benefits afforded to employees of the Field Setting. 4.7 The parties acknowledge and agree that BSW students participating in Field Internships within the province are entitled to Workers’ Compensation Coverage from the Workplace Health, Safety, and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador. BSW students, who are residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, and are participating in Field Internships outside the province are entitled to Workers’ Compensation Coverage from the Workplace Health, Safety, and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador. Those BSW students are covered as workers of the Department of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, under Section 42 of the Workplace Health, Safety, and Compensation Act. 5. Term and Termination 5.1 This agreement shall be in effect commencing this ___day of _______________, 20___ and shall continue from year to year thereafter unless terminated earlier in accordance with article 5.3 of this Agreement. 5.2 This Agreement may be amended with the written agreement of both parties. 5.3 Either party, upon providing 30 days notice in writing to the other party, may terminate this Agreement. Such termination will come into effect at the end of the 30 day notice period, unless Students have commenced, but not completed BSW Field Internships or Students have been assigned but not commenced BSW Field Internships, in which case, termination of the obligations under this Agreement shall end following completion of the BSW Field Internships. 5.4 Any notice or other communication by either party to the other must be in writing and must be given, and deemed to have been given, if either faxed, personally delivered, or mailed, addressed as follows: Revised 11/2014 Page 10 of 11 Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement Party School of Social Work, Appendix R Agency/Organization/Field Setting: MUN Attention: Field Education Team: Lisa Muise, Secretary Field Setting Designate (Agency Coordinator): {please print}:_______________________________ Phone#: School of Social Work Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL, Canada A1C 5S7 709-864-2556 Fax#: 709-864-7351 Email: lmuise@mun.ca Mailing Address: In witness whereof the parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agency/School BSW Field Internship Agreement as of this _____ day of ___________,20___. Field Setting Designate (Agency Coordinator) _______________________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Date School Designate (Dean, School of Social Work) _______________________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Date Revised 11/2014 Page 11 of 11