MSW Field
Orientation…
the HEART of Social
Work Education
Vivian Hurt, MSW,CSW
Field Director BSW and MSW
Programs
Who’s Who in Field Placement
 Field Director-
Responsible for Placement
contracts, matching students, trouble shooting
 Field Instructor-MSW, post 2 years
 Field Liaison- faculty member responsible for
coordination and oversight of placement
 Field Placement-agency where student is
placed
 Task Supervisor- agency staff person who
oversees daily activity, under guidance of Field
Instructor.
MSW Field
FOUNDATION YEAR
200 Hours First Semester
200 Hours Second Semester
CONCENTRATION YEAR
250 Hours First Semester
250 Hours Second Semester
 TOTAL 900 Hours in Field -Does not include Pre Field
Orientation, Travel, or Agency Training (only 16
hours per semester)
 Experiential in Nature and Focus
 Application of theories and skills
 Field courses are sequenced with PRACTICE Courses
Field Program Standards
Professional Comportment
 Purpose of WKU MSW Program
 To prepare exemplary social workers
that are skilled in practice in rural
sittings.
 In keeping with this purpose, students are
expected to possess, appreciate, be able to
practice and continue to develop the
following competencies.
10 Core Competencies
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Identifies as Professional SW
Applies Ethical Principles
Applies Critical Thinking/Professional Judgment
Engages Diversity
Advances Human Rights/Justice
Engages in Research-Informed Practice and Practice-Informed
Research
Knowledge of Human Behavior/Social Environment
Engages in Policy Practice to Advance Economic Well-being and
Deliver Effective Social work Practice
Responds to Contexts that Shape Practice
Engages, Assesses, Intervenes, and Evaluates with Individuals,
Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
CSWE and EPAS
Program Goals and
Objectives
Core
Competencies
Field
Evaluation
Field Application Process
Student gives top 3 choices.
 Field Director and Student work together to find a
“good fit”
 Student approaches the placement process just like
a job opportunity-always professional
 Student “sells themselves” to the agency during the
first contact and the interview
Agency-Field Instructor
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Visited/approved
Current Contract/MOU
Licensed/Exempt
2 years post degree experience
willing to participate in teaching/learning
abide by WKU field policy
Worksite Placements
(WKU does not guarantee Worksite Placement)
 Placements are carefully evaluated and
developed
 Placement “job tasks” are different from
“regular work” each semester
 Field Instructor and Employment Supervisor
must be different
 Must have a different Field Instructor each year
 Involved in the Process
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Student
Employment Supervisor
Agency Administration
Field Instructor
Field Director (final approval)
Field Students
Have realistic expectations
Communicate with Field Director
WATCH YOUR EMAIL
Complete Pre-field ONLINE training
Apply for Insurance Early
Submit All Required Paperwork on
Time
 Responsible for Grade-Hours, journals, other
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assignments, “Beginning Competence” on objectivesPass/Fail
Student Concerns- Who Can Help
 Anything involving the agency- go to the
Field Instructor
 Completing Hours, placement problems,
grades, assignments- go to Liaison
 If not resolved- FD takes to Program
Director
 You can always follow Grievance Policy
General Policy
 University does not provide any travel
reimbursement
 Student is responsible for health,
automobile and liability insurance (notify
liaison/field director of health/safety
hazards)
 If you transport clients-WKU will not be
responsible-student will (suggest rider)
 Special Agency Requirements
 TB, Criminal Checks, Employment
Student Behavior
 Professional/Ethics
 Represent WKU and Agency
 Confidentiality
 Adhere to Personnel Practices/Use of
Materials
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Sick, phone numbers, show initiative, responsible for learning
 Holidays
 Work schedule is at the discretion of Field
Instructor
Student Responsibility
 Case Recordings
 Agency protocol, transfer or closing
summary
 Journals/Field Logs/Hours
 Student Evaluation of Practicum
 Keep Original Learning Plan and us it
at all Evaluations
Have a Great “Field” Experience
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Visit the Field Website Often
Vivian.Hurt@wku.edu
Office Phone 745 8935
AC 114
Remember“Field Placement” is the HEART of
SOCIAL WORK