Field performance expectations

Field performance expectations h2 Left Accordion What is the schedule for field? h3 Please refer to the Field Calendar for your academic year in this course and/or your field education course (SW 480/481, SW 680/681, SW 780/781). Top How many hours of field do I have to complete? h3 You must complete a total of 450 hours over two semesters (225 per semester) to meet the field education requirement for each academic year. Thus, a BSW student will complete 450 total hours. An MSW Foundation student will complete a total of 900 hours (450 in the Foundation year and 450 in the Concentration year). An Advanced Standing MSW Concentration student will complete 450 total hours. Top Can I make up my own field hours? h3 No. You must complete your 225 semester hours by spending 15 hours per week in your agency (usually two days per week) over the course of the semester and your schedule must be approved by your Field Instructor. Any hours you miss due to illness, etc. may be made up at the discretion of your agency. Your field hours must be completed by the last day of coursework for the semester unless there are extenuating circumstances that allow for the approval of an Incomplete grade. Top Can I choose to complete my field hours during non-traditional hours (i.e. outside of a Monday-Friday workweek). h3 These field options are very, very rare. You may seek a placement that can provide non-traditional hours, or discuss this possibility with their agency, but this option is not guaranteed and must be approved and supervised by the field agency. Top How often should I meet with my Field Instructor in the placement for supervision? h3 CSWE accreditation standards mandate that you have one hour of weekly face-to-face supervision with your Field Instructor. Top Does the University’s insurance cover me traveling to and from the placement and driving for the placement agency? h3 No. You are responsible for transportation to and from your practicum site and assume the risks associated with transportation and parking. You are not allowed to transport clients and are not covered under most agencies’ liability policies to drive agency vehicles. Top Can I log extra hours each week and complete my field placement early? h3 No. In order to maximize the educational experience by balancing classroom and field experiences, students will not be allowed to “bank” hours, such as working over 15 hours per week in order to complete the field practicum earlier than the semester ends. Top How many of the CSWE competencies do I have to demonstrate to be considered successful in the field placement? h3 You must demonstrate satisfactory mastery of all competencies by the end of the second semester of the field placement. Top Will my agency have an organized, structured set of tasks lined up for me to practice all of the required social work competencies? h3 Some agencies will, others will not. Your placement agency cannot cater to your every learning need, and will go on without you long after your placement has ended. Many placement agencies who are taking a student for the first time will be developing roles and tasks as the placement progresses. You can enhance your own learning by identifying agency needs and developing projects to propose and run with. The relationship between you and your placement is reciprocal, and you can strive to leave your mark through innovative work. Top Do I have to follow all of my field agency’s policies, even though I’m just a student? h3 Yes, you are expected to follow all policies and procedures of your field agency. Top Can my field placement ensure my safety? h3 No. It is important for you to be aware of the risks associated with entering the field placement and choosing social work as a career. Though not typically classified as “dangerous” like other careers - law enforcement, military service, etc. We, as social workers, often find ourselves working with individuals, families, and groups that are experiencing instability and dysfunction, and we are often called upon to confront social justice issues that are sometimes controversial. You should always practice and maintain vigilant personal safety awareness. Top false false