BSW Post Degree Orientation Planning for Placement School of Social Work

Field Office Contacts Renita Wong, Acting Director of Field Education Zalina Mohamad, Assistant Field Education Coordinator – BSW Sheryl Abraham, Assistant Field Education Coordinator – MSW Esther Ng, Practicum Office Assistant

Purpose Culminating experience Translate theory into practice Ability to engage in reflective practice

Placement Process and Upcoming Events Planning for Placement Orientation (this one) Resume Writing Workshop – Friday, January 28, 2011 – 2:00PM – 4:00PM Room TBA Applying for Placement Orientation – In early-January (check website for updates) Applications for Placement DUE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2011 Interviewing Workshop – Friday, March 18, 2011 – 2:00PM – 4:00PM Room TBA Beginning Placement Orientation (date TBD – End of August, Early September)

Timing, Length, and Specifics of Practicum The placement consists of 700 hours on site at the agency All students must attend 4 integrative 2 hours each – session held by faculty advisor 2-5 FULL days per week (min. 14 hours) Evening and weekend placements are VERY limited – don’t count on it (Your responsibility to find one) Work Placements are possible: must submit proposal (about 3 months in advance) – see practicum manual for guidelines

Timing, Length, and Specifics of Practicum Placement begins in September or January You must register in the practicum – SOWK and SOWK , each for the Y (Year) term – it is administered as one course You may only enroll in SOWK 4000 and 4001 when the field office grants you permission (once your placement is secured) – it is your responsibility to contact the field office before you begin your placement to ensure your block is removed and you can enroll

Required Courses ALL core courses must be completed before you begin placement SOWK 1010 – Critical Foundations of SOWK (likely exempt from this course) SOWK 2030 – Critical Perspectives on Society SOWK 2050 – Identity, Diversity, and Anti- Discriminatory Practice SOWK Communication SOWK 3060 – Integrated SOWK Practice SOWK 3070 – Foundations of SOWK Research SOWK 3110 – Policy Frameworks SOWK 4020 – Issues in the Study of the Welfare State (DONE BEFORE OR CONCURRENTLY WITH PLACEMENT)

How can I prepare? Volunteering Read practicum manual (online) Research/ Phone calls to explore Attend all orientations PLAN: How will placement fit into your life? Work Family Finances

About the Application/ Finding a Placement Application completed online via database Do NOT list the same placement as more than 1 option (i.e. different locations of the same agency) CAS placements in high demand Hospitals and school boards NOT for BSW students Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Placements Collaborative effort between the student and the field office If you intend to work in an agency that serves vulnerable members you will be REQUIRED to complete a vulnerable sector police check (12 weeks to complete) – START EARLY! Meet with Zalina to discuss, ask questions if unclear

About the Interview BE PREPARED Attend Interviewing Workshop – Friday, March 18, 2011 (2:00PM- 4:00PM) Research the agency and program you are interviewing for This is a REAL interview – like a job interview Interview does NOT equal placement Be prepared to discuss learning objectives to ensure it is a good fit Ask questions to show interest and initiative

York University Policies Practicum Manual Placement Breakdown Placement Failure Professional Behaviour Policy Refer to website: YOU MUST READ THE PRACTICUM MANUAL!!!

Accommodations If you require any sort of accommodations on placement, this must be submitted in writing to the Field Office Professional necessity to acknowledge to the placement the accommodations and supports you require before the start of placement Academic Accommodations may present differently in a placement setting Refer to Counseling and Disability Services: Speak to the Field Office

Think Creatively Placement is an exciting and significant part of your learning Prepares you for the professional designation of “social worker” Use this time to research and prepare Joint effort: take an active role START Thinking NOW!

Questions/Comments? We’re here to help! Refer to our website: Updates on Practicum Events Orientations’ PowerPoint Presentations Resume and Interview Resources Practicum Manual