1. November 20, 2014 Building Successful Partnerships and Rotations:
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) HPPAE Experience
Jennifer Husted, LCSW
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
November 20, 2014

2. History of VA/HPPAE Partnership
10 year partnership between University of Pittsburgh HPPAE and the VA
25+ year relationship between University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and the VA
VA has committed to:
At least 2 HPPAE students every academic year since 2004
VAPHS has between 7-9 MSW intern stipends each academic year

3. VA Student Selection Process
Centralized Application Process
Applications Due June 1
Application packets:
Transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Writing sample
Resume

4. VA Student Selection Process
Application packets of all potential candidates reviewed by Student Program Coordinator/Co-Coordinator
Interviews arranged
In person
Phone
Interviews format
Opening questions
PBI Questions

5. VA Student Selection Process
Review of student interviews, areas of interest, and potential field instructors
Matching of students with potential field instructors
Second interviews with student and field instructors
Final selection of students
Communication with university for accepted and declined students

6. HPPAE Selection Process
Anticipated that 2 HPPAE students are accepted each year
More than 2 could be selected based on overall applicants and available field instructors and sites

7. Serving Older Veterans
Includes but not limited to:
GRECC-Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centers
Geriatric Evaluation and Management Clinic
Inpatient Psychiatry
Inpatient Acute Care (55% of Veterans served are 60 years or older)

8. Serving Older Veterans
Community Living Center (CLC): 262 bed facility
Dementia Specialty Care Unit- Secured Unit for Veterans with dementia and wandering or exit seeking behaviors
Hospice/ Palliative Care Unit
Rehabilitation unit focuses on a shorter LOS with Short Stay rehabilitation therapies (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy) and resuming most independent functional living setting
Skilled nursing care
Transitional Care Unit
In House Respite Admissions
Long Term Care program provides resident-centered care to eligible Veterans who make the CLC their home

9. VA Placement Opportunities
Experienced Instructors:
Strong primary placement with dedicated field instructor
Field instructors must be VA employee for at least 2 years and have at least a “fully successful” on performance evaluation
Utilization of task supervisors for additional assignments
Educational events
Shadowing at alternate sites
Participation with field instructors on committee work
MSW intern group meetings
Case presentations

10. VA Placement Opportunities
Rotational Experience:
Intra-rotational or internal rotations fit best with second year students
Ex: VAMC opportunities; GRECC, GEM, Community Living Center, Spinal Cord Clinic

11. Intra-Rotational Experience
Option 1: Switch Field Instructors
Communication between Student Program Coordinator and the assigned field instructors
One field instructor each semester
Field instructor for semester takes ownership of field learning plan, evaluation, and school meetings
Second semester field instructor will consider feedback from first semester
If there are student issues, will readdress the placement plan

12. Intra-Rotational Experience Continued
Example of rotations:
2 field instructors:
GEM Clinic/Inpatient Psychiatry
One student rotating assignment based on requested experiences ; 2 program areas
New field instructor at each assignment
Community Living Center
2 students assigned each year to different units
2 field instructors that switch at semester

13. Intra-Rotational Experience Continued
Option 2: Maintain primary field instructor and add a task supervisor
Field instructor has primary responsibility for student, including field learning plan, evaluations and meetings with school of social work
Field instructor also provides formal weekly supervision to the student

14. Intra-Rotational Experience Continued
Example Rotations:
One field instructor, task supervisor
Often in closely related areas
First semester–inpatient behavioral health unit
Second semester–inpatient behavioral health and CTAD group work
Task supervisor provides supervision for all work in CTAD
Field instructor maintains responsibility for student

15. Challenges
Some students love the rotational options and the opportunity to have multiple experiences.
Others find it difficult to “switch gears” mid stream.

16. Benefits
Our goal through the rotational field model is that all HPPAE students gain proficiency in the CSWE geriatric competencies.

17. Communication with the University
Ongoing communication with HPPAE program directors
Processing past year with university staff
Setting goals for academic year with university staff

18. Multi-Faceted Relationship Between University of Pittsburgh and VA
MSW Internship Program
Field Instructors:
University of Pittsburgh CE to field instructors (50% discount)
HPPAE special programs for field instructors
Reduced college credit
Attend leadership presentations
Formal Case Presentations
All University of Pittsburgh VA MSW students present
VA and university staff attend the full-day event

19. University of Pittsburgh/VA Partnership Success
“The HPPAE students have presented to field placement year after year with determination and focus.  There is intention in their goal setting and a passion to make a difference in the field of social work.”
–Jennifer Rochkind (Field Instructor and HPPAE Fellow)