1. Field Director, BSW and MSW Programs
MSW Field Orientation
Kellye McIntyre, CSW
Field Director, BSW and MSW Programs 1

2. Field Program Standards
Purpose of WKU MSW Program
To prepare exemplary social workers that are skilled in practice in rural settings.
In keeping with this purpose, students are expected to possess, appreciate, be able to practice and continue to develop the following competencies. 2

3. Core Competencies Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research- informed Practice
Engage in Policy Practice
Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 3

4. MSW Field Generalist Year Specialized Year
200 Hours First Semester
200 Hours Second Semester
Specialized Year
250 Hours First Semester
250 Hours Second Semester
Total of 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 linked with PRACTICE Courses 4

5. Who’s Who in Field Placement
Field Director- responsible for placement contracts, matching students, trouble shooting
Field Instructor-MSW, post 2 years
Task Supervisor- agency staff person who oversees daily activity, under guidance of Field Instructor
Field Liaison- faculty member responsible for coordination and oversight of placement
Field Placement- agency where student is placed 5

6. CSWE and EPAS 6

7. 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 should talk with the agency during the first contact and the interview about characteristics/strengths student will bring if offered the placement
Agency-Field Instructor
Visited/approved
Current Contract/MOU
Licensed/Exempt
2 years post degree experience
Willing to participate in teaching/learning
Abide by WKU field policy 7

8. Worksite Placements (WKU does not guarantee Worksite Placement)
Placements are carefully evaluated and developed
Placement 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
Student
Employment Supervisor
Agency Administration
Field Instructor
Field Director (final approval) 8

9. Field Students Communicate with Field Director Watch your WKU email
Complete Pre-field Online training
Apply for NASW & professional liability insurance early
Submit All Required Paperwork on Time
Responsible for Grade-Hours, journals, other assignments, “Beginning Competence” on objectives- Pass/Fail 9

10. Student Behavior Professional/Ethics Confidentiality Holidays
Represent WKU and Agency
Confidentiality
Adhere to Personnel Practices/Use of Materials
Sick, phone numbers, show initiative, responsible for learning
Holidays
Work schedule is at the discretion of Field Instructor 10

11. Student Responsibility
Case Recordings
Agency protocol, transfer or closing summary
Journals/Field Logs/Hours
Student Evaluation of Practicum
Keep Original Learning Plan and use it at all Evaluations 11

12. 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 12

13. 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 13

14. What to do the week before placement starts
Contact the field instructor to confirm your start date and time.
Review the instructions on your approval letter to make sure you have everything completed.
Make sure you have joined NASW and have the required liability insurance
Contact your Field Liaison or the Field Director if you have any questions about starting field. 14

15. Field Forms
Field information (applicable to BSW and MSW students) can be found at: nt_toolbox.php
Scroll down to MSW Field at the bottom of this link to view the field manual and other pertinent forms for MSW field students. 15

16. Make the most of your field experience!
Visit the field website often:
Office Phone
Academic Complex 112A 16