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

2. BSW Mission
Prepare culturally competent professionals who practice with diverse community and client systems. The program promotes a commitment to professional ethics, leadership, professionalism, social justice and lifelong learning in order for students to practice successfully in a global society. 2

3. BSW Field
TOTAL 400 Hours in Field -Does not include Pre Field Orientation, Travel, or Agency Training (only 16 hours per semester)
200 Hours First Semester
200 Hours Second Semester
Same agency for 2 semesters
Experiential in Nature and Focus
Application of theories and skills
Field practicum is linked with seminar 3

4. Who’s Who in Field Placement
Field Director- responsible for placement contracts, matching students, trouble shooting
Field Instructor-BSW or 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 4

5. 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 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 “sells themselves” to the agency during the first contact and the interview
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. Interviewing Student interviews with agency for possible placement
Dress as if interviewing for a job
Contact WKU Career Services if need assistance or practice with interviewing skills
Prepare for the interview
Read the field manual - section on preparing for the interview
Look at agency website prior to interview
Engage in the interview- do not have your phone out!
This is the beginning of community members looking at you as a soon to be professional social worker!! 8

9. Worksite Placements (WKU does not guarantee Worksite Placement)
Placements are carefully evaluated and developed
Placement tasks must be different from job tasks each semester
Field Instructor and Employment Supervisor must be different
Involved in the Process
Student
Employment Supervisor
Agency Administration
Field Instructor
Field Director (final approval) 9

10. Field Students Communicate with Field Director Watch your WKU email
Background/record
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 10

11. 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 11

12. Student Responsibility
Case Recordings
Agency protocol
Journals/Field Logs/Hours
Student Evaluation of Practicum
Keep Original Learning Plan and use it at all Evaluations 12

13. 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- Field Director and/or Program Director
You can always follow Grievance Policy 13

14. 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 14

15. 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 the Field Director or your Field Liaison if you have any questions about starting field. 15

16. More Information Field Student Toolbox BSW Student Field Forms
Field forms, pre-field assignments, NASW and liability insurance links to register
nt_toolbox.php
BSW Student Field Forms
Field manual, learning plan, sample tasks, field syllabi, and more
eld.php 16

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