Field Instructors

The agency field instructor providing ongoing supervision for a BSW or MSW social work field student is responsible for providing supervision of all field practicum-related activities including: 

1. Assisting the field student in understanding the structure, mission, goals, and services of the field agency; providing a minimum of one hour of face-to-face structured supervision weekly; providing feedback on the development of their social work competencies and needed areas of improvement.
2. Providing weekly supervision to the student assessing their progress toward competency development and developing a plan for increased responsibilities and assignments. 
3. Establishing opportunities for the student to engage directly with individuals, families, groups, organizations and the community. 
4. Assisting the field student in learning the agency’s policies and procedures.
5. Identifying tasks, activities and assignments including assignments that relate to the learning objectives and the ongoing development of the learning plan. 
6. Supervising, monitoring and evaluating the field student’s progress in developing competence as a professional social worker on both a daily basis and on the midterm progress reports and final evaluations. 
7. Assisting the field student in understanding the NASW Code of Ethics and how it applies in the social work practice setting.
8. Applying social work values and ethics in identifying and discussing ethical issues related to the field practicum. 
9. Assisting the field student in the integration of theories and concepts learned in the classroom with the tasks and assignments of the field practicum.
10. Identifying and providing resources and support within the agency to assist the field student in successfully completing the requirements of the field practicum. 
11. Assisting, supervising and evaluating the field student’s performance in the development of competence with social work skills in all field-related areas.
12. Holding the field student accountable for professional behavior and documenting and reporting any issues, concerns or inappropriate behavior demonstrated by the field student to both the co-field instructor and the field liaison.
13. Participating in meetings, workshops and trainings for the purpose of supporting the practicum experience.
14. Facilitating a meeting with the student and field liaison each semester to discuss the student’s progress in the field practicum. 
15. Keeping the assigned field liaison informed of the student’s progress, especially related to any concerns about the student’s behavior and competency development.