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Field Education

Field Education is the “heart of social work education” and is vital for preparation of future professional social workers. It is what many experts believe is the lifeblood of social work education, and its signature pedagogy “guided experiential learning” experience. The field learning program connects the theoretical and conceptual contributions of the classroom with the practice setting, fostering the implementation of evidence-informed practice. The purpose of field is to provide, through the community-agency-school relationship, practice opportunities with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. 

The purpose of field is to provide, through the community-agency-school relationship, practice opportunities with individuals, families We currently have over 100 community-partner agencies in the Hampton-Roads area, and the eastern United States. Our students are involved in diverse activities in the agencies; and we will spotlight students in our field agencies throughout the academic year.  For more information, contact the Director of BSW Field Education, Dr. Sonya Robinson (srobinson@nsu.edu) or Director of MSW Field Education, Ms. Paris Holley (pdholly@nsu.edu). 

BSW Field Education Process 

  • Submit the Field Practicum Application  

  • The student’s faculty advisor will give input. 

  • The BSW Field Director and BSW faculty will meet regarding applications. 

  • The BSW Field Director will schedule an interview with the student.  

  • The student will be placed in an agency. 

  • BSW Field Director will host a field practicum orientation meeting.  

Total Hours Required 450 for twon consecutive academic semesters. This is approximately 15 hours per week and a total of 225 per semester. 

 

MSW Field Education Process 

  • Complete an application for Field Practicum I or Field Practicum II 

  • Submit a current resume 

  • Tentative field placements are assigned 

  • Resumes are forwarded to agencies via email 

  • Agency will schedule an interview with the student. 

  • Note: Notify Director of Field education regarding interview date/time 

  • Agency field supervisor notifies the Field Education Office of the acceptance or nonacceptance of the student 

  • The Field Education Office will confirm the placement with the agency and notify the student of the outcome.  

  • The student and the agency will receive a letter confirming placement acceptance. 

  • If not accepted, the student is referred to another agency.  

  • If a student is not accepted by the second agency referral, the student is referred to the Director of Field Education. 

  • Extensive criminal background checks and other related tests (TB Tests, immunization verifications, COVID vaccine, drug testing, CPR Certification, etc.) may be required by the agency prior to beginning field placements. 

  • Students will be financially responsible for the agency requirements pertaining to these documents. 

  • If considering employment-based placement, submit additional documents below:     

  • Employment-based application 

  • Employment-based checklist 

  • Employment-based contract 

  • Job description 

  • Resume of individual provided clinical supervision 

  • The University Office of Disability Services must develop all disability accommodation plans that involve field education for Students in coordination with the Regional Associate Director of Field Education. These plans should be developed prior to the start of field education whenever possible. 

  • Students are expected to demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to professional growth throughout the practicum placement process. 

  • Clear and timely communication with the Field Education Office is required if challenges arise during the placement process. 

Total Hours Required 910 for twon consecutive academic years. The first year is approximately 364 hours per total (14 hours weekly) . The second year is approximately 546 hours total (21 hours weekly). 

 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS 

Students working in eligible social work-related organizations may have the option to complete their practicum placement at their place of employment (CSWE, EPAS, 2022, 3.3.7). An employment-based practicum placement must achieve all the placement objectives for a social work student. The student must engage in generalist or specialist practice activities under qualified social work program approved practicum instructors/task supervisors. The objectives must be reviewed by the student, the prospective practicum instructor/task supervisor, and the designated Practicum Faculty Liaison. Additionally, the School of Social Work must be assured that the employment agency supports the placement as an educational experience and is committed to providing the time and supervision to be involved in discrete learning activities with specific learning objectives that are related to the placement objectives. The employment agency is expected to help the student and the university to create and maintain an environment for learning to take place. 

Students interested in pursuing an employment-based practicum placement are responsible for securing and maintaining employment in a social work-related organization. The Practicum Office does not assist students with securing employment to pursue an employment-based practicum placement.