The Social Work Field Instructor's Survival Guide
Melissa A. Hensley, PhD, LISW
Despite the critical role that community-based supervisors play in the training of social work students, there has been no comprehensive resource for core information--until now. This is a sage, practical guide for social work field instructors who want to provide expert guidance to their students in the field and in the classroom. It helps field educators to impart the knowledge, skills, and values of the social work profession and to assist students in translating classroom knowledge into effective practice in realworld settings. The book helps instructors to master the nuts and bolts of field education by delineating how to orient students to field work and supervision, monitor cases, evaluate student performance, navigate professional ethics, comply with CSWE practice competencies, and fulfill all requirements of a social work practicum.
The authors, who are seasoned social work practitioners and veteran field instructors, distill years of hard-earned wisdom regarding all components of the field education process. They describe how to recruit practicum students and facilitate positive collaboration between school and field agency. The chapters outline dos and don'ts of supervision, learning assessment planning and agendas, evaluation plans and techniques, how to integrate theory and practice, and how to best assist students who are struggling. Plentiful examples from social work programs and field agencies clearly illustrate the challenging process of providing field instruction to both graduate and undergraduate social work students.
KEY FEATURES:
- Provides comprehensive, practical guidance for all aspects of social work field education
- Includes helpful strategies regarding challenging aspects of field education
- Addresses student orientation, evaluation, professional ethics, supervision dos and don'ts, integrating theory and practice, and much more
- Guides field instructors in complying with CSWE practice competencies
- Helps field instructors clarify the expectations of a social work practicum and stay connected with their students' schools
Contents
Contributors
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Working With a Practicum Student: First Steps
Melissa A. Hensley
How Do I Become a Field Instructor?
What If I’d Like to Have a Practicum Student but I Don’t Currently Have One?
Practicum and Internship Roles
Learning About the Field Instructor Role
What Are Reasonable Expectations of a Social Work Practicum Student?
Legal and Practical Considerations
Getting Ready
Conclusion
2. Facilitating Positive School–Field Agency Collaboration
Melissa A. Hensley
The Development of School–Field Agency Collaboration: Background
Who’s Who in the Social Work Program?
How Do You Ensure Good Communication Between the College and the Field Agency?
Collaboration: Ensuring Integration of Classroom and Field Setting
Conclusion
3. A Checklist of Dos and Don’ts
Mary Simonson Clark
As You Begin . . .
Do Commence Thoroughly: Initial Conversations
Do Continue Intentionally: Ongoing Supervision
Do Conclude Thoughtfully: Problem Solving
Summary
4. Maximizing the Essential Tool: The Learning Agenda
Christina L. Erickson
Purpose and Development of the Learning Agenda
Using the Learning Agenda During Field Supervision
Conclusion
5. Teaching Policy in Field Education
Melissa A. Hensley
Background
The Complementary Nature of “Micro” and “Macro” Skills
How Can Field Instructors More Effectively Teach Policy Practice to Their Students?
Discussing Policy Practice in Supervision
Conclusion
6. Integrating Theory and Practice Methods in Field Education
Laura A. Boisen and Bibiana Koh
Literature Review
Student Feedback Related to Integration
Fostering Integration
Recommendations
Summary
7. Supervisory Processes: Supporting Development and Positive Change for Every Student
Melissa A. Hensley
Approaches to the Supervisory Relationship: Background
How Do I Identify Areas in Need of Improvement?
Common “Trouble Spots”
Helping Students to Improve
When Is It Appropriate to “Fire” a Practicum Student?
Conclusion
Acknowledgment
8. Field Evaluation for Professional Development
Lois Bosch
Literature Review
What Is Field Assessment?
What Is the Purpose of Field Evaluation?
What Is the Timeline?
Where Is the Evidence?
What Complicates the Assessment Process?
What Are the Outcomes?
9. Field Education and Professional Ethics
Melissa A. Hensley
Background
Common Ethical Challenges
Competence in Practice
Ethical Dilemmas
Conclusion
Acknowledgment
Conclusion
Melissa A. Hensley
Appendix A: Resources for Inquisitive Field Instructors
Appendix B: Resources for Policy Practice
Appendix C: Resources for Program Evaluation
Index
Copyright