Resources for Field Instructors

Field Instructor's Role and Responsibilities

Field Instructors/Task Supervisors serve as social work supervisors. Practicum instruction emphasizes developing sound educational experiences based on reaching the identified educational outcomes. In working toward this end, the Field Instructor/Task Supervisor must be an administrator, educator, role model, and supervisor. It is possible for a student to receive daily task supervision from someone other than the MSW field instructor, who would then be referred to as the task supervisor.

To ensure a quality field experience, the Field Instructor/Task Supervisor:

• Understands the Andrews University Department of Social Work’s mission

• Attends field instructor orientation and training

• Coordinates activities to meet the student's educational needs

• Meets with the student to review and establish a learning plan no later than the third week of placement

• Reviews the Learning Plan with students and completes comprehensive skills evaluation

• Provides a minimum of one hour of supervisor per week

• Meets with student and liaison bi-annually, more frequently if needed

• Advocates for access to agency resources and learning experience

• Provides ongoing feedback to the student about his/her practicum performance (including punctuality & attendance, etc.)

• Submits written evaluations as required and recommends grade at semester's end.

Forms

• New Agency Checklist
• Agency Form
• Field Instructor Application
• Agency Contract Sample
• Student Practicum Agreement
• Field Practicum Timesheet
• Faculty Liaison Visit Form
• Disruption Notification Form 
• Consent for Treatment by an Intern
• Competencies and Practice Behaviors for BSW and MSW
• BSW / MSW 1st Year Learning Plan
• MSW 2nd Year / Advanced Standing Learning Plan
• Internship Timeline
• Compilation of University Policies
• Weekly Supervision Form

Supportive Resources

• Field Manual Highlights
• NASW Code of Ethics
• Internship Hours Requirements
• Seven Keys to Promoting an Understanding of Policy in a Social Work Field Placement
• Generalist Intervention Model
• Directing a (Hopefully) Successful Internship Program
• Social Worker Roles
• Student Safety Policies and Procedures