Field Education

SWK 493-494

SWK 493-494 FIELD INSTRUCTION I-II

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

Supervised field experience in a professional social work setting with concurrent weekly on-campus seminar

 

This course is designed for students involved in their field practicum.  Its purpose is to provide within two semesters an opportunity for students to integrate the theoretical material obtained in the classroom with the practical knowledge obtained in the agency setting.

 

SWK 493 prerequisites:  SWK 308, SWK 422, 2.0 gpa overall and in major

SWK 494 prerequisites:  SWK 423, SWK 317, SWK 493, 2.0 gpa overall and in major 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 

            Students in field will

 

• ·         Evaluate information gathered from a variety of sources and draw reasonable conclusions
• ·         Apply assessment skills appropriately to social work practice
• ·         Employ problem-solving skills
• ·         Analyze complex material
• ·         Apply social work values, ethics, and principles
• ·         Examine and address value dilemmas
• ·         Demonstrate knowledge of diverse client populations
• ·         Show awareness of personal values, attitudes, and beliefs as they may impact practice
• ·         Apply differential assessment and intervention techniques
• ·         Understand the impact of various environmental conditions on individuals, families, groups, organization, and communities
• ·         Promote social and economic justice for individuals and groups subjected to oppression and discrimination
• ·         Understand the agency’s history, mission, objectives, programs, and services
• ·         Know about current social issues
• ·         Know about existing social welfare programs
• ·         Realize the distinction between professional social workers and general human service providers
• ·         Provide services to individuals, families, groups, and communities
• ·         Apply problem-solving methods with clients and follow through as appropriate, according to the agency guidelines
• ·         Understand individual development and behavior across the life span
• ·         Use theoretical frameworks to understand interactions among individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• ·         Apply research findings to increase understanding of human behavior and the social environment
• ·         Understand the impact of social policy issues on clients and the agency
• ·         Recognize gaps in the service delivery system
• ·         Explore strategies for change
• ·         Read research studies that are relevant to services at the field placement agency and/or client population
• ·         Demonstrate ability to evaluate social work practice
• ·         Demonstrate ability to apply research findings with supervision from the field educator or agency staff
• ·         Communicate effectively with diverse client populations
• ·         Prepare documentation according to agency standards
• ·         Identify key information/material and articulate it in professional settings
• ·         Prepare for supervision
• ·         Examine new ideas and differing points of view
• ·         Seek supervision as needed
• ·         Attend field internship as expected and be punctual
• ·         Prioritize and complete work assignments in a timely fashion
• ·         Follow agency policies and standards
• ·         Relate on a professional level with clients and colleagues

 

SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM/COURSE OUTCOMES

 

Students completing field instruction will demonstrate the ability to

 

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of social work practice.

 

2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly.

 

3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to client’s age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.

 

4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice.

 

5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues.

 

6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes.

 

7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities.

 

8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.

 

9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions.

 

10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and communities.

 

11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.

 

12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change.

 

More than two absences from seminar will result in an unsatisfactory (U) grade.

 

Any student who requires accommodation to complete the requirements and expectations of this course because of disability is invited to make your needs known to the field faculty liaison and the Coordinator of Disability Services for Students, who will determine appropriate services.  The office is located in SW 120, X4500.

 

All students are expected to comport themselves in a manner that does not convey to others in the college community any disrespect, intolerance, or rude behavior based on age, race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital, veteran, or socioeconomic status.  All members of the college community are expected to contribute to the college environment to move the college community in the direction of respect for all.

 

Buffalo State’s academic misconduct policy states that “all students at the college are expected to display honesty and integrity in completing course requirements and following college academic regulations.”

"Academic misconduct" refers to any form of plagiarism or cheating on examinations or assignments, and is inconsistent with the aims and goals of the State University College at Buffalo. Instances of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:

• Prior acquisition or possession of an examination and submission of false data.
• Submission of the work of another individual without proper acknowledgement.
• Performance of work in a course for another individual while registered in the same course.
• Failing to demonstrate academic integrity by not upholding the individual’s share of responsibility for collaborative course work and /or assignments.