Bachelor of Science in Social WorkField Manual (Hybrid Program)
Liberty University
Psychology Suite, DeMoss 4008
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Christine Fulmer, MSW
Social Work Department Chair
(434) 592-7665
Raquel Ellis, MSW, PhD
Director of Field Education
Jessica Schneider, BSW
Field Coordinator
(434) 592-3112
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
II. FIELD EDUCATION OVERVIEW
A. Field Education Eligibility
B. Field Experience Requirements
B.1 Junior Field Experience
B.2 Senior Field Experience
B.3 Field Experience and Seminar Course Grade
C. Field Education Enrollment Documents
C.1 Acknowledgement of Field Manual Review
C.2 Release of Student Information by the Department of Social Work
C.3 Student Resume
C.4 Criminal and Child Abuse Background Check
C.5 Professional Liability Insurance
C.6 Driver’s License and Car Insurance
C.7 Field Commitment Contract
D. Agency Placement Process
D.1 Field Placement Agency Options
D.2 Employment-Based Placements
D.3 Field Placement Agency Interviews
D.4 Suggested Agenda Items for Field Placement Agency Interviews
D.5 Agency Placement Decisions
E. Field Placement Schedules
E1. Field Days
E2. Holidays and Vacations
E3. Absences Due to Illness or other Circumstances
III. MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS, AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. Mission Statement
B. Program Goals
C. Program Learning Outcomes
IV. SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCIES AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
V. NACSW STATEMENT OF FAITH AND PRACTICE
VI. NASW CODE OF ETHICS
VII. CSWE EDUCATION POLICY AND ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
VIII. MUTUAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
A. Liberty University
B. Director of Field Education
C. Faculty Field Liaison
D. Students
E. Field Instructor
E. Agency Field Coordinator
IX. HANDLING CHALLENGES DURING FIELD EXPERIENCE
A. Finishing Field Experience Late
B. Changing Agency Experiences
C. Addressing Grievances
D. Discrimination, Harassment, and Assault
D1. Racial Discrimination and Harassment
D2. Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Assault
D3. Other Personal Safety Issues
E. Professional Competency Expectations and Restoration Process
F. Field Placement Agency Dismissal or Course Withdrawal
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Director of Field Education, Dr. Raquel Ellis, would like to thank Christine Fulmer, Chair of the Social Work Department,Jessica Schneider, Field Coordinator, and Zachary Grafman, the Department’sFaculty Support Coordinator, for their input and technical support in assembling this field manual.
I. INTRODUCTION
Field education is a central component of the instruction and training that students receive to prepare them for a professional career in social work. Field work offers students the opportunity to apply the theory and knowledge gained in the classroom to different practice settings. This manual provides an overview of Liberty University’s online social work field education policies, procedures, and requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work (BSSW). The purpose of the manual is to orient and offer guidance to online BSSW Students, Faculty, Field Instructors, and other Agency Personnel involved in social work field education as they engage in the field experience. In addition to describing the roles and responsibilities of each party involved, this manual provides an overview of the Department of Social Work’s mission statement, goals and learning outcomes, the social work competencies and practice behaviors adopted by the Department, Code of Ethics for the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Education Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). This information offers guiding principles for social work education that support the goal of successfully preparing students for a professional career in social work.
Liberty University’s Social Work Department offers junior and senior field experience and seminar courses. In these courses, students receive supervised practice experience in an agency setting while concurrently attending a seminar class that offers the opportunity to process their field experiences and engage in further learning. The integration of classroom and field activities provides students a unique and comprehensive learning experience to support their development as professional social workers.
Any inquiries and/or comments regarding any of the information included in this manual should be directed to Mr. Zachary Grafman, Faculty Support Coordinator for Social Work at . Written inquiries and/or comments may also be sent by postage mail to the Department of Social Work, Demoss Hall Room 3304, Liberty University, 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24515.
II. FIELD EDUCATION OVERVIEW
A. Field Education Eligibility
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements prior to engaging in field work:
- Successfully pass the first two of five Program Gates (For details on the Gate process and the social work program admission process, please seethe online student field website.)
- Be in good standing with the Department, which includes the following:
- Have a “C” or higher in all social work classes and a passing grade in all non-social work prerequisite courses.
- Maintain satisfactory citizenship and ethical behavior.
- Consistently demonstrate the values of the profession: integrity, service, the value of human relationships, dignity and worth of a person, competence, and social justice.
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer work at a social service agency.
- Complete allrequired prerequisite courses.
Students must complete several prerequisite courses meant to provide the foundational knowledge and theory essential for engaging in field work. For Gate 1, the prerequisites includeSOWK 101, PSYC 101, BIOL 101, SOWK 135, SOCI 200, SOWK 260, and SOWK 270. For Gate 2, the prerequisites include GLST 220, PSYC 255, SOWK 300, SOWK 350, and SOWK 355.
Below is an overview of the SOWK prerequisite courses for field. Information on the non-social work courses can be found in the online course catalog.
Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 101) is a course that gives an overview of the field of social work practice. Topics regarding the ecclesiastical beginnings of the profession, additional historical components, the integration of faith and practice, as well as social work values and ethics will be explored.
Social Work Field Exploration and Observation (SOWK 135) is a course on the study of social work practice and settings of practice. Topics in the course are centered on social work practice in places such as child welfare, schools, domestic violence shelters, hospice, hospitals mental health clinics, assisted living facilities, and early intervention programs. Participatory observation of a professional social worker for a full work week is also included in this course.
Chemical Dependency (SOWK 260) is a course that presents an overview of the concepts associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Topics in the course are the various perspectives on treatment and prevention options; each topic is evaluated through a biblical worldview.
Ethics in Professional Helping (SOWK 270) is a course on the study of values and principles of ethical decision making. Topics in the course are ethical dilemmas, critical thinking, professional codes of ethics, and common morality; each topic is evaluated through a biblical worldview.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment (SOWK 300) is a course that utilizes a life course perspective and additional theoretical perspectives as tools for understanding human behavior and its development across the life span. Particular focus is placed on the inter-relatedness of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects with a "person in the environment" framework.
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families (SOWK 350)is the study of practice from a generalist social work point of view. Particular emphasis is placed on the practice behaviors associated with engagement, assessment, and intervention.
Social Work Practice with Groups (SOWK 355) is a course that provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of theories, methods and skills in relation to generalist practice with social work groups. This course also provides the forum for students to gain an understanding of cultural values of individuals and the impact of those values on the group process. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of being a culturally sensitive group leader. Please note that this course is only offered residentially.
B. Field Experience Requirements
Field experience is a required component of the BSSW program. All online students admitted to the BSSW program must complete both junior and senior field experience and seminar courses. The Social Work Department does not provide exemptions to these requirements based on previous work or life experience. Below is an overview of the Department requirements for the junior and senior field experiences.For Senior Field, students can either complete the minimum 400 field hours in one semester (SOWK 470) or over the course of two semesters (SOWK 475 and 477).
Field Experience Course Requirements
Type of Field Experience / Field Courses / Field HoursJunior Field / SOWK 370 Junior Field Experience and Seminar Course / 100
Senior Field
(Choose one of two options) / 1 / SOWK 475 Senior Field Experience and Seminar A Course / SOWK 477 Senior Field Experience and Seminar B Course / SOWK 475 (300)
SOWK 477 (100)
2 / SOWK 470 Senior Field Experience and Seminar Course / 400
B.1 Junior Field Experience
Junior field experience provides students with the opportunity to perform in the role of a social work practitioner under the supervision of an experienced social worker. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 100 field hours over the course of one semester within one practice setting that employs social workers. Students complete their field experience concurrently with a field seminar course (SOWK 370). Students will meet for the field seminar course synchronously for about one hour bi-weekly to discuss the theoretical and conceptual concepts learned in the classroom with the practical experiences in field placement. The Junior Field Experience and Seminar course is offered during the Spring and Fall semesters as well as over the Summer. The hours in field seminar do not count toward the required field hours.
In order to serve as a Field Instructor for a student’s junior field experience, the Field Instructor must have a Bachelor of Social Work degree (LSW preferred) with minimum of two (2) years of post-graduate social work experience.
B.2 Senior Field Experience
Students must satisfactorily complete the Junior Field Experience and Seminar course prior to engaging in a senior field experience.Senior field experience provides students with the opportunity to perform in the role of a social work practitioner under the supervision of an experienced master's level social worker. Students complete their field experience concurrently with a field seminar course. Students will meet for the field seminar synchronously for about two hours bi-weekly to discuss the theoretical and conceptual concepts learned in the classroom with the practical experiences in field placement. The hours in field seminar do not count toward the required field hours.Students are expected to complete a minimum of 400 field hours.
As previously stated, online students can either complete the minimum 400 field hours over the course of one semester by taking the Senior Field Experience and Seminar course (SOWK 470) or over the course of two semesters (SOWK 475 and 477).In the Senior Field Experience and Seminar A course (SOWK 475), students will complete a minimum of 300 field hours over the course of one semester within one practice setting. Then, in the Senior Field Experience and Seminar B course (SOWK 477), students will complete a minimum of 100 field hoursover the course of another semester within one practice setting.These courses are offered during the Spring and Fall semesters as well as over the Summer.
In order to serve as a Field Instructor for a student’s senior field experience, the instructor must have an MSW degree with one (1) year of post-graduate social work experience (LSW/LISW/LCSW preferred).
B.3 Field Experience and Seminar Course Grade
Thejunior and senior field experience and seminar courses are graded on an A to F scale. Students receive one grade for both the completion of field work and participation in the seminar. Please see the course syllabi for additional requirements for these courses.
C. Field Education Enrollment Documents
In addition to completing all prerequisite courses, online students must submit several documents prior to engaging in fieldwork. These documents can be submitted to t the time that by the due dates set by the Department of Social Work. Students must complete and submit the Initial Field Admission Checklist Form (See online student field websitefor form.) to document theirstatus of completing prerequisitesand to ensure that all initial enrollment documents are submitted to the Department. Please see the Student Pre-Placement Checklist (See online student field websitefor form.)for details on submission due dates for field forms and additional required documents.
The Department of Social Work enrolls students in the field courses. This occurs afterstudents submit all field enrollment paperwork,including paperwork to facilitate Department approval of agency interviews (e.g. Student’s Agency Interview Choice Form), and paperwork required to finalize a field placement (e.g. Beginning Contract). Students are not able to register themselves for field courses. Academic advisors are also not able to register students for these course.
C.1 Acknowledgement of Field Manual Review
It is imperative that students read the entire field manual to become familiar with all policies and procedures that govern the BSSW field education program. Students must sign and submit the Acknowledgement of Field Manual Review Form (See online student field websitefor form.)as documentation that they have read and understood the contents of the manual and understand the Department’s expectation that they adhere to the policies and procedures detailed within the manual.
C.2 Release of Student Information by the Department of Social Work
As part of the field placement assignment process, the Field Education staff of the Social Work Department may need to share student placement materials and other relevant information with Field Instructors or potential placement sites. This information could include: criminal background information that comes into the possession of the Social Work Department or its employees or contractors, student resumes, student reference letters, liability insurance information, driver’s license and car insurance information, and prior field placement evaluations (if applicable or requested). These materials are meant to facilitate the placement process which generally benefits students and theirField Instructors.
Students must sign and submit the Release of Information Form (See online student field websitefor form.)indicating their approval to release pertinent information by the Field Education staff to prospective placement sites.
C.3 Student Resume
Students must develop and submit a professional resume to the Department of Social Work when applying for junior and senior field education. Students should following thesocial work resume sample on the online student field websitewhen developing their professional resumes.If necessary, students should seek guidance and feedback from Liberty University’s Career Center on editing their resume.
C.4 Criminal and Child Abuse Background Check
All students are required to submit to a criminal and child abuse background check to officially enroll in the BSSW program. This is a required component of the Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 101) course. The results of the background check will be released directly to each student. Students must then provide a copy of their results to the Department of Social Work. The background check is also critical to the field education enrollment process. If students completed the background check more than one calendar year from the first day of the academic semester in which they are applying for a field placement, then they must order a background re-check.
All students must also complete a Disclosure Statement Form (See online student field website). This form requests additional information that is important to consider when matching students to an appropriate agency for field experience. The form requests disclosure of charges or convictions of any misdemeanor or felony charge and disclosure of being named as a perpetrator of a founded report of child abuse or neglect. Answering in the affirmative will not necessarily preclude students from being able to secure a field placement but may limit the options for field placement as well as impact the ability of students to secure personal liability insurance.
The form also requests disclosure of any personal or family issues, illnesses or addictions that could impair students’ abilities to function well in a social work capacity for a particular agency or with a particular population. Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, the Department field staff can assist students in determining whether certain field placements would not be suitable for them. The goal of this effort is to offer guidance to students about field placements that would not compromise the well-being of the students and their potential clients.
If students fail to disclose any of the information requested, it cannot be guaranteed that they will be able to be placed in a field setting or complete the field education requirements for the BSSW degree.
Signing the disclosure form also indicates that studentsagree to immediately inform their Faculty Field Liaison if they are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor during their junior or senior field internship.The Faculty Field Liaison will consult with the Director of Field Education upon notification of this information.
C.5 Professional Liability Insurance
All students are required to have professional liability insurance while engaging in field work. Professional liability insurance provides legal defense and coverage for settlements or damages from legal action brought against students due to negligent acts, omissions, and errors while practicing at their field placement setting. Although it is not common for students to have legal action brought against them, it is still important to have this protection in place. Liberty University provides insurance coverage for residentialstudents only.