The Undergraduate Social Work Program General Information

Foreword

This practicum manual is intended to serve as a comprehensive guide to the current MSW Practicum Program of the Department of Social Work at SIUE. Practicum students, MSW field instructors, and faculty field liaisons are all potential users of the manual. It is a companion to the MSW Student Handbook. It is a working document which is under periodic if not constant review by the Director of Practica, students, MSW Field Instructors, Field Liaisons, and other interested parties. As such, policies and procedures are subject to change and will be revised regularly to reflect program developments in the school and/or field. If you have questions regarding a policy or procedure, please contact the Director of Practica. We hope that this manual will be a useful tool for your professional development.

Southern IllinoisUniversity Edwardsville

General Information

Mission, Vision and Values

Department of Social Work Mission: To promote the well-being of persons and society and advance social and economic justice through the provision of quality social work education, excellence in scholarship, and collaboration in community service.

College of Arts & Sciences: “The central mission of the College of Arts & Sciences is to transform thought. The College will provide excellent degree programs for its majors, minors, and post-graduate students and offer an outstanding liberal arts and sciences foundation for undergraduate students across the University. The College will promote scholarly and creative activities, public service, and cultural and arts programming, all of the highest quality.” (from SIUE-CAS website)

GraduateSchool: “Graduate education represents mastery of an academic discipline. As distinct from undergraduate education, graduate education provides advanced knowledge in a field of study that is characterized by specialized training in the discipline’s theory, research methodology, and critical analysis. Specialization, however, is not narrow or limited. Specialized training means concentrated learning in the depth and breadth of the discipline….The following characteristics help define a quality program: Clarity of purpose; supportive learning environment; academic experiences; and faculty…” (Statement on Quality Graduate Education, from SIUE-GraduateSchool website).

SIUE institutional mission, vision, and values:

Mission: “SIUE is a public comprehensive university dedicated to the communication, expansion, and integration of knowledge through excellent undergraduate education as its first priority and complementary excellent graduate and professional academic programs; through the scholarly, creative, and research activity of its faculty, staff, and students; and through public service and cultural and arts programming in its region.” (SIUE Fact Book, 2010, p. 7)

Vision: “SIUE, as a premier Metropolitan University, will be recognized nationally for the excellence of its programs and development of professional and community leaders.” (SIUE Fact Book, 2010, p. 7)

Values [Note: Excerpts have been selected that highlight consistency with social work department aims; the full text of the values statements is available in the SIUE Fact Book 2010, available online at ]

“Citizenship: Social, civic, and political responsibility, globally, nationally, locally, and within the university; active partnerships and a climate of collaboration and cooperation among faculty, staff, students, and the larger community…continuous improvement and innovation…outstanding scholarship and public service…

“Integrity: Accountability to those we serve and from whom we receive support; honesty in our communications and in our actions

“Openness: Inclusion of the rich diversity of humankind in all aspects of university life; respect for individual differences; intellectual freedom and diversity of thought; access for all who can benefit from our programs

“Wisdom: Creation, preservation, and sharing of knowledge; application of knowledge in a manner that promotes the common good; life-long learning.” (SIUE Fact Book, 2010, pp. 7-8)

University Statement on Diversity

All societies and peoples have contributed to the rich mix of contemporary humanity. In order to achieve domestic and international peace, social justice, and the development of full human potential, we must build on this diversity. SIUE nurtures an open, harmonious, and hospitable climate that facilitates learning and work. Each member of the University is responsible for contributing to such a campus environment.

SIUE is committed to education that explores the historic significance diversity in order to understand the present and to better enable our community to engage the future. SIUE strives for a student body and a workforce that manifests diversity.

University Statement on Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It is prohibited by law and conflicts with the policies and interests of the University. Therefore, no member of the University community shall engage in sexual harassment. Student-to-student harassment, employee-to-student harassment, student-to-employee harassment, and employee-to-employee harassment in on and off-campus settings will be covered by this policy. Students may receive a copy of the Sexual Harassment Policy from the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs or from the University’s home page.

Disability Support Services

Students who have a diagnosed disability may find assistance at the SIUE Office of Disability Services (DSS) in Rendleman Hall room 1218. Disability Support Services provides resources, advocacy, collaborative services, and educational outreach within the University community. You may call 618-650-3726 for more information.

MSW Program Mission, Goals, and Objectives

MSW Program Mission Statement

The Mission of the MSW program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department is to promote social and economic justice and enhance social well-being through the provision of quality graduate education, excellence in scholarship, and collaboration in community service

MSW Programs Goals

Goal 1:

Prepare ethical and professional social workers to practice in multiple roles and settings

with respect to diverse backgrounds, needs, and systems levels

Goal 2:

Contribute to the social work knowledge base about theory, policy, and practice that can

be effective in ameliorating individual and social environmental problems

Goal 3:

Advocate for social and economic development and justice in the Metro East St. Louis region and beyond through public service to organizations

Program Objectives

Foundation Objectives:

Students will demonstrate ability to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional 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 clients’ 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 a generalist social work perspective to 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 differently across client populations, colleagues, and communities.

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

Concentration Objectives:

Students will demonstrate ability to:

1. Critically evaluate their practice within the area of concentration at all system levels.

2. Identify and respond to value conflicts and ethical dilemmas in the area of concentration.

3. Be culturally competent and be able to articulate commonalities and differences among diverse groups within the area of concentration.

4. Identify oppressive and discriminating policy, practice and power relations; use change strategies to reduce/eliminate harmful effects on client well-being and self-determination in the area of concentration.

5. Identify and analyze historical developments in the area of concentration and their impact on contemporary policy and practice.

6. Build on the generalist perspective; integrate specialized models in the area of concentration.

7. Critically analyze and discriminate among theories across the life span and system levels in the context of relevant problems in the area of concentration.

8. Analyze, formulate and influence social policies relevant to the area of concentration.

9. Critically evaluate research in the area of concentration, demonstrate application to practice, and complete group, program, or single subject research in the concentration practicum setting.

10. Evaluate and use verbal and written communication skills across client populations, colleagues and communities relevant to the area of concentration.

11. Use supervision and consultation, which reflects an increasing degree of autonomy, self-understanding and openness to enhance social work practice in the area of concentration.

12. Analyze organizational dynamics and advocate for change at the level possible within agency structure in the area of concentration.

13. Promote and sustain their professional development through continuous self-assessment and actions, which build on their strengths and address challenges.

CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards can be found at

Social Work Graduate Field Education---General Information

The graduate field education program is divided into four semesters of practica totaling a minimum of 900 hours over the four semesters. SOCW526 and SOCW527 comprise the foundation practica (225 hours minimum each) and SOCW528 and SOCW529 comprise the concentration practica (250 hours minimum each). Foundation and concentration practica may also be completed as summer block practica. SOCW 531 replaces SOCW526 and 527 and requires a minimum of 450 hours of supervised practice; SOCW532 replaces SOCW527 and 528 and requires a minimum of 500 hours of supervised practice. All practica are supported with field seminars designed to integrate learning in the classroom and field.

SOCW526 Field Instruction I, SOCW527 Field Instruction II and SOCW531 (Foundation Block)

The two semesters of foundation practica (SOCW526 and 527) and the foundation block practicum (SOCW531) provide for skill development in generalist social work practice. The objectives focus on students obtaining generalist skills in a variety of social work practice settings. The Foundation Practica serve as the basis for subsequent concentration practica. SOCW 526 builds on knowledge and skills learned in the following foundation courses: SOCW 501, SOCWW503, SOCW 507, and SOCW508. In the full-time program, SOCW526 is taken concomitantly with SOCW505, 506 and 507. The following semester, SOCW527 or SOCW 531 are taken the concomitantly with SOCW502 and SOCW504.

Learning Objectives of SOCW526, 527 and 531

Students will:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. (Foundation Objective 1; EPAS Core Competencies 1 & 3)

2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly. (Foundation Objective 2: EPAS Core Competency 2)

4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice. (Foundation Objective 4: EPAS Core Competency 5)

5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues. (Foundation Objective 5: EPAS Core Competency 1)

6. Apply the knowledge and skills of a generalist social work perspective to practice with systems of all sizes. (Foundation Objective 6; EPAS Core Competency 8)

8. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice and evaluate their own practice interventions. (Foundation Objective 9; EPAS Core Competency 6)

9. Use communication skills differently across client populations, colleagues, and communities. (Foundation Objective 10; EPAS Core Competency 9)

10. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice. (Foundation Objective11; EPAS Core Competency 1)

11. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change. (Foundation Objective 12)

12. Demonstrate a commitment to professional development through continuous self-assessment and actions which build on personal/professional strengths and address challenges. (Foundation Objective 13; EPAS Core Competency 1)

SOCW528Advanced Field Instruction III, SOCW529Advanced Field Instruction IV and SOCW532 (Concentration Block)

Two semesters of advanced field instruction are required in either Micro or Macro Practice concentrations.SOCW 528, SOCW529 and SOCW532 build on knowledge and skills learned in foundation practica. They also build on courses in the Micro Practice concentration (SOCW540, 541, 542, 543, 544, and 547) or the Macro Practice concentration (SOCW 524, SOCW 580, SOCW 583, SOCW 511, SOCW 584 and SOCW 585).

Both Macro and Micro concentration students complete SOCW528 concomitantly with two of the practice classes (SOCW560, 561, 563 or 564), and SOCW529 with the Capstone Project (SOCW565). The concentration block practicum, SOCW532, is taken with the Capstone Project (SOCW565) after completion of all other courses.

Learning Objectives for SOCW528, 529 and 532

Students will:

1. Critically evaluate their practice within the area of concentration at all system levels. (Concentration Objective 1; EPAS Core Competencies 2, 6,10)

2. Identify and respond to value conflicts and ethical dilemmas in the area of concentration. (Concentration Objective 2; EPAS Core Competency 2)

3. Be culturally competent and be able to articulate commonalities and differences among diverse groups within the area of concentration. (Concentration Objective 3; EPAS Core Competency 4)

5. Identify and analyze historical developments in the area of concentration and their impact on contemporary policy and practice. (Concentration Objective 5; EPAS Core Competency 8)

6. Build on the generalist perspective; integrate specialized models in the area of concentration. (Concentration Objective 6; EPAS Core Competency 9)

7. Critically analyze and discriminate among theories across the life span and system levels in the context of relevant problems in the area of concentration. (Concentration Objective 7; EPAS Core Competency 7)

8. Analyze, formulate and influence social policies relevant to the area of concentration. (Concentration Objective 8; EPAS Core Competency 8)

9. Critically evaluate research in the area of concentration, demonstrate application to practice, and complete group, program, or single subject research in the concentration practicum setting. (Concentration Objective 9; EPAS Core Competency 6)

10. Evaluate and use verbal and written communication skills across client populations, colleagues and communities relevant to the area of concentration. (Concentration Objective 10; EPAS Core Competency 3)

11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice. (Concentration Objective 11; EPAS Core Competency 1)

12. Analyze organizational dynamics and advocate for change at the level possible within agency structure in the area of concentration. (Concentration Objective 12; EPAS Core Competencies 9 & 10)

13. Promote and sustain professional development through continuous self-assessment and actions, which build on their strengths and address challenges. (Concentration Objective 13; EPAS Core Competency 10)

Fieldwork Policies

Good Academic Standing

Students must be in good academic standing to begin and remain in practica. Good academic standing is defined as maintaining a 3.0 grade point average, and not being on academic probation for other reasons as defined by the Department and the GraduateSchool. Because of the importance of field performance in ensuring competent graduates, students must receive a “B” or better in all field courses. Students receiving a “C” in a field course will automatically be terminated from the MSW program.

Exceptions to Fieldwork Requirement

No exemptions from the practicum requirement of the curriculum may be granted. Each social work student must successfully complete the practica in order to graduate from the program, despite prior work experience in the field. .

Paid Practica
Some agencies/programs may offer stipends to practicum students. Stipends must not place employment expectations or requirements on students.

Practicum at Place of Employment

Certain requirements exist for students wishing to complete practica at their places of employment: 1) release time for field instruction should be ensured; 2) student assignments and fieldwork supervision should differ from those associated with the student’s employment; 3) field education must be educationally focused rather than solely centered on the agency’s services. It is imperative that the employees’ work assignments as students differ from that as employees of the agency during the completion of the practicum. The employee must be in a student role during the time allocated for the practicum and thus be allowed to pursue the learning objectives of the social work program. The employee must also have a different supervisor for field instruction than during normal work hours. The student must complete the “Application for Practicum at Place of Employment” form and obtain the proper signatures prior to the semester in which the practicum occurs. No practicum will be authorized without the proper signatures.

Academic Credit for Life or Previous Work Experience
The Department of Social work does not give credit for life experience or previous work experience. According to the Council on Social Work Education policy, academic credit for life experience and previous work experience cannot be granted in whole or in part in lieu of the field practicum courses.

MSW Supervision

Students must be supervised by an approved MSW supervisor who provides at least one hour of direct supervision per week. Students may have a non-MSW task supervisor who works directly with them on a day-to-day basis.