I. INTRODUCTION - Liberty University



Bachelor of Science in Social Work Field Manual902335391160Liberty UniversityPsychology Suite, DeMoss 40081971 University BlvdLynchburg, VA 24515Christine Fulmer, MSWChair of the Department of Social Work (434) 592-7665Raquel Ellis, MSW, PhDDirector of Social Work Field Education(434) 592-3779Jessica Schneider, BSWField Coordinator(434) 592-3112Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PAGEREF _Toc469598861 \h 6I. INTRODUCTION PAGEREF _Toc469598862 \h 7II. FIELD EDUCATION OVERVIEW PAGEREF _Toc469598863 \h 9A. Field Education Eligibility PAGEREF _Toc469598864 \h 9B. Field Experience Requirements PAGEREF _Toc469598865 \h 11B.1 Junior Field Experience PAGEREF _Toc469598866 \h 11B.2 Senior Field Experience PAGEREF _Toc469598867 \h 12B.3 Field Experience and Seminar Course Grade PAGEREF _Toc469598868 \h 12C. Field Education Enrollment Documents PAGEREF _Toc469598869 \h 12C.1 Acknowledgement of Field Manual Review PAGEREF _Toc469598870 \h 13C.2 Release of Student Information by the Department of Social Work PAGEREF _Toc469598871 \h 13C.3 Student Resume PAGEREF _Toc469598872 \h 13C.4 Criminal and Child Abuse Background Check PAGEREF _Toc469598873 \h 14C.5 Professional Liability Insurance PAGEREF _Toc469598874 \h 15C.6 Driver’s License and Car Insurance PAGEREF _Toc469598875 \h 15C.7 Field Comittment Contract PAGEREF _Toc469598876 \h 15D. Agency Placement Process PAGEREF _Toc469598877 \h 16D.1 Field Placement Agency Options PAGEREF _Toc469598878 \h 16D.2 Employment-Based Placements PAGEREF _Toc469598879 \h 17D.3 Field Placement Agency Interviews PAGEREF _Toc469598880 \h 18D.4 Suggested Agenda Items for Field Placement Agency Interviews PAGEREF _Toc469598881 \h 20D.5 Agency Placement Decisions PAGEREF _Toc469598882 \h 22E. Field Placement Schedules PAGEREF _Toc469598883 \h 22E1. Field Days PAGEREF _Toc469598884 \h 22E2. Holidays and Vacations PAGEREF _Toc469598885 \h 23E3. Absences Due to Illness or other Circumstances PAGEREF _Toc469598886 \h 23III. MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS, AND LEARNING OUTCOMES PAGEREF _Toc469598887 \h 24A. Mission Statement PAGEREF _Toc469598888 \h 24B. Program Goals PAGEREF _Toc469598889 \h 24C. Program Learning Outcomes PAGEREF _Toc469598890 \h 25IV. SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCIES AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORS PAGEREF _Toc469598891 \h 26V. NACSW STATEMENT OF FAITH AND PRACTICE PAGEREF _Toc469598892 \h 31VI. NASW CODE OF ETHICS PAGEREF _Toc469598893 \h 32VII. CSWE EDUCATION POLICY AND ACCREDITATION STANDARDS PAGEREF _Toc469598894 \h 33VIII. MUTUAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES PAGEREF _Toc469598895 \h 34A. Liberty University PAGEREF _Toc469598896 \h 34B. Director of Field Education PAGEREF _Toc469598897 \h 35C. Faculty Field Liaison PAGEREF _Toc469598898 \h 35C. Students PAGEREF _Toc469598899 \h 36D. Field Instructor PAGEREF _Toc469598900 \h 39XI. HANDLING CHALLENGES DURING FIELD EXPERIENCE PAGEREF _Toc469598901 \h 43A. Finishing Field Experience Late PAGEREF _Toc469598902 \h 43B. Changing Agency Experiences PAGEREF _Toc469598903 \h 43C. Addressing Grievances PAGEREF _Toc469598904 \h 43D. Racial Discrimination and Harassment PAGEREF _Toc469598905 \h 44E. Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Assault PAGEREF _Toc469598906 \h 45F. Other Personal Safety Issues PAGEREF _Toc469598907 \h 46G. Professional Competency Expectations and Restoration Process PAGEREF _Toc469598908 \h 47H. Field Placement Agency Dismissal or Course Withdrawal PAGEREF _Toc469598909 \h 48ADDENDUM PAGEREF _Toc469598910 \h 50ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe Director of Field Education, Dr. Raquel Ellis, would like to thank Christine Fulmer, Director of the Social Work Department, and Zachary Grafman, the Department’s Faculty Support Coordinator, for their input and technical support in assembling this field manual.I. INTRODUCTIONField 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 social work field education policies, procedures, and requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work (BSSW) residential program. The purpose of the manual is to orient and offer guidance to residential 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. The Social Work Department offers field opportunities in a variety of practice settings for both students. These settings include opportunities to engage in different levels of practice from direct practice with individuals and families (micro-level), practice with neighborhoods and small groups (mezzo-level), and practice that impacts larger systems such as policy analysis, administration, and research (macro-level). Students are also offered field opportunities in a variety of geographical locations, including international settings. 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 residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu. 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 OVERVIEWA. Field Education EligibilityStudents must meet the following eligibility requirements prior to engaging in field work:Successfully pass the first of several Program Gates by receiving formal approval for admission into the BSSW Program (For details on the admission process, go to .). Be in good standing with the Department, which includes the following:Have a “C” or higher in all social work classes.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 plete all required prerequisite courses.Students must complete several prerequisite courses meant to provide the foundational knowledge and theory essential for engaging in field work. Students must complete these courses with a minimum grade of “C” prior to initiating their junior field experience. Residential students must take PSYC 101, BIOL 102, SOCI 200, HLTH 216, GLST 220, SOWK 101, SOWK 120, SOWK 150, SOWK 260, SOWK 270, and SOWK 355. Below is an overview of the SOWK prerequisite courses. Information on the non-social work courses can be found in the course catalog online. Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 101) is a residential and online 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 (SOWK 120) is a residential course that provides an overview 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. During this course, students have the opportunity to attend multiple field exploration trips to a variety of local agencies that employ social workers. Intensive Social Work Observation (SOWK 150) is a residential course that offers students the opportunity to spend a full work week observing a professional social worker in one particular setting of practice. Settings may include, but are not limited to places such as child welfare agencies, schools, domestic violence shelters, hospice facilities, hospitals, mental health clinics, assisted living facilities, and early intervention programs. The requirements of the course are typically fulfilled during the student’s spring or winter break. Social Work Field Exploration and Observation (SOWK 135) is an online 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.Ethics in Professional Helping (SOWK 270) is a residential and online 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. Chemical Dependency (SOWK 260) is a residential and online 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. 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 RequirementsField experience is a required component of the BSSW program. All 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.Field Experience Course RequirementsField Experience and Seminar CoursesField HoursSOWK 370 Junior Field Experience and Seminar Course 100SOWK 470 Senior Field Experience and Seminar Course400B.1 Junior Field ExperienceThe Junior Field Experience and Seminar course (SOWK 370) 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. Students will meet for the field seminar course for one hour weekly to discuss the theoretical and conceptual concepts learned in the classroom with the practical experiences in field placement. This course offered during the Spring and Fall semester. The hours in field seminar do not count toward the required field hours. B.2 Senior Field ExperienceStudent 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 for two hours 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. Residential students must complete their field hour over the course of one semester within one practice setting that employs social workers. The Senior Field Experience and Seminar course (SOWK 470) is offered both during the Spring and Fall semesters. B.3 Field Experience and Seminar Course GradeThe junior 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 DocumentsIn addition to completing all prerequisite courses, students must submit several documents prior to engaging in fieldwork. These documents must be sent to residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu by the due dates set by the Department of Social Work. Students must complete and submit the Initial Field Admission Checklist Form (See field website for form.) to document their status of completing prerequisites and to ensure that all initial enrollment documents are submitted to the Department. Please see the Student Pre-Placement Checklist (See field website for form.) for details on submission due dates for field forms and additional required documents. 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 field website for 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. A new version of the manual will be available at the beginning of each academic year.C.2 Release of Student Information by the Department of Social WorkAs part of the field placement assignment process, the Field Education staff of the Social Work Department will need to share student placement materials and other relevant information with potential agencies or Field Instructors. 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 matching process which generally benefits the student and the Field Instructor. Students must sign and submit the Release of Information Form (See field website for form.) indicating their approval to release pertinent information by the Field Education staff to prospective field agencies. 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 the social work resume sample on the student field website when 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 background check is also critical to the field education enrollment process. The results of the background check will be released directly to the student. Students must then provide a copy of their results to the Department of Social Work. 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 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 Director of Field Education can assist students in determining whether certain field placements would not be suitable for them. The goal of this effort is to secure field placements for students 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 students agree to immediately inform the Director of Field Education if they are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor during their junior or senior field internship. C.5 Professional Liability InsuranceAll 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 of a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate for residential students.C.6 Driver’s License and Car Insurance Students are responsible for having reliable means of transportation to get to and from their field placements and any other off-site field activities. If students plan to use their personal car as their means of transportation during their field experience, they will need to carry appropriate liability insurance. Students must provide a copy of their automotive insurance card and driver’s license to the Social Work Department prior to starting their junior and senior field experience. C.7 Field Comittment ContractThe Junior and Senior Field Experience and Seminar courses require a significant investment on the part of students to successfully complete. Students must prepare for seminar each week, complete the recommended field hours each week, and complete weekly field assignments. The rigor of the courses requires a commitment from students. To ensure that students understand the commitment involved while taking these courses, students will be required to sign a Field Commitment Contract each semester that they are in the field. By signing the Contract, students agree to commit to completion of all requirements of the field course they are enrolled in and agree to make modifications to their schedules as appropriate. This includes: (1) evaluating the course load the student will be taking along with each field experience and seminar course and making adjustments as necessary; (2) refraining from participation in activities that would result in missing seminar and multiple field days (e.g. LU Send Now); and (3) if applicable, developing a modified work or volunteer schedule that would allow for enough time to successfully complete the requirements of the course. D. Agency Placement ProcessD.1 Field Placement Agency OptionsThe Social Work Department offers a variety of junior and senior field placement options. All agencies must meet the Department’s required criteria for agencies supervising students in field experience (See field website for details). Residential students may choose to interview at any of the approved agencies or propose other agencies of interest. The current list of approved agencies for residential students is available in the Field Directory. Students must select a minimum of three agencies with whom they will complete interviews. Student will complete and submit their list of selected agencies in the Student Agency Interview Choice Form (See field website for form). If students propose any additional agencies outside of those already approved, they must include on the form the requested information about the agency and the social worker employed at the agency and have the social worker sign the form to confirm his/her willingness to serve as Field Instructor. In addition to the various field placement settings available through the Department, students have the opportunity to complete their senior field hours through Liberty University’s Washington Fellowship Program. This program offers assistance in securing a semester-long internship in the Washington DC area, arranges local housing, and hosts various professional development and networking activities. This is an ideal program for students interested in a macro practice setting. For more information about this program and its requirements, please go to the Washington Fellowship website. Students interested in this opportunity need to be aware that their acceptance in the program will depend on the student’s performance and final grade in their Junior Field Experience and Seminar course and whether they have maintained good standing with the Department of Social Work. Students should note that there is no guarantee that a proposed agency will be eligible to serve as a field placement. The Field Coordinator will contact the proposed site to confirm that they meet the Department’s required criteria for agencies supervising students in field experience. Once students’ eligibility for fieldwork has been confirmed and their initial field education enrollment documents described in the Student Pre-Placement Checklist (See field website for enrollment documents and checklist.) and the forms have been processed, they will be notified about the next steps in interviewing with prospective field placement agencies. Please note that students must receive confirmation from the Department of Social Work prior to moving forward with scheduling interviews with prospective field placement agencies. D.2 Employment-Based PlacementsThe Department recognizes that some students may currently be employed at an agency that they hope to secure employment through as a social worker upon graduation. To support these students in their efforts, the Department will consider proposals from students who would like for their current place of employment to be considered as a junior and/or senior placement. The policies for employment-based placements are described below. 1) The current place of employment must meet the Department’s requirements for serving as a field placement and an agency administrator must complete Department paperwork so that we can confirm that they meet our requirements. 2) Students must identify a degreed social worker who meets the Department’s requirements for serving as a field instructor and this individual must complete Department paperwork so that we can confirm their eligibility. The proposed field instructor should be someone other than their current employment supervisor. Students can propose an external field instructor, if necessary.4) Students’ duties should be different from that of their current position. Since students will be in the role of social work intern, their duties should be specific to the role of a social worker in that setting. Also, student duties should be tailored to support the learning contract that they will develop and should aid in building their application of the social work competencies adopted by the Department. 5) It is highly recommended that students take advantage of the opportunity to complete their junior and senior field internships at two different agencies. However, if a student’s place of employment is at a large organization that has distinct departments that can offer a unique internship experience, the student can suggest completing both their junior and senior internship at the place of employment. The student will need to provide the information necessary for the Department to assess each proposed internship plan. This includes the information included in the Student Agency Interview Choice Form on the field website as well as a detailed list of the student’s current job duties and the proposed job duties as a social work intern. The Department reserves the right to disapprove proposed internship plans at a student’s place of employment if the information provided about the internship does not meet all of the requirements described above.D.3 Field Placement Agency InterviewsField placement agency interviews provide an opportunity for students to learn more about each agency, the roles and responsibilities involved in fieldwork at each agency, and ask specific questions that would facilitate the agency selection process. These interviews also provide agency representatives the opportunity to learn more about the students, their interest in the particular agency, and ask questions that would help them to determine which students would be the best fit for their agency. These interviews have the added benefit of providing students an opportunity to have real-world job interview experiences. Students will be expected to contact each agency to schedule interviews. Students should dress professionally and be on time. Students should bring a copy of their resume to provide to the agency representatives as well as a list of questions to ask during the interview. Students may also be asked to fill out an agency job application. Upon receiving notification of their field placement site, students will send an acceptance letter to the agency where they will complete their field work as well as a denial letter to those agencies they did not choose (See field website for sample letters.). These are all standard procedures for any professional seeking employment. To assist in preparing for the interviews, students should review the resources on the Career Center website and consider contacting the Career Center to meet with a representative. Although offering individual interviews is ideal, agency representatives who have multiple students interested in being placed at their agencies may complete group interviews. Students should prioritize working around their class schedules when scheduling interviews with agencies. When this is not feasible, students should request approval from their instructor to attend an interview during class time. In order for the absence to be excused, students must provide proof of the scheduled interview from the agency. Instructors may also contact the Social Work Department to confirm the student’s interview prior to approving the request. Students should keep in mind that their instructors may require that they complete a make-up assignment or activity to earn the participation points missed due to the absence. For junior field experience, students should begin interviewing with different potential field placements towards the end of the Fall semester. Students will start their field experience no later than the second week of the semester. Based on this assumption, students should anticipate working approximately 15 hours a week in order to complete the minimum 100 field hours over an 8-week period. For senior field experience, students should begin interviewing with different potential field placements towards the end of the Spring semester of their junior year. Students will start their field experience no later than the second week of the semester. Based on this assumption, students should anticipate working approximately 32 hours a week in order to complete the minimum of 400 field hours over a14-week period. If there is a delay in the start of field experience, it will be the responsibility of the students to increase the number of hours they work each week in order to complete their required minimum hours by the end of the semester.D.4 Suggested Agenda Items for Field Placement Agency InterviewsAs previously stated, students should prepare and bring a list of questions to ask agency representatives during their interviews. Below are a list of agenda topics and example questions that students should consider when preparing their agency questions. Students should also draft specific questions based on their review of the programs and services that the agency provides and the populations that the agency serves. This information is readily available on agency websites. Agency/Interviewer BackgroundHow many people work for the agency?What are the disciplines of the staff members (social workers, counselors, psychologists, teachers, nurses, psychiatrists, paraprofessionals, etc.)?Are there other staff members that I would primarily be working with and would it be possible to meet them?How would you describe your organizational culture?How is the agency funded?How are clients referred to the agency?Are there any materials you would recommend I read about your agency’s client population?How did you get into this field? What do you enjoy about it?Student Role and Responsibilities What do you see as the benefits of having a student at this agency? How can I be helpful?What are some of the learning activities that a student might be assigned?What would a typical day be like for student?Will I be assigned clients? If so, how many will I have?Will I be expected to do home visits?Besides the Field Instructor, will there be other staff members that I will spend a substantial amount of time working with? Could I meet them today? Training and Supervision What kind of agency orientation will be planned for a student?How would you describe your supervisory style?How would you describe your teaching style?Student Selection What qualities are you looking for in a student?Are there specific skills or experiences that you are looking for in a student?LogisticsWhat hours do you expect a student to work? Are evenings and weekend hours possible?The Department of Social Work does not require students to complete field hours during breaks (e.g. University holidays, Spring Break, Fall Break, Thanksgiving week, and reading days). However, I understand that some agencies may request students to work during these breaks in order to prevent a disruption in service delivery to clients. Can you share what your expectations are around this? Does the agency require students to have criminal background checks or immunizations prior to placement? Are there any other special requirements I should know about?Is parking available? Is there a cost?Are there any overnight trips that I should be aware of? If so, does the agency offer reimbursement for expenses incurred for the trip (e.g. meals, lodging, etc.)?Does your agency offer mileage reimbursement to students for work-related travel? Would I have a workspace here with a desk, phone, and computer?How do you address the issue of staff safety?Would it be possible to tour the agency today?D.5 Agency Placement DecisionsOnce students complete all of their interviews, they will need to fill out and submit the Student’s Final Choice Form (field website) to residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu. Agencies will submit their recommendations to the Social Work Department in the Agency’s Final Choice Form at residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu. The Social Work Department Field Staff will review the completed forms and make final decisions based on the preference of the agencies and students. Although the desire is to place all students in the agency of their first choice, this may not always be possible. In situations where there are multiple students who have selected the same first choice agency, the Department will seek to be as fair as possible in deciding which student will actually be placed at that agency. The Field Staff will make these decisions based on several factors including: the timeliness of the submission (students who submit their paperwork on or before the due date will get priority), the needs of the agency, and what is in the student’s best interest. Students will be notified by e-mail of their final placement. Field Instructors will also be notified by e-mail if students are assigned to their agency to complete their field experience. E. Field Placement Schedules E1. Field DaysStudents should develop an academic schedule during their junior and senior years that allows for the field experience to be scheduled in half-day/full-day segments. Residential students enrolled in the Junior Field Experience and Seminar course will engage in field work on Tuesday and Thursdays and will attend the field seminar course every Tuesday morning (and some Thursdays). The fieldwork days for students enrolled in the Senior Field Experience and Seminar course will be Tuesdays through Fridays and all will be expected to attend the senior field seminar course that is scheduled for Monday mornings. The Field Instructor and student are expected to work together to make decisions about the student’s specific field schedule. Junior and senior students are welcome to work more than the minimum hours a week recommended if they desire to complete the required number of hours prior to the semester ending. However, students must keep in mind that they must satisfy any agency-specific requirements prior to ending their field work. Any additional hours accumulated after students reach the minimum hours required for their junior field experience may not be used toward the hours required for their senior field experience. E2. Holidays and VacationsStudents are responsible for informing their Field Instructors of their schedules and vacation plans. The Department of Social Work does not require students to complete field hours during breaks (e.g. University holidays, spring break, and reading days). However, depending on the nature of the work, a field supervisor may request that a student work during these times. For example, if a student has built a relationship with a particular client, the Field Instructor may want the student to continue their work with that client during spring break in order to prevent a disruption in service delivery. Students should ask about these expectations during their agency interviews. If a field day falls upon an agency-observed holiday that is not observed by Liberty University, students must make up the missed hours. E3. Absences Due to Illness or other CircumstancesIf students miss hours/days in field due to illness or other special circumstances, they must make up the missed hours. Students are expected to notify their Field Instructor in advance of any absence or late arrival and follow all agency procedures.Students may want to attend educational events during field placement hours, such as workshops and conferences. Students should request prior approval from their Field Instructor to attend these events. The Field Instructor will determine whether attending the event aligns with the student’s Learning Contract. If so, time spent attending the activity will count towards the student’s required field hours.III. MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS, AND LEARNING OUTCOMESA. Mission StatementThe mission of Liberty University’s Department of Social Work is to prepare Christ-centered men and women to impact the world through competent generalist social work practice by equipping them with the knowledge, values, and skills of the profession essential for enhancing individual, family, and community well-being.?B. Program GoalsThe goals of Liberty University’s Department of Social Work are to develop Christ-centered competent social workers, who:advocate for oppressed people groups;embrace the values of the profession;recognize the impact of the environment on human behavior;are empathetic and strength-based;practice with research-informed wisdom;demonstrate cultural and relational humility; andare healthy emotionally, physically, and spiritually.C. Program Learning OutcomesThe student will be able to:Integrate faith in the practice of social work.Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.Engage diversity and difference in practice.Advance human rights and social and economic justice.Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.Respond to contexts that shape practice.Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.IV. SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCIES AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORSThe table below depicts Liberty University’s social work competencies and the practice behaviors that relate to each competency. The social work curriculum, including field education, is designed to prepare students to master each competency through demonstration of each of the practice behaviors. SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCIESSOCIAL WORK PRACTICE BEHAVIORSProfessional IdentitySocial workers advocate for client access to the services of social work.Social workers practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development.Social workers attend to professional roles and boundaries.Social workers demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication.Social workers engage in career-long learning.Social workers use supervision and consultation.Ethical PracticeSocial workers recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice.Social workers make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work, Statementof Principles.Social workers tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts.Social workers apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions.Critical ThinkingSocial workers distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom.Social workers analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation.Social workers demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues.Diversity in PracticeSocial workers recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power.Social workers gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups.Social workers recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences.Social workers view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants.Human Rights & JusticeSocial workers understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination.Social workers advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.Social workers engage in practices that advance social and economic justice.Research Based PracticeSocial workers use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry Social workers use research evidence to inform practice.Human BehaviorSocial workers utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation.Social workers critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.Policy PracticeSocial workers analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being.Social workers collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action.Practice ContextsSocial workers continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services.Social workers provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services.Engage, Assess, Intervene, EvaluateEngagementSocial workers substantively and effectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.Social workers use empathy and other interpersonal skills.Social workers develop a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes.AssessmentSocial workers collect, organize, and interpret client data.Engage, Assess, Intervene, EvaluateSocial workers assess client strengths and limitations.Social workers develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives.Social workers select appropriate intervention strategies.InterventionSocial workers initiate actions to achieve organizational goals.Social workers implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities.Social workers help clients resolve problems.Social workers negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients.Social workers facilitate transitions and endings.EvaluationSocial workers critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions.Faith and Practice Social workers integrate faith and practice through a process of ethical reasoning.Social workers respect spiritual diversity. Social workers assess client strengths and needs using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model.V. NACSW STATEMENT OF FAITH AND PRACTICENACSW is a membership association that seeks to equip its members to integrate Christian faith and professional social work practice. To this end, NACSW established a set of values, principles, and standards to guide the conduct of social workers seeking to professionally integrate the Christian faith into their social work practice. The NACSW Statement of Faith and Practice guides the practice of faculty, staff and students of Liberty University’s Department of Social Work. VI. NASW CODE OF ETHICSThe NASW Code of Ethics is another key set of values, principles, and standards that guide the conduct of faculty, staff and students at Liberty University’s Department of Social Work. The Code is relevant to all social workers and social work students, regardless of their professional functions, the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve. A copy of the Code of Ethics is in the student handbook As described on the NASW website, the NASW Code of Ethics serves six purposes: The Code identifies core values on which social work’s mission is based. The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the profession’s core values and establishes a set of specific ethical standards that should be used to guide social work practice. The Code is designed to help social workers identify relevant considerations when professional obligations conflict or ethical uncertainties arise. The Code provides ethical standards to which the general public can hold the social work profession accountable. The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social work’s mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards. The Code articulates standards that the social work profession itself can use to assess whether social workers have engaged in unethical conduct. NASW has formal procedures to adjudicate ethics complaints filed against its members. In subscribing to this Code, social workers are required to cooperate in its implementation, participate in NASW adjudication proceedings, and abide by any NASW disciplinary rulings or sanctions based on it. VII. CSWE EDUCATION POLICY AND ACCREDITATION STANDARDSThe Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) uses the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) to accredit baccalaureate- and master’s-level social work programs. As described on their website, CSWE supports academic excellence by establishing thresholds for professional competence. It permits programs to use traditional and emerging models of curriculum design by balancing requirements that promote comparability across programs with a level of flexibility that encourages programs to differentiate. The Liberty University Department of Social Work is committed to adhering to the EPAS standards and is currently engaged in seeking accreditation for its new BSSW program. VIII. MUTUAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIESField education requires the ongoing cooperation and involvement of various professionals to provide students a comprehensive and quality learning experience in the social work field. The various roles and responsibilities of each key player are described below. A. Liberty UniversityLiberty University is responsible for the following:Continuing the process towards securing accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education for its new Social Work Department. Employing leadership staff that have graduate degrees in social work to oversee the administration of the Department of Social Work and Field Education. Employing faculty who have graduate degrees in social work and the practice experience essential for facilitating learning of social work theory, skills, and values.Overseeing faculty and staff adherence to the NASW and NACSW Codes of Ethics and CSWE Education and Policy Accreditation Standards.Providing liability insurance coverage of a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate for residential students.Offering, through the Office of Risk Management, a $10,000 accident insurance policy benefit to all residential students attending the Lynchburg, VA campus. This benefit, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, provides coverage for an accidental injury sustained by the residential student when there is no coverage or when the student has co-payments or deductibles remaining after having filed with their primary insurer. The University does not provide health insurance coverage to students. B. Director of Field Education The roles and responsibilities of the Director of Field Education, with the support of other field staff, include the following:Development, oversight, and continuity of the field education programs and policies.Develop relationships with community agencies locally and abroad and enlist their support in serving as potential field placements. Confirm eligibility of agencies to serve as field placements.Confirm eligibility of individual professionals to serve as Field Instructors for social work students.Execute agreements between the agencies and the university as needed.Monitor the performance of Field Instructors and their agencies for quality assurance and field program improvement purposes. Provide consultation and assistance to the Field Instructor as necessary.Serve as the contact for concerns from students, Field Instructors or any other agency personnel.Disseminate field-related literature and materials to students and Field Instructors to facilitate continued education.Lead a field education orientation meeting for students and Field Instructors as well as workshops on field-related topics.Provide training and ongoing support to Faculty Field Liaisons. C. Faculty Field Liaison Faculty Field Liaisons’ roles and responsibilities include the following: Teach a weekly field seminar course for junior and senior students engaged in field experience.Keep records of the students’ time spent in field through the receipt of weekly timesheets.Keep records of student’s supervision experience through the receipt of completed supervisory agenda forms. Provide consultation and assistance to the students as necessary.Monitor and evaluate the student’s field experience to ensure optimal learning and professional development through conference calls, a review of site visit documentation, assignment submissions, and review of student self-evaluations and Field Instructor evaluations of the student.Provide guidance to agency staff as they conduct student site visits and debriefing sessions for online students in their field placement setting or residential students in international field placement settings. Promptly notify the Director of Field Education of any problems that arise with field students or field placement staff. C. Students Students’ roles and responsibilities include the following:Develop a professional resume with support from the Career Center and submit the resume along with the feedback e-mail from the Career Center to the plete all required field education enrollment forms and provide additional documentation (e.g. resume, proof of professional liability insurance, car insurance, background check, etc.) by the due dates set by the Department of Social Work. Submit the Student’s Agency Interview Choice Form that identifies the student’s preferred agencies for field experience. (See field website.)After receiving approval from the Director of Field Education, contact at least three (3) agencies to arrange pre-placement interviews and be prepared with questions that to facilitate gathering information during the interviews. After all interviews are complete, rank the top three agency choices and submit the Student’s Final Choice Form (See field website).Send denial letters to the agencies not chosen and an acceptance letter to the agency where the student will complete their field experience and submit copies of the letters to the plete agency requirements (e.g. drug test, agency specific paperwork, etc.) by the due dates set by the agency assigned for field experience. Develop an academic schedule during their junior and senior years that allows for their field experience to be scheduled in half-day/full- day segments.Perform in a responsible professional manner, keeping commitments to the agency, the Field Instructor, the clients, and the Department of Social Work.Dress in professional attire on field days.Be on time for field work, agency meetings, and client appointments.Use professional oral communication (this includes correct verb usage and the avoidance of inappropriate language including informal language or slang).Develop a learning contract with support from the Field Instructor and Director of Field Education and secure appropriate signatures on the contract forms. Schedule and participate in a learning contract meeting with the Field Instructor and Director of Field Education.Seek advice and consultation or help as necessary from their Field Instructor or the Director of Field Education.Schedule a site visit with the Director of Field Education at the agency and, if necessary, participate in a debriefing session following the visit.Report unethical or illegal practices within the agency to the Director of Field Education as soon as possible.Provide as much advance notice a possible to the agency Field Instructor about absences and tardiness, as is expected in professional plete work assigned by the Field Instructor in the agency and the accountability documents required by the Department of Social Work within specified deadlines, such as the Weekly Field Experience Time Sheet.Participate in weekly supervision meetings with the Field Instructor. Prepare an agenda for regular supervisory meetings with Field Instructor using the Field Experience Supervisory Agenda form and submit this form to the Department weekly. Complete and submit weekly journal logs to Field Seminar Professor.Conduct self as a member of the social work profession and abide by agency work policies and procedures.Adhere to Liberty University’s Honor Code at all times.Apply principles of social work learned in the classroom to the field and strive continuously to improve skills through periodic self-evaluation.Attend field seminar class weekly and actively participate in class activities, assignments and discussions. Learn the code of ethics of the social work profession and apply these principles in field experience at all times. Seek opportunities to engage in practice behaviors that relate to the social work competencies Have a car or other reliable means of transportation for field experience.Be teachable and receptive to feedback given by the Field Instructor.As necessary, participate in site visit meetings and phone conferences during the field experience with the Director of Field Education and the Field Instructor.Attend ALL required social work program events. Complete a self-evaluation of their performance in applying the practice behaviors associated with the core competencies using the SWEAP Field Placement/Practicum Assessment Instrument (FPPAI). Also, complete an evaluation of their field experience and agency. Complete all field experience requirements by the set dates in order to satisfactorily complete the course.D. Field InstructorThe Field Instructor’s roles and responsibilities include the following:Complete and submit a Field Instructor Information Form (See field website).Attend the Field Instructor orientation and training session.Sign or have an agency official sign an Affiliation Agreement.Develop a learning climate and environment for the student in the agency through a workable learning/teaching plan or structure. Provide the student an orientation to the agency that includes a tour of the facilities, and a review of the agency policies, procedures and resources. Ensure access to agency manuals, policy statements, and case files as needed for the student.Educate students about personal risks (i.e. physical health and safety) and appropriate protections as describe in agency policy.Provide suitable space and resources for students at the agency (e.g. desk, computer, telephone, etc.).Provide guidance in the development of the students’ Learning Contracts and sign the contract forms. Participate in a Learning Contract meeting with students and Director of Field Education.Evaluate students’ progress toward meeting their learning goals as well as the social work competencies.Meet with students at least weekly for supervision to provide feedback and act as educator and model. Use the Supervisory Agenda to guide the meeting and sign the form after each meeting.Structure assignments to help the student: (1) learn a broad range of social work interventions common to generalist social work practice and (2) engage in practice behaviors associated with the core social work competencies.Encourage innovative practices that are congruent with the program’s objectives, ethics, and values of the profession.Review and sign the student’s Weekly Field Experience Timesheet.Promptly contact with the Director of Field Education if problems arise with students during placement. Be available to students in emergency situations.Promptly notify the Director of Field Education of the need to take an unanticipated, extended leave of absence and work with the Director to explore alternative plans for supervision of the student. Prepare a final evaluation of the students’ progress in completing learning contract goals and students’ performance in applying the practice behaviors associated with the core competencies using the SWEAP Field Placement/Practicum Assessment Instrument (FPPAI). As necessary, participate in site visit meetings and phone conferences during the field experience with the Director of Field Education and student.If the Field Instructor is not an agency staff member or is not on-site at the location where the students will complete their internship hours, the agency must be willing to assign a staff member to serve as an Agency Field Coordinator to support the Field Instructor in the following tasks:Sign or have an agency official sign an Affiliation Agreement.Provide students an orientation to the agency that includes a tour of the facilities, and a review of the agency policies, procedures and resources. Ensure access to agency manuals, policy statements, and case files as needed for students.Educate students about personal risks (i.e. physical health and safety) and appropriate protections as describe in agency policy.Provide suitable space and resources for students at the agency (e.g. desk, computer, telephone, etc.).Structure assignments to help students: (1) learn a broad range of social work interventions common to generalist social work practice and (2) engage in practice behaviors associated with the core social work competencies.Review and sign the student’s Weekly Field Experience Timesheet.Promptly contact the Faculty Field Liaison if problems arise with students during placement. Be available to students in emergency situations.XI. HANDLING CHALLENGES DURING FIELD EXPERIENCEA. Finishing Field Experience LateThere may be some extenuating circumstances such as an athletic schedule or a personal matter that hinder students from completing their hours in one semester. If these or other circumstances were to occur, students may contact the Director of Field Education to request approval to receive additional time to complete their required field hours. Students must receive advanced approval prior to continuing to complete field hours beyond one semester. If approved, this accommodation will require the establishment of a written contract that includes the following: 1) number of remaining hours to be completed, 2) the anticipated date by which the hours will be completed, 3) the day established for weekly agency supervision, and 4) the weekday and time to meet with the Director of Field Education (or an assigned professor) to turn in weekly paperwork and to discuss any field issues. B. Changing Agency ExperiencesStudents are expected to remain at the agency assigned to complete their field hours over the course of a semester. However, unusual circumstances may arise which may necessitate a change in agency experiences. The Director of Field Education, Field Instructor, or student may initiate a change. If students feel their placement needs to be changed for any reason, they must discuss this with the Director of Field Education. The Director of Field Education will then initiate the change of placement if necessary.C. Addressing GrievancesIf students have a grievance related to their field experience, they should first discuss the matter with the person immediately involved. If the grievance remains unresolved or students are dissatisfied with the resolution, they should request the assistance of their Field Instructor (or the Director of Field Education if the Field Instructor is the person that students have a grievance with). If still unresolved after speaking to the Field Instructor, students should contact the Director of Field Education for assistance. If students are dissatisfied with the outcome of these discussions, they can then bring their grievance to the Director of the Social Work Department. The student should document all proceedings.D. Racial Discrimination and HarassmentLiberty University insists that all members of the University Community are entitled to and shall be afforded an environment free of racism—whether overt or subtle. Therefore, members of the University community will not tolerate racial discrimination or harassment of any kind. Behavior that constitutes racial discrimination or harassment is prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This includes, but is not limited to racial/ethnic slurs, coarse jesting with racial/ethnic overtones and other forms of communication resulting in disparagement or intimidation based on race or ethnicity.It is the expectation of the Department of Social Work that each agency serving as a field placement will have racial discrimination and harassment policies in place that guide the expected conduct of agency staff and volunteers. Students are expected to abide by both the agency and Liberty University’s policies while at their field placement and any other location performing field activities. Reporting Process: There is a specific protocol that the student will need to follow in the event that any of these situations occur. (1) Students should immediately report the incident to their Field Instructor and follow any additional agency policies for reporting and addressing the situation. If the supervisor is the perpetrator of the harassment or discrimination, students should report the incident to the alternative staff member indicated in the agency’s policy.(2) Students should call the Director of Field Education to report the incident within 24 hours of its occurrence. (3) Students should complete an Incident Report Form and submit the form on the field education website within five (5) days of the incident. As appropriate, the Director will contact students and their Field Instructors to discuss incidents filed with the Department and determine if additional corrective action is necessary.E. Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and AssaultLiberty University is committed to providing students and employees with an environment free from all forms of sex-based discrimination which can include acts of sexual violence, sexual misconduct and disrespect for one another. Non-consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual sexual contact, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are all prohibited at Liberty University. All members of the Liberty community are expected to treat everyone with a spirit of Christian love, mutual respect, and individual dignity. The University provides educational and spiritual programming to promote our commitment to Biblical principles of abstinence and purity. Our programming also promotes the awareness of any type of sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It is the expectation of the Department of Social Work that each agency serving as a field placement will have sexual harassment and discrimination policies in place that guide the expected conduct of agency staff and volunteers. Students are expected to abide by both the agency and Liberty University’s policies around sexual harassment and discrimination while at their field placement and any other location performing field activities. Reporting Process: Student who believe that they have been the subject of sexual harassment, discrimination, or assault in any form while at their field placement or while performing field work in another location should take the following steps described below.(1) Students should immediately report the incident to their Field Instructor and follow any additional agency policies for reporting and addressing the situation. If the Field Instructor is the perpetrator of the harassment or discrimination, students should report the incident to the alternative staff member indicated in the agency’s policy. (2) Students should immediately report the incident to the Title IX Office and/or to the Liberty University Police Department (LUPD). Students who would like assistance in contacting local authorities may request such help from campus authorities. Brittney Wardlaw Director of Title IX University Title IX Office (434) 582-8948titleix@liberty.eduLUPD Emergency (434) 592-3911LUPD Non-emergency (434) 592-7641 (2) Students should call the Director of Field Education to report the incident within 24 hours of its occurrence. Students will be given the option of changing their field experience placement.(3) Students are also required to complete an Incident Report Form and submit the form on the field education website within five (5) days of the incident.For more information on Liberty University’s Sexual Harassment policies and procedures for students, please see the Student Code of Conduct.F. Other Personal Safety IssuesStudents may experience a situation that compromises their personal safety while at their field placement agency or while performing field activities off-site. These situations include personal injury by violent client or other persons, exposure to or contraction of infectious disease, or damage to personal property. There is a specific protocol that students will need to follow in the event that any of these situations occur. (1) Students should immediately seek medical treatment as necessary, report the incident to their Field Instructor, and follow any additional agency policies for reporting and addressing the situation. (2) Students should call the Director of Field Education to report the incident within 24 hours of its occurrence. (3) Students should complete an Incident Report Form and submit the form on the field education website within five (5) days of the incident. As appropriate, the Director will contact students and their Field Instructors to discuss incidents filed with the Department and determine if additional corrective action is necessary.If students or Field Instructors have questions about whether a particular incident is reportable, they may contact the Director of Field Education. G. Professional Competency Expectations and Restoration ProcessField Instructors and Liberty University faculty and staff have a professional and ethical responsibility to evaluate students on the social work competencies and associated practice behaviors. As such, the faculty of Liberty will not automatically approve program completion for students who demonstrate deficits that may interfere with future professional competence. Instead, a restoration plan will be formulated in conjunction with the Department, the student, and Field Instructor. The purpose of the restoration plan is to assist the student in correcting any deficits in the social work skills or personal, interpersonal, or ethical problems so that students may successfully continue in the program. Restoration procedures can include such actions as repeating particular courses, obtaining personal counseling, and completing additional assignments. Depending on the severity and nature of the situation, students may be subject to academic dismissal from the Department of Social Work or Liberty University. Once the student has fulfilled all stipulations of the restoration plan, the Department of Social Work Leadership Team will meet to decide if the student is ready to continue.Students who interview at and are denied placement at an agency due to inappropriate behaviors or demonstrating poor interviewing skills will be referred for additional support through the Career Center. Students who interview at and are denied placement at multiple agencies due to inappropriate behaviors may be may be given a failing grade and/or placed on hold and a plan of restoration implemented. Students enrolled in the Field Experience and Seminar course may be given a failing grade and/or placed on hold and a plan of restoration implemented if any of the following apply:Unprofessional or unethical conduct either at the field agency or in an interaction with Liberty University faculty and staff.If the Field Instructor and/or Liberty University faculty determines that the student’s current emotional, mental or physical well-being compromises the integrity of the field experience or potentially places the student, or others, in harm’s way or an unduly vulnerable position.No hours from a previous placement will be “rolled over” into a second placement or credited to students if they are placed on hold from continuing with the Field Experience and Seminar course due to either of the above circumstances. Students who successfully complete the restoration plan and are allowed to retake the course, they will need to start over in completing the minimum number of field hours. When student misconduct constitutes a violation of the University’s Honor Code, the Director of Field Education will fill out an Honor Code Violation form. This will be investigated by the Director of Field Education. If warranted, the Director of Field Education will bring the issue to the Director of Social Work. If warranted, the Director of Social Work will bring the issue to the Department of Social Work core faculty. In cases involving the Honor Code Violation, students will have an opportunity to appeal. Students seeking to appeal should follow the protocols described in the Student Honor Code. The appeal deadlines must be observed. Written appeals are always required. H. Field Placement Agency Dismissal or Course WithdrawalIf, during the field experience, a student fails to successfully demonstration the required skills in the Field Experience and Seminar course and consequently receives failing evaluations or if a student is dismissed from their field placement, the Field Instructor will promptly notify the Director of Field Education. The Director will write an incident report and send it to the Social Work Department Director. The Director of Social Work and the Leadership Team will examine the nature and reason for the skills deficit and/or dismissal and refer to the Restoration Committee, if warranted. At this point the student may receive a final grade of “F” for their poor performance and/or dismissal and be placed on hold in the program in order to fulfill restoration procedures aimed to address and resolve the verifiable deficits. The Restoration Committee will determine whether the student is eligible to retake the field experience and seminar course.If the dismissal involves a violation of the University’s Honor Code, the Director of Field Education will fill out an Honor Code Violation form, which will be investigated by the Director of the Social Work Department and Office of Student Conduct. These restorative procedures can include such things as requiring the student to retake certain courses and/or seek personal counseling, etc. If, after restoration, the student is unable to correct the deficits, the Restoration Committee and the Leadership Team will meet to decide the best course of action for the student up to and including removal from the program.The student has an opportunity to appeal. The final decision regarding a student’s hours accrued in the field are at the discretion of the Restoration Committee and Leadership Team based on a thorough evaluation of the incident. Students are required to fulfill their semester-long contract with the site. If a student makes the decision to withdraw from the Field Experience and Seminar course, then the student will forfeit all field hours earned for the semester. The student will need to reapply for the Field Education and Seminar course in a future semester.ADDENDUM On September 23, 2016, the Social Work Department added a policy on employment-based placements to the field manual. This policy is detailed under Field Education Overview (Section II), subsection D2 of the manual (pages 17-18).On December 15th, 2016, the Social Work Department added a policy on students signing a Field Commitment Contract. This policy is detailed under Field Education Overview (Section II), subsection C7 of the manual (pages 15-16). .Additionally, the Department added additional guidance regarding scheduling interviews with agencies. This policy is detailed under Field Education Overview (Section II), subsection D3 of the manual (page19). ................
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