What is the Social Work Practicum?

In social work education, the term for learning in the field is practicum. The word “practicum” is Latin and means “practical training”. Other fields of study often use the terms “internship” or “clinical” to describe the field experience. As part of the BSW major, students will have practica which involve spending 560 hours in a social service agency throughout both semesters of their senior year. This averages 18 hours per week. The practicum is designed for students to apply social work values and knowledge while developing practice skills.

What are other “key” terms in the practicum world?

Coordinator of Field Instruction - Faculty member responsible for administering the practicum program and the practicum placement process, providing an orientation for field instructors, visiting students and field instructors at the agency, teaching the field seminars, and evaluating performance.

Field instructor - The social worker who will provide the supervision, training, and mentoring for students in the agency in which she is employed or affiliated.

Task instructor - An agency employee who does not have a social work degree but is willing to serve as your supervisor at the agency.  This person will work also with an MSW field instructor who will provide the social work theory and practice application.

Learning plan - The written plan for learning that will occur during the student’s time in practicum; it outlines the student’s tasks, activities, products, and completion dates that meet the BSW degree’s educational objectives.

Practicum content areas - There are 9 practicum content areas which directly follow the BSW coursework: social work values and ethics; diversity; populations at risk; social and economic justice; human behavior and the environment; social welfare policy and services; research; generalist social work practice; and professional use of self and supervision.

Course objectives - Goals for learning activities in each of the practicum content areas.

Task or activity - What you will “do, learn, research, or observe” in the agency.

Product - The tangible (often on paper) evidence of learning in the task or activity.

How will students be matched with a practicum?

Matching students with available practicum opportunities is a process. The process begins with the development of the student’s resume, interest areas, and a meeting with the Coordinator of Field Instruction. At the meeting, the Coordinator will learn about the student’s past volunteer and work experience in social services as well as the student’s interest to work with a specific population or social service setting. Additionally, the Coordinator will discuss other critical areas such as learning style, accommodation needs, transportation or logistical concerns, and any other student related factor in determining an appropriate practicum setting. In BSW education, the Coordinator is responsible to determine the appropriate practicum placement for each student. In establishing the best site, all efforts are made to meet the interests and educational needs of the student. The School of Social Work has long standing partnerships with many social agencies, school social workers, and practicing social workers in the community who enjoy our students.  In Bloomington, not all possible social work practice sites are available due to the rural nature of our community. For example, practicum sites in adoption, juvenile justice, or victims’ assistance are not available. Practicum sites where “therapy” is primarily conducted are MSW level sites. However, Bloomington and Monroe County are surrounded by Owen, Greene, and Lawrence counties which also have some wonderful practicum opportunities.

After the Coordinator meets with the student, she is then in contact with the community social workers in order to determine placements. The Coordinator attempts to find the best placement that will match the student’s interests.  Sometimes, the agency or potential field instructor is not available to supervise a student for various reasons such as agency re-organization or lack of time. This situation can lead to consideration of a second choice of population or social service setting. Once the Coordinator has all of the students placed with a specific social worker, she provides each student with an informational sheet on the practicum along with agency information and NASW standards for that practice area as available. The student then makes contact with the field instructor to set up a meeting to learn about the agency, learning opportunities, and to set up a plan for orientation on the first day.

Are there other requirements or considerations associated with the practicum?

Prior to beginning a practicum, many agencies will require any of the following: application, a criminal check, a TB test, a mini-physical, proof of car insurance, or a urine screen. If any of these are needed, the Coordinator will notify the student in the practicum placement process.

Students who do not have cars may limit their practicum site options.

Most practicum agencies reimburse mileage for when the student makes home visits or transports a client. They do not reimburse for mileage to and from the practicum.

It is rare to have a “paid” practicum. If a practicum is desired and appropriate at one’s place of employment then a school policy and petition is required.

There is an every other week Practicum Seminar course where students discuss their learning experiences, share their successes and challenges, and focus on critical areas for development as a social worker.

Where are Bloomington BSW students currently placed?

Students are placed at any of several practicum field agencies with which the Bloomington BSW program partners.

Where can I find a directory of other local social service agencies?

The Iris Guide is a fairly comprehensive directory of community agencies in Bloomington and Monroe County, some of which serve as practicum sites. The City of Bloomington posts the Bloomington Community and Family Resources Directory. Both of these directories may be helpful to those looking for different types of support services, such as help with paying rent and utilities, health care, food, shelter, and other types of support.