MSW Field Instruction

Collaborating with Social Work programs and Field Placement sites to support students in applying classroom learning to the field

Field Instruction

 

 

Field Instruction for BSW/MSW Interns

 

Alyssa Najera is committed to the ongoing learning of students and collaborates with organizations to provide off-site field instruction for Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) interns. She has provided field instruction to Social Work students since 2017, and as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Field Instructor, Alyssa

 

  • has experience working with on-campus, remote, and hybrid Social Work programs
  • Completes ongoing and required program training on how best to support students in Field Placement
  • is knowledgeable in Field Placement Program Management Software, including Tevera®, Field Connect®, and CalStateS4

 

Download Alyssa Najera’s Resume

 

Alyssa has collaborated with the Master of Social Work (MSW) programs below, providing field instruction to generalist and advanced-year graduate students.

 

CA State University, Stanislaus

Senior Consultant

 

Louisiana State University

consultant

 

CA State University, Sacramento

Project manager

 

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Research Associate & Editor

 

 

When is an off-site Field Instructor necessary?

It may be beneficial to explore contracting with an off-site Field Instructor when 

 

  • Your identified supervisor does not meet the minimum requirements of holding a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree combined with the minimum required years of experience.

 

  • There is no one available in your organization who meets the Social Work program criteria to provide Field Instruction.

 

  • Your supervisors’ and employees’ availability is impacted, and contracting with an outside, qualified consultant to provide field instruction is necessary to ensure the student(s) receives weekly Field Instruction and evaluation.

 

Who are the key players when partnering with a Social Work program as a Field Placement Site?

If your organization is beginning or continuing a partnership with an educational institution to support BSW/MSW students in fulfilling their Field Practicum (internship) requirements, your organization may collaborate with the Social Work program team to identify a

 

  • Field Liaison/Coordinator: a faculty member from the program who provides oversight of the student(s) and serves as your primary University contact regarding all field placement needs

 

  • Task Supervisor: The administrative supervisor (usually an employee of the organization) who provides day-to-day oversight of the student’s learning activities, attendance, tasks, and overall internship responsibilities. 

 

  • Field Instructor: While the requirements vary by program, a Field Instructor typically holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree for a minimum of 2 years, with some programs preferring a minimum of 5 years. A Field Instructor

 

    • creates the learning plan with the student,  a structured document that outlines the competencies, goals, and learning activities a social work student intern will complete during their placement to guide professional development and meet CSWE educational standards
    • mentors, supervises, and evaluates a student’s ability to apply social work knowledge, skills, and values 
    • meets weekly with the student and maintains ongoing contact with all key members involved in the student’s placement
    • may be an agency employee or contractor (off-site field instructor)