MSW Field Instruction

Field Instruction for BSW/MSW Students

 

 

The Small Town Consulting team is committed to students’ ongoing learning and collaborates with Child Welfare programs to provide off-site field instruction for Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student interns.

 

Meet our Field Instructors

Alyssa Najera, LCSW, has provided field instruction to Social Work students since 2017. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Field Instructor, Alyssa

Alyssa Najera, LCSW, has provided field instruction to Social Work students since 2017. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Field Instructor, Alyssa

• Has experience working with on-campus, remote, and hybrid Social Work programs
• Completes initial and ongoing BSW/MSW 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

 

Denae Cook, ASW and PhD Candidate, is a mental health professional, consultant, researcher, and former Child Welfare Social Worker and Supervisor. Denae teaches in both bachelor’s and master’s level social work programs and is well-versed in discussing and applying classroom knowledge and social worker competencies to practicum experiences.

In her previous role, Denae also managed the Title IV-E stipend program for her department, overseeing the application, interview, selection, and placement processes for MSW students.

 

 

The Small Town Consulting team has collaborated with the Social Work programs below, providing off-site field instruction to generalist and advanced-year graduate students placed in Child Welfare. 

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.

 

• No one in your organization meets the Social Work program criteria to provide Field Instruction.

 

• Your supervisors’ and/or staff’s availability is impacted, and contracting with an outside, qualified consultant to provide field instruction is necessary to ensure the student(s) receive 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 and has at least 2 years of experience, with some programs preferring at least 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)