Field Directors

Good morning,

Our new MSW program is looking to create an after hours/on-call policy for field placement---for students or field instructors to use in urgent situations.  Would anyone be willing to share what their social work programs are doing?  Do you carry a separate cell phone?  Have a phone number forwarded to your own personal cell phone?  What parameters are used? 

Thank you so much!

Staci Fattore, LCSW

Field Education Director, Rowan University 

Hi Staci,

We do a combination of things. 1) I have my office number forwarded to my cell phone at all times. 2) I provide field instructors with my personal cell to use in emergencies. 3) I provide my cell number to students at the beginning of field to use only in emergencies.

Things to consider - My MSW program is very small (less than 50), and it would be very unlikely that my school would pay for a work phone. In addition, culture plays a role. I'm in rural Texas, so we take "being friendly" to heart. 

I have had only one student abuse my phone privilege in 4 years. So until the program grows significantly, I'll probably continue my current set up. 

Good morning,

Our new MSW program is looking to create an after hours/on-call policy for field placement---for students or field instructors to use in urgent situations.  Would anyone be willing to share what their social work programs are doing?  Do you carry a separate cell phone?  Have a phone number forwarded to your own personal cell phone?  What parameters are used? 

Thank you so much!

Staci Fattore, LCSW

Field Education Director, Rowan University