Field Directors

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  • 1.  New to the role

    Posted Oct 24, 2024 15:36

    Hi All, 

    I've just begun work as the Field Director at Hope College in Michigan. I come from a background in Child and Family Social Work, with some Global Social Work elements. This is my first position within a college environment. I'm looking forward to connect with you all and hopefully learning some hints and tips for this position in order to best provide for my field students. 

    Where did you start? What do you recommend I get involved in? 

    Thanks

    Catherine Lafler 



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    Catherine Lafler
    Associate Professor and Field Director
    Hope College
    616.395.7364
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  • 2.  RE: New to the role

    Posted Oct 25, 2024 07:17

     Welcome to Field Education! It is an exciting role that never fails to engage and challenge us. This forum is a great place to ask questions, get resources, and find support. 

    Bonnie 



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    [Bonnie Rinks, LCSW
    Director of Field Education
    University of Southern Indiana
    Evansville, IN 47712
    812-465-1106
    berinks@usi.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: New to the role

    Posted Oct 25, 2024 10:02

    Thanks so much for your response Bonnie, I think right now I am interested to understand how others structure their field classes while students are on placement. What is the balance between reflective practice opportunities and content sharing that supports what they are learning in field. I am new to teaching over training other social workers and so ideas for activity based learning with students would also be very welcomed. What are the resources you're all connected to that help you to be creative? Thank you



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    Catherine Lafler
    Associate Professor and Field Director
    Hope College
    616.395.7364
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: New to the role

    Posted Oct 26, 2024 16:16

    Hi Catherine. Welcome to your new role, and to this national community of Practicum Directors/Coordinators/Educators. In case you are not aware, Hope College is a member of the North Central Field Directors' Consortium (https://www.nanfed.org/field-consortia). I'm sure you can get a lot of support from your colleagues there too.

    In terms of process vs content in practicum seminar, in our MSW program, we have embedded Competency 1 in seminar which requires a focus on: use of supervision, ethics, self/community care and well-being because this is connected to our annual program assessment. During fall term, there is a heavier focus on ensuring students are supported to understand and use supervision, apply ethics to practice, have awareness about safety in the field, have support to develop their Educational Plan, etc. through didactic content. However, the group is small enough that there is always a balance with processing and supporting small group discussion. While there is content in each term, in subsequent terms, there is much more room for open processing and consultation among students.



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    Julie Kates, MSW, LCSW
    Associate Professor of Practice
    Director of Practicum Education
    School of Social Work
    Portland State University
    503.725.9891
    jkates@pdx.edu

    Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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