Field Directors

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  • 1.  Practicum Instuctor Credentials

    Posted Jul 29, 2024 08:17
    Edited by Kayla Bueby Jul 29, 2024 08:17

    Hello!

    I'm updating our processes and procedures within our Practicum Education Program, and I am curious how everyone is documenting and ensuring that their practicum instructors meet accreditation criteria, specifically the requirement that they have graduated from a CSWE accredited program. Are you requiring a copy of their degree on file with your program, or does a resume suffice for you? More importantly, does just a resume alone with the college/univeristy listed on it meet accreditation standards? 

    Thanks!
    Kayla



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    Kayla Bueby
    Clinical Assistant Professor
    University of Michigan-Flint

    kmfree@umich.edu  
    (810) 762-3390
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  • 2.  RE: Practicum Instuctor Credentials

    Posted Aug 08, 2024 15:10

    Hi Kayla, we have a field instructor application where superivsors upload a resume and check a box stating that they have graduated from an accredited program and have 2 years of experience post degree. We do also meet with field instructors so have this conversation verbally as well. From my perspective, at that point we are trusting that they are acting within the code of ethics and not fabricating credentials. If something would happen that would call this into question we could explore further but I haven't had that experience.

    Best,



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    Lindsey Rinehart
    Field Education Director
    West Virginia University
    Morgantown WV
    304-293-3501
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  • 3.  RE: Practicum Instuctor Credentials

    Posted Aug 12, 2024 08:58

    Hi Lindsey,

    Thanks so much for your insight. This helps! 

    Best, 
    Kayla



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    Kayla Bueby
    Clinical Assistant Professor
    University of Michigan-Flint
    (810) 762-3390
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  • 4.  RE: Practicum Instuctor Credentials

    Posted Aug 22, 2024 12:10

    Lindseys comments are spot on. 
    The university I've been associated with for 20 years is quite literally within a mile of the stateline between two states. We draw students from both states and we place students in agencies in both states.
    Fortunately both states have licensure (BSW, MSW, & Clinical)  and some measure of title protection. We do ask for resumes but a copy of the field instructors state license should suffice to assure their basic qualification. 
    Then, each year in the early fall, we have an orientation session that includes students entering field AND their field instructor where we do a session specifically addressing details related to Field instruction and the NASW Code of Ethics. Thus students and faculty BOTH have heard our expectations.  This session also provides the FI's 90 minutes of ethics training towards their license renewal.  (Both states also allow CEU's for -not so simply- serving as field instructors.)
    My sense as a former "CSWE reaccreditation site visitor" is that your reliance upon either  a resume or confirmation of licensure, would meet the obligation of your "due diligence."

    One further note: I just visited with a MSW student in a CSWE accredited online  MSW program.  At her distant location she was on her own to find and arrange  her field placement.  The universities guidance (in writing) was that the FI must have graduated "from an accredited program" and hold a license in the state where they practice. The students field instructor is licensed as a "Marriage and Family Therapist" and did in fact graduate from an accredited program. BUT NOT A CSWE ACCREDITED PROGRAM.   Such details are important.



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    Gary Bachman
    Emeritus Professor
    Park University
    Overland Park KS
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