Field Directors

Good Morning,

One of our students has been offered a position at the agency where she is completing her practicum.  Is there any reason she could NOT accept employment while in practicum there?  I am a new practicum coordinator and this is a first for me.  I am sure there are implications I am missing.  

Hi,

I have copied and pasted the policy from my field/practicum manual. I hope this helps you: 

Transitioning from Practicum to Employment-Based Practicum

Occasionally, MSW students may be offered employment by their practicum site during the academic year. In such cases, the following policy regarding the change of status from a traditional practicum to an employment-based practicum will be enforced to ensure continuity and adherence to CSWE accreditation standards:

·        Notification and Approval: Students must notify the Director of MSW Field Education immediately upon receiving an employment offer from their practicum site. This notification must be followed by a formal request to transition to an employment-based practicum. The request will be reviewed and must be approved by the Director of MSW Field Education.

·       Agreement and Documentation: Once approved, an employment-based practicum agreement must be signed by the student, the employer, and the university. This agreement will outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations ensuring that the student's employment duties align with the educational objectives of the practicum and CSWE core competencies.

·      Supervision and Evaluation: The student's work at the practicum site must continue to be supervised by a qualified field instructor who meets the MSW program's requirements. Regular evaluations will be conducted to assess the student's performance and ensure that the practicum learning objectives are being met.

·        Maintaining Academic Integrity: The student's employment duties must not interfere with their academic responsibilities. Attendance and participation in the Practicum Seminar class remain mandatory, and students must continue to fulfill all academic requirements as outlined in the MSW program.

·       Compliance with Employment-Based Practicum Policy: All policies and procedures specific to employment-based practicums will be enforced. This includes adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics, ensuring that the student's professional and educational development is not compromised by their employment status.

By adhering to this policy, the transition from a traditional practicum to an employment-based practicum will support the student's professional growth while maintaining the integrity and educational standards of the MSW program.

Good Morning,

One of our students has been offered a position at the agency where she is completing her practicum.  Is there any reason she could NOT accept employment while in practicum there?  I am a new practicum coordinator and this is a first for me.  I am sure there are implications I am missing.