Social Work Education

communities_1.jpg
 View Only
  • 1.  Vehicle Policy for Student interns

    Posted Feb 16, 2023 12:22

    Hello! We are in the process of  updating our field manual and would like to add a transportation/vehicle policy for interns who are asked to use their personal vehicle to transport clients.

    Does anyone have a personal vehicle policy or statement as part of their manuals?

    Thanks for your help and time! 

    Heather


    #FieldEducation
    #Internships

    ------------------------------
    Heather LaBarre
    Kutztown University
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Vehicle Policy for Student interns

    Posted Feb 16, 2023 14:11
    I would be interested in the responses to your query as well if you can share.

    Joyce Kraus DSW, LCSW ACSW

    Pronouns (she, her, hers)

    Director of Field Education/Assistant Professor

    Department of Social Work

    University of St. Francis

    Tower Hall S313

    500 Wilcox St. 

    Joliet, IL 60435

    815-740-3412


    Virtual Office Hours

    Tues/Thurs 10-2pm or

    By Appointment

    https://calendly.com/jkraus-5







  • 3.  RE: Vehicle Policy for Student interns

    Posted Feb 17, 2023 08:57

    We have a very brief policy:

    Automobile Insurance- Most agencies require that a student possess a valid driver's license and be adequately covered under automotive insurance. Agencies may request that students transport clients in agency vehicles. If an accident were to occur, please note that, as a student, you would first need to file a claim with their insurance carrier.

    We make students aware that their student liability insurance does not cover them if they were to get into an accident so they should work with their insurance company to see what additional coverage, if any, they would be required to purchase if transporting clients. We have been fortunate that most places who require interns to transport provide an organization vehicle.



    ------------------------------
    Dana Holcomb
    Director of Field
    Ferris State University
    Big Rapids MI
    danaholcomb@ferris.edu
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Vehicle Policy for Student interns

    Posted Feb 19, 2023 12:08

    Dana - 

    Thank you for sharing. This is a topic where there are so many situations that could happen in the field. We want our students to be informed of the outcomes (risks and benefits) while also getting the most out of their placements.

    I appreciate your response.

    Take care, 

    Heather



    ------------------------------
    Heather LaBarre
    Kutztown University
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Vehicle Policy for Student interns

    Posted Feb 19, 2023 15:45

    Hi Heather, 

    Our policy states: ...students are not permitted to transport clients in their own vehicles as part of their field placement responsibilities, unless the agency is willing to indemnify the student transporter. Proof of the agency's indemnity coverage for student(s) is required before transporting clients. Students not covered by the agency, but who choose to use their own vehicles to transport clients, may be liable in the event of an accident in which the client (s) or other passengers are injured. Students need to talk with their field instructors and their insurance agents about the type of automobile insurance required when transporting clients. It is students' responsibility to ensure that these issues are resolved before they transport any clients.



    ------------------------------
    Shenita Williams
    Director of Field Education
    Virginia Commonwealth University
    Richmond, VA
    804-828-0708
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Vehicle Policy for Student interns

    Posted Feb 20, 2023 12:55

    Shenita - 

    Thank you for sharing this. I like scope of this policy and the clear stance. 

    I appreciate your response to my question. 

    Take care, 

    Heather



    ------------------------------
    Heather LaBarre
    Kutztown University
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Vehicle Policy for Student interns

    Posted Feb 20, 2023 10:56

    Our handbook states "Students shall not transport clients in their personal automobile as a requirement of their field
    placement, unless the agency can provide insurance coverage to them for this activity. University
    insurance does not include any coverage for the student should an accident occur while transporting
    a client in a personal automobile." We generally advise against doing this all together, but do technically allow it if the agency can provide proof of insurance.



    ------------------------------
    Lindsey Rinehart
    Field Education Director & Clinical Instructor
    West Virginia University
    Morgantown WV
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Vehicle Policy for Student interns

    Posted Feb 20, 2023 12:58

    Lindsey -

    Thank you for posting. I like noting the University coverage as well. 

    I appreciate your response.

    Take care, 

    Heather



    ------------------------------
    Heather LaBarre
    Kutztown University
    ------------------------------