The goal of employment is performance, while the goal of the practicum is student learning through the application of social work and other bases of knowledge. However, it is possible for a student to obtain a placement at the agency where they are currently employed provided that the educational experience is unique to their employment responsibilities and includes substantial "new social work focused learning".
Approval of the use of an employment setting as a practicum is dependent upon the ability of the agency to safeguard the student’s learning needs. The tasks and assignments are substantially different from the regular employment duties and align with the School of Social Work practicum criteria. The instruction must be appropriate and align with the nine social work competencies at the level of the student’s program of study.
Students requesting a practicum at a current employment site must complete the Employment-Based Practicum Placement Application, which can be found below.
At no time may the student’s employment responsibilities/time overlap with their practicum responsibilities/time. The application will be reviewed, and a decision made by the Director of Practicum Education and/or designated Practicum Coordinator. Criteria for consideration includes (but is not limited to):
- There must be an MSW employed at the employment site who is NOT the employment supervisor, who is willing and able to be a Practicum Instructor.
- The Practicum Instructor must be an MSW and cannot have any authority over the student's employment status. The BASW and MSW Practicum Instructor must meet the qualifications required of all Practicum Instructors.
- The practicum learning opportunities/tasks/assignments must differ from the employment tasks AND must be in accordance with both the general educational criteria of the School of Social Work and those appropriate to the student's chosen educational level/goals.
- Employment-based placements must be approved in writing by the agency and the Director of Practicum Education or designated Practicum Coordinator.
- The request for employment-based placement must be discussed prior to the Placement Interview with the Director of Practicum Education and/or designated Practicum Coordinator to allow for time to investigate it as a viable option. Documentation to support the request must be submitted at the Interview.
Employment-Based Practicum Placement Application
Employment-based Practicum Placement Supplemental Application