COSW Field Education Manual

STUDENT HANDBOOK

PRACTICUM EDUCATION MANUAL 2025 – 2026

SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW

CONTENTS 5

Social Work Education at the University of Kentucky The University of Kentucky (UKY) UK College of Social Work - Vision & Mission

PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

BASW Program MSW Program College of Social Work Centers and Labs Army/UK MSW Military Specialization

PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Accreditation

7

Practicum Education Program Overview Practicum Education Mission Practicum Education Goals

PLACEMENT AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS

Practicum Office Administrative Descriptions and Responsibilities Army/UK MSW Practicum Coordinator Practicum Advisory Group

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Practicum Education Program Requirements

MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

Student-Driven Practicum Placement Model Pre-Practicum Planning and Student Placement Process Experiential Learning Cloud Practicum Management System Practicum Education Courses

PRACTICUM EDUCATIONS POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

BASW Program MSW Program Army/UK MSW Military Specialization

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS AND PLACEMENT CHANGES & CHALLENGES

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Practicum Practicum Roles and Responsibilities Student Rights & Responsibilities Disclosure of Student Status Scope of Practice as a Student Learner Student Orientation to the Agency

APPENDIX A

Using Technology in Social Work Practice Roles & Responsibilities in Student Supervision Agency Practicum Instructor Task Supervisor

APPENDIX B

Off-site/External Practicum Instructors Course Instructor 2

SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Practicum Agency Partnerships

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PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitoring and Evaluation of Student Performance The Learning Plan Site Visit Weekly Social Work Supervision Practicum Placement Schedules Time Keeping & Time Report Approval Student Performance Evaluations Grading and Assessment

PLACEMENT AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS

26

PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Criteria for Approving Practicum Placement Sites Placement location Matters Policy for Assessing Practicum Agency Allegations Practicum Agency Application Employer-Hosted Placements Paid Internships & Agency Compensation Monitoring Practicum Placement Sites International Placements

Practicum Education Policies and Guidelines

PRACTICUM EDUCATIONS POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

32

MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

Criminal Background Check Policy Transportation of Agency Clients Liability Insurance Personal Safety Health & Medical Coverage Inclement Weather Continuing Practicum Placement Between Subsequent Semesters

Professional Expectations and Placement Changes & Challenges

37

Appendix A: Practicum Contact Information

38

Appendix B: Glossary of Terms

APPENDIX A

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS AND PLACEMENT CHANGES & CHALLENGES

Student Performance and Behavior Expectations Requesting a Change in Placement Employment Offers Addressing Performance and/or Problematic Behaviors Requesting Placement Support Suspension and/or Termination CoSW Admission, Advising & Student Concerns Committee Returning from Suspension or a Period of Inactivity Practicum Course Withdrawal Process Frequently Asked Questions UK Student Resources & Support

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APPENDIX B

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4

SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY The University of Kentucky (UK) The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university dedicated to improving people’s lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service, and health care. As Kentucky’s flagship institution, the University plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development and human wellbeing.

The University of Kentucky: • Facilitates learning, informed by scholarship and research • Expands knowledge through research, scholarship, and creative activity • Serves a global community by disseminating, sharing, and applying knowledge The University contributes to the economic development and quality of life within Kentucky’s borders and beyond, nurturing a diverse community characterized by fairness and equal opportunity.

UK College of Social Work - Vision & Mission For over 85 years, the College of Social Work (CoSW) has been a leader in social work education.

Our mission is clear:

Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways.

As the state’s flagship university, our mission is actualized through our deeds. Our faculty are renowned academicians dedicated to fostering the development of high-quality practitioners and researchers.

The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) promotes community and individual well-being through its translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. The College is committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world. The College, like the University, is an organization that cultivates a diverse academic community characterized by interpersonal fairness and social justice. The College is fiercely committed to developing outstanding social work professionals and scholars leaders who will serve individuals, families, and communities through innovative and effective practices that are guided by cultural competency, systematic ethical analysis, and a keen and pragmatic understanding of the human condition.

BASW Program The BASW Student Handbook and other student resources can be found on the College website.

The BASW Curriculum and Program Models are in the BASW Student Handbook.

MSW Program The MSW Student Handbook and other student resources can be found on College website. The MSW Curriculum and Program Models are in the MSW Student Handbook.

College of Social Work Centers and Labs Information on the College’s unique centers and labs can be found on College website.

Army/UK MSW Military Specialization The Army/UK MSW Military Specialization is located within the US Army Medical Department Center and School (AMEDDC&S), Health Readiness Center of Excellence (HRCoE).

The AMEDDC&S HRCoE is located at Joint Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The AMEDDC&S is where the Army Medical Department formulates its medical organization, tactics, doctrine, and equipment. The

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SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

AMEDDC&S is also where the Department of Defense (DoD) educates and trains medical personnel from all the armed services, to include service members of the Navy, Air Force and DoD civilians.

to the structure and guidelines

Accreditation

programs employ the CSWE

The Bachelor and Masters programs in Social Work in the College of Social Work conform

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of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The BASW and MSW programs have maintained CSWE accreditation and reaccreditation since their inception. The BASW and MSW competencies and practice behaviors as student learning outcomes.

Practicum Education Mission The mission of Practicum Education is to provide mutually supportive and positive learning environments that cultivate leadership, increase knowledge, refine skills, and strengthen social work values in student interns as they develop proficiency in the social work core competencies in preparation for professional practice. Practicum education is the signature pedagogy of the social work educational experience, as stated by the Council on Social Work Education. Practicum creates the opportunity for integration of theory and classroom knowledge with practice environments for skill development and competency demonstration.

Practicum Education Goals The intent of practicum education is to connect the theoretical and conceptual contribution of instruction that occurs in the classroom with the practical world of the practice setting. The two interrelated components of curriculum, classroom learning and practicum education, are of equal importance within the curriculum, and

each contributes to the development of the requisite competencies of professional practice. Practicum education is systematically designed, supervised, coordinated, and evaluated based on criteria by which students demonstrate the achievement of program competencies. (CSWE Educational Policy 3.3).

The primary goal of Practicum Education is to prepare graduates who are committed and knowledgeable about improving the quality of life for vulnerable individuals, families, groups and communities, locally, nationally and internationally.

Undergraduate students are prepared for generalist practice by course work built upon a liberal arts perspective and the generalist social work curriculum. This preparation helps students develop their problem-solving capabilities, critical thinking skills, writing skills, and communication skills, and occurs in their foundationlevel practicum.

First year graduate students prepare for the advanced practice curriculum through the development of foundation social work competencies.

Second year graduate students build upon their foundationlevel competencies through the advanced-level practice

PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW

PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW

curriculum and may choose areas of special study to further their knowledge and skills for advanced practice. Second year graduate students may also participate in specialized certificate programs.

Practicum Office Administrative Descriptions and Responsibilities The Practicum Education Program is managed by a Director of Practicum Education and Experiential Learning. The Practicum Education team is comprised of multiple members, the Director of Practicum Education, Assistant Director of Practicum Education, Practicum Coordinators, and online student service personnel team Director of Practicum Education: The CoSW faculty member who provides educational and administrative leadership for the practicum education program in both the BASW and MSW programs, and for overall CoSW success.

Assistant Director of Practicum Education: The CoSW faculty member who provides educational leadership for practicum courses and supports practicum operations.

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PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Practicum Coordinator:

Practicum Advisory Group:

CoSW practicum team members who advise students and support placement coordination in the BASW and MSW program, and provide practicum orientations and practicum guidance for BASW and MSW students.

The Practicum Advisory Group for the College of Social Work and an Advisory Group at the Army/ UK MSW Military Specialization campus serve in an advisory capacity to the Director of Practicum Education and the Practicum Education Program.

Army/UK MSW Practicum Coordinator: The CoSW staff member who advises students and coordinates placements in the Army/UK MSW Military Specialization located at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

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Practicum Advisory Group functions include: • Promote communication with and among faculty, students, practicum professors/ instructors, alumni, and the public to support the Practicum Education Program

• Identify ongoing practicum instructor training needs • Bring social justice and cultural sensitivity to bear on the Practicum Education Program

Careful planning with academic advisors will ensure that students have the necessary prerequisites completed for beginning practicum work. Students should expect to engage in the practicum planning and guidance process as soon as possible in the semester prior to their scheduled practicum experience, typically ensuing in late January/February for summer and fall practicum courses, and in late September for spring practicum courses.

The Practicum Education Program utilizes Experiential Learning Cloud, an online Practicum management system and all students must register for Experiential Learning Cloud.

Experiential Learning Cloud requires a one-time registration fee that can be purchased directly through Experiential Learning Cloud or at the UK Bookstore.

It can also be utilized following graduation for job searches and licensing purposes. Complete information on Experiential Learning Cloud is located on the practicum website and in the BASW and MSW Student Practicum Orientation modules in Canvas. Quick Reference Guides are also available for step-by-step functional guidance.

Those enrolled in the Army/ UK MSW Military Specialization located at the Fort Sam Houston campus will complete an additional practicum course, for a total of four semesters of practicum

education. Those practicum education experiences will be exclusively set up by the Fort Sam Houston practicum coordinator due to program location and requirements. *Fort Sam Houston

campus students do not use Experiential Learning Cloud.

When students begin a practicum course, time management is essential and must be managed carefully to ensure fulfillment of all responsibilities. Occurring simultaneously with practicum agency placement, students enrolled in SW 444, SW 445, or SW 640 participate in an integrative practicum seminar course, with optional seminar sessions available for SW 740, SW 741, SW 745, & SW 746.

All students will be required to complete practicum education assignments related to the requisite CSWE Competencies and behaviors as described in the course syllabus provided by the Course Instructor. Assignments include learning plans, time sheets, midterm and final evaluations.

Failure to complete these key assignments, and/or failure to participate in the seminar (when required), can result in a student earning a lower grade or possibly failing the practicum course, despite satisfactory performance in the practicum agency and completing hour requirements.

The final course grade will include completion of the required number of agency hours, the Agency

Notes for Consideration The College of Social Work does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous/current work experience. All practicum education credits must be earned through enrollment in the College’s practicum education courses.

Students who may need to complete their practicum requirements outside the U.S. should be aware of potential additional considerations. These include working with the UK International Center, allowing extra time for partnership agreements, purchasing liability insurance, and virtual practicum requirements per UKY’s Compliance Office. Students expecting an international practicum should meet with a practicum team member to plan accordingly upon admission into the MSW Program. To request a meeting, please email coswpracticum@uky.edu, and a team member will follow up with next steps.

Student-Driven Practicum Placement Model All students are responsible for identifying potential placement agencies, arranging and conducting pre-placement interviews, notifying agencies of their final site selection, and confirming the placement Experiential Learning Cloud. The

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PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Practicum Instructor’s evaluation of student performance in practicum, completion of practicum course assignments, and seminar participation when required.

PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Practicum Education Program has developed on-going relationships with agencies and may assist students to find placements that may also result in a good fit for both the agency and the student.

The Experiential Learning Cloud practicum management system is used to maintain, coordinate, and deliver practicum activities.

Course Instructors for foundation practicum courses teach integrative practicum seminars based on the theoretical underpinnings of the students’ course work, connecting theory and practice.

Seminar sessions provide an opportunity for the instructor to learn about practice issues and potential challenges that students encounter in the practicum and assist in navigating those situations.

Students learn valuable lessons from one another and from the seminar content and stay informed on approved agency options through direct agency contact and student monitoring. Course Instructors serve as liaisons for the students in their seminar sections.

Advanced practicum courses do not include required seminar sessions, but students may engage in optional seminar sessions.

The Director of Practicum Education works closely with instructors to ensure that consistency of expectation exists across practicum sites and course sections. In addition to individual meetings and consultation with Course Instructors, group meetings are held each semester with parttime instructors in the practicum education program. The director, practicum team, and fellow directors address issues that arise regarding curriculum, pedagogy, and University and College academic policies.

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Pre-Practicum Planning and Student Placement Process All BASW and MSW students beginning their first practicum are required to complete in the Canvas Practicum Orientation are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual Practicum Essentials Sessions, and engage in guidance sessions at least six months prior to practicum and can engage in guidance sessions in the semester prior to beginning their practicum.

Students are introduced to the CoSW and CSWE requirements for practicum, and the CoSW requirements and procedures for practicum placement in the Canvas Practicum Orientation.

Practicum guidance sessions are conducted by practicum coordinators and are available upon request and guidance materials are available.

During the pre-practicum process, students register for Experiential Learning Cloud and complete their Student Practicum Details Form in Experiential Learning Cloud.

This information is used to assist students in determining what type of practicum sites would be suited to their educational goals and professional growth. Students’ initial practicum placements occur in SW 444 (BASW) and SW 640 (Regular Standing). Students in the Advanced Standing MSW Program will enroll in either SW 740 or SW 746 to begin practicum.

The CoSW maintains a searchable database with agency information for each approved agency in Experiential Learning Cloud.

Practicum agency information is continuously updated and is accessible to students and Agency Practicum Instructors within

Experiential Learning Cloud. This database allows students to search using a variety of characteristics such as type of population services, location, or by specific institutions.

Students in practicum education courses should contact any approved agency in Experiential Learning Cloud for a preplacement interview or request pre-placement guidance and assistance from a practicum coordinator throughout their degree program. Students may complete their practicum placements in the same agency for foundation and advanced levels or be hosted by different agencies, as well as complete their practicum placement with their employer when appropriate.

Students are encouraged to consider their learning needs, life circumstances, and the depth and breadth of their skill development when determining their placement approach.

*MSW Military Specialization students located at Ft. Sam Houston will be assigned a Course Instructor who will conduct conferences with the students’ placement agencies to review and discuss the student learning plans, agency learning opportunities, practicum

Experiential Learning Cloud Practicum Management System The CoSW Practicum Education Program uses the Experiential Learning Cloud online practicum management system, which assists colleges with the complex issues associated with managing student interns in their practicum placements. It is a valuable tool for students to begin researching prospective agencies for their practicum placements and provides students with access to descriptive information about agencies and learning opportunities. Students should purchase and register with Experiential Learning Cloud as soon as they begin planning for practicum. Experiential Learning Cloud may be purchased through the UK Barnes & Noble Bookstore or directly from Experiential Learning Cloud. Quick Reference Guides for Experiential Learning Cloud are available for students, Practicum Instructors, and Course Instructors.

The CoSW uses Experiential Learning Cloud for the following: • Provide secure, online access to pertinent practicum placement information for students, Course Instructors, Agency Practicum Instructors, and the practicum team.

• Update and expand the placement agency database for current and future student access.

• Communicate directly to students and advise them regarding practicum placements based on relevant information on student and agency detail pages.

• Maintain accurate and timely information on individual student placements in the practicum.

Students use Experiential Learning Cloud for the following: • Search for potential practicum agencies.

their academic advisor. At the successful conclusion of SW 445, BASW students will have met the CSWE practicum requirements for 400 hours of agency engagement and their Foundation-level practicum placement.

• Confirm their agency and Agency Practicum Instructor.

SW 444 Educational Practicum I

• Track practicum hours and run time reports for Practicum Instructor approval.

This course is an introduction to social work practicum education.

Students will begin to apply knowledge from prerequisite courses in experiences that utilize social work practice skills with emphasis on individuals, families and small groups, toward goals of prevention, restoration and enhancement of social functioning. This course is open only to social work majors and includes a weekly seminar class and 200 hours of experiential learning and agency engagement.

Students should expect to spend 12-15 hours a week engaging with their practicum sites when completing the course.

• Develop and submit learning plan, midterm and final practicum evaluations, and other program assessments.

• Provide access to your Agency Practicum Instructor/supervisor for time tracking reports, learning plan and practicum evaluations.

• Postgraduate utilization for licensure and CEU tracking and job searching. *Army/UK MSW Military Specialization students at Ft. Sam Houston do not use the Experiential Learning Cloud system, please see your local practicum placement coordinator for guidance.

Practicum Education Courses BASW Program Undergraduate students must complete two semesters of practicum education courses, SW 444 and SW 445, with SW 444 traditionally completed in the fall of their 3rd year and SW 445 in the fall of their 4th year. Practicum engagement during these courses may occur in different agencies or in the same agency.

Students that would benefit from completing SW 444 and SW 445 in consecutive semesters should discuss this option with

SW 445 Educational Practicum II This course continues the process of social work practicum. Students will continue to apply knowledge from prerequisite and concurrent courses in experiences which utilize social work practice skills with individuals, families, and small groups as well as with organizations and communities toward the goals of prevention, restoration, and enhancement of social functioning. This is open only to social work majors and includes a weekly seminar class, and 200 hours of experiential learning and agency engagement. Students should expect to spend 12-15 hours a week engaging with their practicum sites.

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PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

education requirements, and student performance evaluations.

PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

MSW Program Graduate Students enrolled as Regular Standing (RS) students in the 60-hour MSW program complete a Foundation and an Advanced Practicum. Students enrolled as Advanced Standing (AS) students in the 30-hour MSW program will complete an Advanced Practicum only.

Students may complete their Foundation and Advanced Practicum with separate agencies or with the same agency if the agency provides appropriate learning activities for both Foundation and Advanced level placements.Advanced practicums are to be completed within the same agency when taken across two semesters.

SW 640 MSW Foundation Practicum Students in this course engage in a generalist social work practicum placement under the direction of a Course Instructor and an Agency Practicum Instructor. Through practicum education seminars, students integrate knowledge, skills and behaviors from prerequisite and concurrent courses to demonstrate foundationlevel social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations and communities.

The focus includes attention to policy, ethical considerations, the application of theory, and the use of research-informed interventions. The course requires 300 hours of engagement per semester; 25 of the 300 total can be completed through seminar with the remaining 275 completed through agency experiential learning. Students should expect to spend 16-20 hours a week in

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their practicum agencies. *Course

completed by Regular Standing students only SW 740 MSW Advanced Generalist Practicum I This advanced level practicum builds on foundation practicum and foundation level courses and prepares students to practice as social workers at the advanced level in public and private settings.

The advanced generalist practicum focuses on the application of theory, knowledge, and skills, and integrates the social work competencies developed in the advanced curriculum year with practice experience in community-based agencies. Students can choose areas of specialization and engage in agencies that provide services in that area. The course requires 300 hours (RS)/250 hours (AS) in an agency and students should expect to spend 16-20 hours a week engaging with their agencies.

Students complete SW 740 and SW 741 at the same agency. Prerequisite: SW 640 or enrolled in the Advanced Standing MSW program.

SW 741 MSW Advanced Generalist Practicum II This advanced level practicum is completed at the same agency as SW 740 and builds on the SW 740 practicum experience. The practicum prepares students to practice as social workers at the advanced level in public and private settings. The advanced practicum focuses on the application of theory, knowledge, and skills, and integrates the social work competencies developed in the advanced curriculum year with practice experience

in community-based agencies to address complex needs and problems. Students may also choose areas of specialization, and engage in community-based agencies that provide services in that area of specialization.

The course requires 300 hours (RS)/250 hours (AS) of engagement per semester in an agency and students should expect to spend 16-20 hours a week engaging with their agencies. Prerequisite: SW 740

SW 745 & SW 746 Advanced Generalist Practicum Block Placement The advanced level practicum block placement (SW 745 RS students & SW 746 for AS students) builds on the foundation courses and prepares students to practice as social workers at the advanced general level in public and private settings. The advanced generalist practicum focuses on the application of theory, knowledge, and skills, and integrates the social work competencies developed in the advanced curriculum year with practice experience in community-based agencies to address complex needs and problems. Students have the opportunity to choose areas of specialization, and work in community-based agencies that provide services in that area of specialization. SW 745 (RS students) requires completion of 600 hours of experiential learning, and SW 746 requires 500 hours of experiential learning.

Deadlines: Practicum Confirmation, Course Enrollment Eligibility, and New Agency Contracts The following dates reflect the target and final deadlines for students to confirm their practicum placement in Experiential Learning Cloud and for new agency educational agreements/contracts to be fully executed. If students are unable to confirm their practicum placement by the target date, which aligns with the priority

registration deadline, they may confirm by the final practicum deadline. Newly admitted Advanced Standing students have an extended window to confirm their practicum placement if completing a practicum in their initial semester is part of their degree plan.

Students are not eligible for enrollment in a practicum course until their practicum placement is confirmed in Experiential Learning Cloud. Additionally, students planning to do a practicum with a new agency

(not yet approved nor listed in Experiential Learning Cloud) are not eligible for enrollment until the educational agreement/ contract between the agency and UK is fully executed.

Target Date to Confirm Practicum Placement in Experiential Learning Cloud

Final Deadline to Complete Practicum Placement in Experiential Learning Cloud

Meeting this deadline enables students to enroll during priority registration. All currently enrolled students should aim to meet this deadline.

This is the final deadline for confirming practicum placements. Students not meeting this deadline must delay practicum until the next semester.

New agency educational agreements/contracts must be fully executed by this date for students to enroll for their practicum practicum course.

Spring

November 1

December 1

December 1

Summer

April 1

May 1

May 1

Fall

April 1

June 1

August 1

Term

Newly Admitted Advanced Standing (AS) Students ONLY - July 1 This deadline only applies to AS students in the accelerated program planning to begin their Advanced Practicum in the Fall. **Students admitted to the MSW program after the final deadlines may only be considered for enrollment in a practicum course if they secure a placement with an approved agency and confirm their practicum in Experiential Learning Cloud. Students must consult with the Practicum Coordinator to be considered for this deadline exception.

Fully Executed Educational Agreement/ Contract Deadline

August 1

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Army/UK MSW Military Specialization

course includes a three hours per week seminar that

*Open to Fort Sam Houston program participants only

reinforces students’ experiential learning.

Students must complete four practicum practicum

SW 741 (Army/UK MSW)

training hours during each. Seminar classes and related learning experiences approved by the practicum coordinator may count toward the total hours. Students should expect to spend approximately 36 hours a week in the agency practicum setting, and 3 hours in seminar for 14 consecutive weeks.

SW 640 (Army/UK MSW) Students in this course engage in a generalist social work practicum placement under the direction of a faculty practicum professor and an Agency Practicum Instructor. Through a three hours per week practicum education seminar, students demonstrate their ability to integrate their knowledge, skills, and behaviors from

This specialized practicum course builds on the generalist practicum courses and prepares students to practice as social workers at the advanced level in a military setting.

The specialized practicum focuses on the application of theory, knowledge, and skills, and integrates the social work competencies emphasized in the specialized practice curriculum with practicum experience in civilian and military agencies. This course includes a three hours per week seminar that reinforces students’ experiential learning.

SW 745 MSW Advanced Generalist Block Practicum This advanced level block practicum for Regular

prerequisite generalist practice courses that addressed

Standing students in the 60-hour MSW program builds

social work practice with individuals, families, small

on the foundation practicum, the foundation level

groups, organizations and communities in a military

courses, and prepares students to practice as social

and community-based setting. The seminar also

workers at the advanced level in public and private

focuses on the importance of policy, ethical practice,

settings. The advanced generalist practicum focuses

theory application, and the use of research-informed

on the application of theory, knowledge, and skills and

interventions.

integrates the social work competencies developed in

SW 641 (Army/UK MSW)

the advanced curriculum year with practice experience in community-based agencies to address complex

Students in this course engage in a generalist social

needs and problems. Students have the opportunity to

work practicum placement under the direction of a

choose areas of specialization and work in community-

faculty practicum professor and an Agency Practicum

based agencies that provide services in that area

Instructor. Through a three hours per week practicum

of specialization. This course includes 600 hours of

education seminar, students demonstrate their ability

experiential learning. Prerequisite: SW 640.

to integrate their knowledge, skills, and behaviors from prerequisite generalist practice courses that addressed social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations and communities in a military and community-based setting. The seminar also focuses on the importance of policy, ethical practice, theory application, and the use of research-informed interventions.

SW 746 MSW Advanced Generalist Block Practicum This advanced-level block practicum for Advanced Standing students in the 30-hour MSW program prepares students to practice as social workers at the advanced level in public and private settings.

The advanced generalist practicum focuses on the

SW 740 (Army/UK MSW)

application of theory, knowledge, and skills and

This specialized practicum course builds on the

integrates the social work competencies developed in

generalist practicum courses and prepares students

the advanced curriculum year with practice experience

to practice as social workers at the advanced level in

in community-based agencies to address complex

a military setting. The specialized practice practicum

needs and problems. Students have the opportunity to

focuses on the application of theory, knowledge, and

choose areas of specialization and work in community-

skills, and integrates the social work competencies

based agencies that provide services in that area

emphasized in the specialized practice curriculum with

of specialization. This course includes 500 hours

practicum experience in civilian and military agencies

of experiential learning. Prerequisites: enrolled in

to address complex client needs and problems. This

Advanced Standing MSW Program.

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PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

courses and complete a minimum of 250 supervised

PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Rights & Responsibilities The student, with the support of the Course Instructor and Agency Practicum Instructor, has the main responsibility for their own learning and is expected to actively participate in the development and implementation of the practicum instruction experience. During the practicum placement, the student is expected to maintain the same ethical standards and practices as professional staff.

Student specific requirements include the following:

a) Attend required Practicum Education Information sessions for foundation and advanced placements and follow all practicum placement instructions in a timely fashion.

This may include discussion with practicum coordinators of appropriate placement choices.

b) Make their Practicum Instructor aware of any pertinent information that may affect the student’s ability to learn.

c) Advocate for self in pursuit of learning. The student is responsible for the discussion with their Practicum Instructor and the initial drafting of the learning plan, so that it can be finalized for submission to their Course Instructors by the

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specified deadline date.

d) Adhere to the agreed upon items in the learning plan, including required reports, etc.

The student is also required to participate in a site visit with the Course Instructor during each placement.

e) Respect client/agency confidentiality and abide by the NASW Code of Ethics.

f) Using technology appropriately, professionally, and ethically. This includes refraining from accessing records not relevant to direct work with clients.

g) Engage in appropriate termination activities with clients and agency at any point placement ends.

h) The student is expected to prepare for and participate in regular supervision sessions with the Practicum Instructor, focusing on the student’s learning and application of social work concepts. To foster the integration of class and practicum, the student is expected to share with the Practicum Instructor course materials and syllabi in addition to appropriate classroom discussions and experiences. The student uses this professional mentoring relationship as a constructive tool in their total educational program.

i) Students are required to participate in synchronous educational supervision with

CoSW Course Instructor if they are in an agency without the qualified Practicum Instructor.

j) The student should have a clear understanding between the agency, themselves, and the CoSW about the student’s use of agency material in the classroom.

k) The student must take responsibility for becoming a part of the practicum instruction setting and participate as a responsible member of the staff. The student is expected to be punctual and accountable for their time. A planned weekly time schedule should be developed by the Practicum Instructor with the student.

Time reports that document student activities and hours are used during practicum placements.

l) Attendance at meetings and conferences in the agency and community are encouraged.

The student should take advantage of appropriate opportunities to broaden the learning experience within the practicum instruction placement consistent with educational and service obligations.

Disclosure of Student Status In accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers (including social work students)

Scope of Practice as Student Learner The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) sets forth competencies and related behavioral dimensions students are to develop in accredited BASW and MSW programs. The MSW program also includes related advanced behavioral dimensions in the advanced year of the MSW. Practicum education programs are tasked with ensuring that students have the opportunity to demonstrate the social work competencies through interpersonal interactions with clients and constituencies, which may include the use of digital technologies (AS 2.2.4, 2022 EPAS Interpretation Guide).

The EPAS allow for technologybased social work practice as appropriate for the level of practice (e.g., telework, phone contact with colleagues, clients, and constituents, remote access to platforms and projects, etc.).

Social work encompasses a broad spectrum of practice environments. Students develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation appropriate for their level of education. Students may not diagnose mental disorders or provide therapy for mental

disorders independently. They may, however, while under the supervision of a Practicum Instructor meeting CoSW criteria, observe and/or assist in the delivery of therapeutic services and diagnostic activities.

Students with scope of practice concerns have the responsibility for communicating their concerns with their Practicum Instructor and/or Course Instructor for support and guidance.

Student Orientation to the Agency The student’s orientation to the agency is a critical first component for a student to have a successful practicum and lays the foundation for the practicum experience.

The orientation provides the student with concise and accurate information regarding important policies/procedures of the agency, the agency client demographics, the agency’s mission and goals, and its approach to educating students.

This checklist is designed to promote communication between the student and the practicum instructor early in the semester around these important issues and is an assignment in Experiential Learning Cloud.

Using Technology in Social Work Practice All students must comply with relevant laws, regulations, NASW ethical standards, and organizational policies to ensure the confidentiality of client data and information. In addition to the NASW Code of Ethics, additional guidance in using technology has been provided in the NASW, ASWB, CSWE, and CSWA Standards for Technology in Social Work Practice.

While each agency should develop their own protocols around the use of technology and confidentiality, the following best practices should be utilized by all students.

• Take reasonable steps to maintain appropriate boundaries when using personal phone numbers or other electronic communication. For example, consider temporarily hiding your caller ID when making outgoing calls to clients or using a Google phone number.

• Position web cameras so that others can only see your face, with all visible and confidential details removed from camera view. Use a virtual background to encourage privacy and professionalism.

• Conduct all sensitive conversations in a private space.

Be mindful of the potential for family members or bystanders to overhear any portion of your discussions. Using a white noise machine may be useful when conducting client conversations in many places.

• Turn off personal assistive devices in your home and on your phone, such as Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, or others, to ensure these platforms are not able to access confidential conversations.

Roles & Responsibilities in Student Supervision The CoSW is proud and excited to work with many individuals to support students and provide educational instruction as part of their service to the community and profession of social work. The term “practicum supervisor” is

16

PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

must represent themselves as competent only within the boundaries of their education. In general, this means that students must identify themselves as student learners to clients/ patients, and in all documents produced by the student for or on behalf of the agency.

PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

used throughout this manual in reference to each of the roles and individuals working to supervise, instruct, mentor and guide social work students in their practicum experiences.

Practicum supervisors include 1) Agency Practicum Instructors with MSW credentialing and the required years of post-MSW experience that are leaders within the agencies where students are hosted, 2) External Practicum Instructors with MSW credentialing and the required years of post-MSW experience that are located outside of where the students spends the majority of their time, and 3) Task Supervisors that are usually onsite and work closely with students throughout their experiences but bring different educational backgrounds and skill sets. Each of these roles are important in providing exceptional practicum education, are appreciated, and included in student goal setting and evaluation.

Practicum Supervisors Training The CoSW offers all practicum supervisors a variety of training opportunities and no-cost continuing education units (CEU). A three-hour practicum instructor training course is available online that includes: CoSW and CSWE requirements for practicum education; best practice in supervising students in the practicum; addressing problematic student behavior in the practicum; ethical considerations; and evaluating student performance. A host of resources for practicum professors/instructors and practicum instructors are also

17

available.

Agency Practicum Instructor The process of practicum instruction is designed to foster the student’s acquisition, application, and progressive development of professional knowledge and skills. The Practicum Instructor is a teacher and a role model and serves as the representative of the practicum placement site, regardless of whether the Practicum Instructor is on site, or off-site, but within the same agency. All on-site Practicum Instructors must complete new Practicum Instructor training modules within their first year of serving as a practicum supervisor.

Agency Practicum Instructors take on significant professional educational responsibilities that include: • Providing an agency orientation and ensure that students are aware of safety protocols in the practicum environment.

• Working with students to develop and implement the learning plan for practicum instruction.

• Providing appropriate learning experiences to enable the student to develop and integrate theoretical concepts with practice skills.

• Developing a placement schedule with the student and holding them accountable for meeting placement expectations.

• Providing hour-long supervisory sessions each week in addition to informal interaction throughout the week.

• Providing initial and continuing assessment of the student’s level of knowledge, educational needs and interest, in cooperation with the faculty liaison.

Importantly, Practicum Instructors complete a midterm and final evaluation of the student’s progress using the practicum assessment form provided by the CoSW and discuss with the Course Instructor any serious problems that may arise. They also assist the CoSW in periodic evaluations of the appropriateness of the setting in providing sound learning and practice experiences for students, while also attending and participating in necessary meetings and training opportunities offered by the CoSW. BASW Practicum Instructors must bring the following experience and credentials: An undergraduate-level social work degree from an accredited social work program and a minimum of 2 years post-degree social work-related work experience, or a graduate-level social work degree from an accredited social work program and a minimum of 2 years post-degree social workrelated work experience.

MSW Practicum Instructors must bring the following experience and credentials: A graduate level social work degree from an accredited social work program and a minimum of 2 years post master’s degree social work-related work experience.

Task Supervisor In situations where an appropriate placement agency does not have an individual who meets the

Assignment of a Task Supervisor for any social work student does not negate the need for an approved and trained BASW or MSW level Practicum Instructor to provide consistent, weekly supervision to students. The policies for selection of Practicum Instructors and Task Supervisors serve to set the minimum expectations for supervision of students in the agency and thus strengthen the CoSW’s ability to maintain a high-quality educational experience for students.

To be accepted as a Task Supervisor for a BASW or MSW student, an individual must have the following: An undergraduate or graduate degree in a related practicum (such as psychology, law, counseling, nursing, etc.) and a minimum of 2 years of post-degree experience in their practicum.

Task Supervisor role and responsibilities: • Must meet Task Supervisor criteria.

• Assume primary responsibility for student onboarding, agency orientation, and schedule development, and ensure that students are aware of safety

protocols in the practicum environment.

• Work collaboratively with student and External Practicum Instructor to develop and finalize student Learning Plan.

• Assume primary responsibility for daily supervision of student and the student’s work, as outlined in the Learning Plan and submitted in time reports.

• Participate in student Site Visit with Course Instructor, External Practicum Instructor, and student, and share updates and details around student progress.

• Provide insight around student competency development and develop the initial draft assessing student progress for midterm and final evaluations.

• Communicate and collaborate with External Practicum Instructor, Course Instructor, and student as needed for problem-solving and placement success.

Off-site/External Practicum Instructors Situations may arise where there may not be an individual within the specific program, department, or agency that could serve as the Agency Practicum Instructor. In these instances, the student will have both an External Practicum Instructor and a Task Supervisor, that meet the standard criteria to serve in the roles. Students will be tasked with recommending an External Practicum Instructor for CoSW approval but can be assisted by the CoSW in the event they are unable to locate an appropriate External Practicum Instructor.

All parties, including the agency administrator, must agree to this

arrangement. External Practicum Instructors must also complete the new Practicum Instructor training modules within their first year of serving as practicum supervisors.

In placement situations requiring an External Practicum Instructor and Task Supervisor, the roles work collaboratively to ensure student learning activities and agency engagement are aligned.

Task Supervisors work with the student and provide guidance, mentorship, and participate in the student’s Learning Plan development, time report approval, and assessment processes, while the External Practicum Instructor provides weekly social work supervision and primary oversight of the placement.

The supervisory requirements and frequency schedule for Offsite/External Practicum Instructor are the same as for traditional Practicum Instructors. However, dependent upon the geographic distance and other related issues, weekly supervisory sessions may be conducted virtually (conference call, video conference, zoom, etc.). Due to logistical needs, face-to-face supervision sessions may be conducted at an appropriate alternative site, but never in either parties’ home. Students can request an External Supervisor using the Placement Support Request form in Experiential Learning Cloud.

Off-site/External Practicum Instructor role and responsibilities: • Must meet criteria for BASW or MSW Practicum Instructor, as appropriate.

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PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

requirements to be an approved Practicum Instructor on site, the CoSW allows for an on-site, professional staff person to serve in the role of Task Supervisor and provide additional supervision for the BASW or MSW student placement. The Task Supervisor must be knowledgeable about the agency setting, its programs, policies, intervention strategies and tactics; social work roles and functions; and must be willing to undertake the teaching role.

PRACTICUM PRACTICUM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead student in integrating social work theory and concepts in practice environments and service settings and fulfill educational teaching functions.

• Establish a plan for meeting collectively with student and Task Supervisor (monthly?).

• Work collaboratively with student and Task Supervisor to develop and finalize student Learning Plan.

• Instruct your student to plan an agenda for supervision including: an overview of their activities, questions, any areas where they see course content applying to their work.

• Provide weekly social work supervision sessions with student and review progress toward competency development and Learning Plan activity completion.

• Review, provide feedback, and provide final approval to students’ time reports.

• Participate in student site visit with Course Instructor, Task Supervisor, and student and share updates and details around student progress.

• Provide insight around student competency development and finalize supervisor assessments of student progress for midterm and final evaluations and grade recommendations.

• Communicate and collaborate with Task Supervisor, Course Instructor, and student as needed for problem-solving and placement success.

• Assumes responsibility for reinforcing a social work perspective with student.

Tips for External Practicum Instructors • Get a basic overview of the setting in which your student is working.

• Establish a standing day/time for supervision.

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• Review the practicum syllabus, practicum manual, and CoSW policies.

• Discuss time management and professionalism.

• For virtual students, help them to construct a weekly schedule and discuss ongoing low priority virtual work they can do when agency assignments are not available.

Course Instructor The UKY affiliate who serves as Course Instructor carries the major responsibility for the placement agency contact regarding the design, implementation, and evaluation of the student’s practicum education and practicum placement. Site visits, typically initiated by the Course Instructor, include a monitoring and coordinating function designed to assure that social work learning opportunities are made available.

The Course Instructor is expected to make a minimum of one site visit during each semester of placement.

Additional visits may be made at any time a need is identified by any participant. Course Instructors may conduct site visits remotely (Zoom, Skype, Facetime, etc.) or in person.

While engaging in this role, the Course Instructor is responsible

for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships between agencies and the CoSW by engaging in the following: • Clarifying the educational and administrative expectations of the student, agency and college.

• Maintaining consultative and evaluative communication with the agency and students.

• Facilitating and assisting in the integration of classroom material and practice experience.

• Clarifying and reinforcing the educational role of the Practicum Instructor.

The Course Instructor also participates with the Practicum Instructor and student in the evaluation of student performance, awards the final practicum course grade, and serves as the first point of contact in situations where problems occur in practicum learning.

Both BASW and MSW Course Instructors bring the following experience and credentials: A graduate level social work degree from an accredited Social Work Program; A minimum of 2 years post master’s degree social work-related work experience; and experience serving as a CoSW Faculty Member, Practicum Instructor or Task Supervisor.

PRACTICUM AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS

Placement Location Matters At the UK College of Social Work, students can choose from a wide range of existing practicum placements or may initiate the process to recommend a new agency. Practicum placements are located throughout the U.S. and beyond. As a student, it is your responsibility to understand that some placement locations and their jurisdictions have varying laws, regulations, and licensure requirements related to

students completing practicums or internships. To successfully prepare for practicum, students should take the initiative to gain knowledge about the relevant laws, regulations, and requirements in their planned practicum location and take steps to ensure compliance with policies. This preparation includes discussing the topic with agency personnel during interviews, reviewing placement information in Experiential Learning Cloud, and reviewing the Association of Social Work Boards’ (ASWB) Licensing Board or College Websites, Statutes, and Administrative Rules page for information about the location and jurisdiction of your placement.

While coursework may be accessible from Canada, some provinces may not allow foreign institutions to conduct practicum/ practicum placements within their jurisdiction due to consumer protection laws. As such, students are responsible for checking with the provincial authorities to ensure that participation in any required practicum/practicum activities is permitted before applying.

Criteria for Approving Practicum Placement Sites Approved placement sites allow students contact with client populations and provide opportunities for skill and knowledge application. When

completing the Practicum Agency Profile Form, agencies will describe what populations they serve and what learning opportunities are available to students. Clients can be individuals, families, groups, community partners or stakeholders, or communities themselves, depending on the level of service agencies provide (micro, mezzo, macro).

The agency approval process begins with a Practicum Agency Profile Form. Completion of the application in Experiential Learning Cloud provides the necessary information to determine if the proposed placement agency meets CoSW’s requirements.

When approved, the information is used to enter the agency in Experiential Learning Cloud.

Practicum Agency Qualification Checklist: • Works collaboratively with the CoSW to maximize the educational nature of the Practicum placement.

• Accepts the student as a learner and provides appropriate learning experiences. It will maximize the student’s learning to have assignments which include work with clients of different races, genders, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, income levels, and physical/mental abilities.

• Executes an educational agreement/contractwith the CoSW and University of Kentucky, or with the Army/UK

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PLACEMENT AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS

The College of Social Work identifies agencies that desire to help students integrate classroom and practicum learning, that can provide rich and appropriate learning experiences that grow in complexity, have qualified professionals to provide practicum instruction, and that commit to offering sufficient social work supervision, typically one hour each week, to address learning plan needs and competency development. Agencies approved for practicum placements reflect the diverse settings in which professional social workers are employed. Through this partnership with community agencies, opportunities are found at both the Bachelor (BASW) and Master (MSW) levels, assuring that students have a variety of experiences that contribute to the development of the requisite competencies.

MSW Program for the Military Specialization.

• Provides qualified and available employees or affiliates who are interested in offering practicum supervision and who meet the criteria and standards of the CoSW. This includes:

– a BASW/BSW plus two years post-degree professional experience who is willing to serve as Agency Practicum Instructor(s) for BASW students,

– a MSW plus two years post-

PLACEMENT AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS

degree professional experience who is willing to serve as Agency Practicum Instructor(s) for BASW students or MSW students, or

– a BASW/BSW or MSW meeting CoSW criteria willing to serve as External Agency Practicum Instructors, plus Task Supervisors with related degrees provide on-site supervision for students and collaborate with External Agency Practicum Instructor.

• Has an Agency Practicum Instructor able provide a minimum of one hour weekly social work practicum instruction and supervision.

• Students are required to participate in synchronous educational supervision with their CoSW Course Instructor during regularly scheduled office hours if they are in an agency without the qualified Practicum Instructor.

• Provides varied and increasingly complex tasks for students to master throughout a semester to allow for breadth and depth of learning, assignments that are appropriate to the

21

student’s level of education and competency, and area of interest or specialization if applicable.

• Accepts student as a participant in the overall agency program and activities as appropriate. A supportive learning environment includes opportunities to participate in staff meetings, interagency meetings, in-service training, and other opportunities for professional learning.

• Provides students with the proper physical environment and equipment, including phone, desk, an appropriate space for client interactions, office supplies, clerical services, etc. The student is reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of agency responsibilities, such as travel and special agency activities.

• Agrees to treat all information, including evaluations of students, as confidential.

According to the provision of the Buckley Amendment to the 1974 Family Rights and Privacy Act, the student must give written permission for the CoSW or agency to release data concerning their attendance history or performance record.

• Adjusts the practicum supervisor’s schedule to permit time to plan the student’s program, prepare for and hold supervisory conferences, and generally supervise the student’s practicum placement progress.

Practicum Agency Application & Partnership Process In accordance with CSWE accreditation standards, the following practicum site

application and review process has been implemented.

The practicum site approval process is as follows:

1) Individuals wishing to submit an agency, organization, or program for consideration as an approved practicum placement for social work students, must complete a Practicum Agency Profile Form in Experiential Learning Cloud.

2) Upon review of the completed Practicum Agency Profile Form, a practicum team member determines the levels and appropriateness of the agency’s student learning activities and opportunities.

3) If the agency or program is appropriate as a social work practicum placement, based on the robust learning opportunities anticipated for students, the agency is marked as approved in Experiential Learning Cloud.

4) Once deemed appropriate for student placements, the Practicum Office then facilitates with UKY’s Legal Counsel the process of establishing an educational agreement/contract partnership agreement with the agency. *Any and all changes in the educational agreement/contract language by the practicum site must be reviewed and approved by UKY’s Legal Counsel’s office, which could delay the approval process, and potentially the student’s placement start date.

5) Upon return of the educational agreement/contract, signed by the Agency Director, the practicum office then obtains the appropriate signatures

Per University policy and liability insurance guidelines, no student may begin logging practicum placement hours until 1) a fully executed MOU exists between UK and the agency

and the agreement has been received by the UK CoSW, 2) the student is enrolled in the appropriate practicum course, and 3) the official first day of the semester has commenced.

Employer-Hosted Placements The CoSW allows students to complete practicum at their places of employment if the employment meets the CoSW and Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) criteria for an Employer Hosted Placement

Employer Hosted Placement Deadline Policy Practicum Course Term

Target Date for Employer-Hosted Placement (EHP) Applications To be eligible for priority registration, students should aim to meet the EHP application target date listed below. Using Experiential Learning Cloud, students must 1) upload an official job description, 2) complete the Employer Hosted Placement application process, and 3) receive approval from the UK CoSW practicum office to be eligible for priority registration.

(EHP). This includes appropriate learning opportunities for students inlcuding social work competency skill building, the employer is a social work or social work adjacent type agency, and the student’s job role is also social work or social work adjacent. Many students are working in positions and agencies that provide essential and important services, and provide consistent access to individuals, families, groups and communities for social work competency development and skill-building.

An EHP allows students to fulfill their practicum requirements

Final Deadline for EmployerHosted Placement (EHP) Applications To be eligible for an Employer Hosted Placement for an upcoming semester, students must submit the application in Experiential Learning Cloud by the deadline listed below. In Experiential Learning Cloud, students must 1) upload an official job description, 2) complete the Employer Hosted Placement application process, and 3) receive approval from the UK CoSW practicum office.

Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Spring​

November 1​

December 1​

Summer​

April 1​

May 1​

Fall ​

June 1

August 1​

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PLACEMENT AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS

from UKY administrators, and then emails a copy of the educational agreement/ contract to the agency. A digital copy of the educational agreement/contract is maintained with the agency’s site profile in Experiential Learning Cloud.

The agency where you are employed must approve your participation in the EHP, agree to serve as a practicum site, establish an educational agreement with the University of Kentucky as an approved practicum site, and the agency must not have a policy prohibiting these practices. Additionally, EHP practicum students must have weekly educational social work supervision that is separate from employment supervision, and this supervision must be provided by a social worker who meets the CSWE supervision requirements.

Students must submit and have their EHP application approved by the UK CoSW Practicum Team prior to the start of the semester.

Students who begin an EHP without an approved application will not be allowed to count their hours as practicum. After an EHP is approved and the semester commences, students may leverage their weekly practicum hour requirements from their employment hours worked.

Students should carefully evaluate their personal career goals and consider how an EHP may enhance or hinder their practicum experience. If a student is considering leaving their agency or position, or is experiencing performance problems in their paid position, an Employer-Hosted Placement may not be the best option.

Purpose This policy outlines the deadlines and requirements for the Employer Hosted Placement (EHP). Students should meet these deadlines and follow policy to ensure

priority registration and course enrollment.

Target Dates: Students should identify their planned semester for practicum and aim to complete EHP applications by the following preferred target deadlines: •

Spring Term: November 1

•

Summer Term: April 1

•

Fall Term: June 1

The following steps must be completed in Experiential Learning Cloud by the preferred target deadlines: 1. Upload an official job description into Experiential Learning Cloud 2. Complete the EHP application in Experiential Learning Cloud 3. Receive approval from the practicum team in Experiential Learning Cloud

Final Deadlines The final deadlines for completing the Employer Hosted Placement Process are as follows: •

Spring Term: December 1

•

Summer Term: May 1

•

Fall Term: August 1

By these final deadlines, students must: 1. Upload an official job description into Experiential Learning Cloud.

2. Complete the EHP application in Experiential

Learning Cloud.

3. Receive approval from the practicum team in Experiential Learning Cloud.

Policy Exceptions Approvals after the deadline are rare and will be considered on a caseby-case basis. Practicum hours completed in an EHP will not count unless the EHP application has been within their current workplace, integrating learning and work experiences. Since 2022, the CSWE has allowed students’ places of employment to count towards practicum hours, aiming to enhance practical experience and support workforce development. EHPs function as traditional practicum sites, meaning students are required to complete all course elements, including Canvas course assignments, during the designated academic term. EHPs must be conducted in.

If a student is not approved If a student is not approved for an employer-hosted placement and/or does not disclose that they are completing their placement with their employer, course activities and credit may not be applied toward their degree plan and disciplinary action may result.

* A student’s work and/or lived experience cannot be used as credit toward practicum requirements. * Employer-Hosted Placements do not apply 23

to Army/UK MSW Military Specialization students at Ft. Sam Houston.

Paid Practicum & Agency Stipends Depending on the practicum agency and their resources, students may receive financial support during their practicum placement in the form of a stipend or partial payment for their placement hours from the agency. These funds are typically provided to support student transportation costs, meals, etc. A partially paid placement or stipend from the agency does not qualify as an employer-hosted placement and the arrangement is made between the student and agency, with the student bearing the responsibility to complete any and all tax-related documentation and verification.

Although a stipend or partial payment does not need approval from the practicum office, students are encouraged to discuss the arrangement with a practicum coordinator to ensure the student’s academic and practicum requirements are prioritized.

Monitoring Practicum Placement Sites The practicum team uses multiple strategies to assess practicum placement learning experiences. New practicum placements are vetted during the onboarding process. Course Instructors, Course Coordinators, and other members of the practicum team provide ongoing assessment of the agency as a practicum site through

student feedback, student reflection assignments, seminar discussions, agency site visits, and Placement Support Forms.

Students are also required to rate their agency and provide qualitative feedback about their agency experiences via the Student Evaluation of the Agency assignment. Practicum team members consistently review this data to determine which agencies may need further support, whether corrective action should be implemented, or, to remove the agency from the list of approved practicum placements.

Policy for Assessing Practicum Agency Allegations The CoSW applies the following policy and procedures to assess allegations related to practicum agencies to ensure safety, integrity, and compliance with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards and the practicum guidelines established by the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Social Work (CoSW).

Scope This policy applies to all practicum agencies affiliated with the CoSW. Definitions Allegation: A claim or assertion that the practicum agency has engaged in behaviors that are in violation of CSWE or CoSW standards and guidelines.

Complainant: The person or entity bringing forth the allegation.

Respondent: The practicum agency or individuals at the

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agency against whom the allegation is made.

Assessor: The designated individual or team responsible for assessing the allegation.

Procedures Step One: Receiving Allegations Allegations may be reported through various channels including, but not limited to, formal complaints, feedback forms such as the Placement Support Request form, emails, or verbal reports. All allegations must be documented immediately, including the date, time, and nature of the allegation, and the identity of the complainant if known.

Step Two: Initial Assessment A preliminary review will be conducted to assess the credibility and seriousness of the allegation. Based on the preliminary review, a decision will be made whether to proceed with a full investigation. This decision should be documented.

Step Three: Notification The assessor will notify the practicum agency of the allegation and the decision to assess. The notification should outline the nature of the allegations and the assessment process. It is important to remember confidentiality for the complainant and the respondent throughout the assessment.

Step Four: Assessment Process The Director of Practicum Education and the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs (ADASA) will assign one or more impartial assessors.

The Director of Practicum and ADASA may also serve as the assessor.

The assessor will collect relevant data including interviews with involved parties, reviewing documentation, and any other pertinent information.

The assessor should conduct interviews with the complainant (if possible), respondent, and other key individuals (e.g., other CoSW students at the placement, practicum supervisors, etc.). The assessor will maintain comprehensive records of all findings and interactions during the assessment.

Step Five: Analysis of Findings The assessor will analyze the collected data to determine the validity of the allegation(s). The assessor will provide a detailed finding report summarizing the evidence and conclusions.

The assessor will include recommendations for actions (if needed).

Step Six: Decision and Action The findings report should be reviewed by both the Director of Practicum Education and ADASA. A report should also be shared with the Dean. If allegations are substantiated, the Director of Practicum Education and ADASA will develop

an action plan, which may include corrective measures, cancellation of a practicum affiliation agreement, placement of students in a new agency, or dismissal of the allegation. The Director of Practicum Education will inform the practicum agency of the decision and any actions to be taken.

Step Seven: Follow-Up If corrective measures are put in place, the Director of Practicum Education will monitor the plan and monitor the practicum agency for future issues.

Policy Review This policy should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in regulations or organizational practices.

International Placements

UK International Center, allowing extra time for partnership agreements, purchasing liability insurance, and understanding that some locations are limited to virtual practicums only. Students expecting an international practicum should meet with a practicum team member to plan accordingly. To request a meeting, please email coswpracticum@uky.edu, and a team member will follow up with next steps.

The placement must be approved by the practicum education office at least one semester prior to the planned placement. Additionally, students must work with the UK International Center regarding the placement and allow time for additional processes including the full execution of a MOA specific to international engagement.

Students who hope to complete a practicum with an agency located outside of the U.S. must complete additional steps to successfully prepare for an international placement. These steps include working with the

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MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE The Learning Plan

MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

The learning plan forms the basis for a student’s learning opportunities, is the framework for the student performance evaluation, and is centered around the CSWE 2022 social work competencies. This plan is signed by the student, Agency Practicum Instructor, task supervisor if appropriate, and the Course Instructor, and is completed in the first month of the placement.

Students specify learning activities and tasks that are agency specific, measurable, and individualized to promote successful development of social work competencies. The learning plan is reviewed and discussed during the first student site visit among the Course Instructor, Agency Practicum Instructor, and student, and provides the basis for ongoing feedback and evaluation of student performance.

The learning plan is a working document and may be amended by the student, Agency Practicum Instructor and Course Instructor to accommodate new learning opportunities. The Agency Practicum Instructor and Course Instructor must approve learning plan changes in Experiential Learning Cloud.

The learning plan in the MSW Advanced Generalist

26

Practicum year, and in the Military Specialization, reflect the advanced and specialized competency behaviors.

Site Visit While students are completing their practicum placement, Course Instructors will complete at least one site visit with the student and their practicum supervisors per semester. This is an opportunity to discuss the student’s comfort in the agency, progress toward learning plan goals and hour requirements, and any challenges or issues being experienced. Site visits may be completed in person or virtually (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.), and should include the student, Course Instructor, Practicum Instructor (onsite or external), and the Task Supervisor if applicable to the student’s supervision arrangement.

Site visits are held early each semester during a practicum course, and the course or Agency Practicum Instructor may request individual meetings at any time during the semester for the purpose of performance review, evaluation, or clarification of perceived concerns with a student’s performance.

Weekly Social Work Supervision Students and practicum Instructors are expected to

participate in weekly supervisory conferences to process learning activities, review progress, and discuss social work competency development. Supervision may be conducted via Zoom, or some other video conferencing platform, on the phone, or in person, and may be structured as individual supervision or as part of a group supervisory process.

Supervision conducted via a video platform, like Zoom, is both acceptable and even encouraged.

Students’ abilities to proficiently use technology in social work practice can be enhanced by ethical use of video tools as students and may improve their technology adeptness as new professionals.

Students who are in an agency without a qualified Practicum Instructor must participate in synchronous group educational supervision sessions with their CoSW Course Instructors.

The educational supervision experience will reinforce social work competency development and may be conducted via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms.

If students are absent (unexcused) from two consecutive educational supervision sessions the Course Section Instructor will submit a Placement Support Request (PSR) to be reviewed by the practicum team. Students who do not adhere to Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards

Practicum Placement Schedules Practicum Instructors and supervisors are expected to establish a weekly schedule with students and make clear to students what the expectations of the agency are regarding hours, taking into account the student’s coursework and other responsibilities. Traditional daytime business hours during the Monday through Friday work week are encouraged for placements due to increased agency, client, supervisor, and community engagement during this time period. Self-directed and remote activities may be completed at times most convenient to students and are not restricted to regular business hours.

A student’s schedule may reflect variations in relation to assignments, such as fulfilling evening, weekend or on-call responsibilities. It is important that there is a regular overlap of time when supervisors and students are working together. Appropriate access to practicum supervision must be available so that they directly observe the work of the student and provide feedback and direction. If and when weekend or evening hours are part of the student’s schedule, it is also important that the experience offers rich opportunities that are professionally appropriate to the student’s learning needs.

The Practicum Instructor and the student may jointly modify the placement schedule to

accommodate for University and agency sanctioned holidays or recesses. Student schedules may also be adjusted to compensate for overtime hours and/or hour shortages caused by illness or other approved absences, as well as ramping up and winding down at the start and end of semesters, as long as the minimum practicum experience requirements of hours and tasks are met.

Students should discuss scheduling requests with the Practicum Instructor in advance when possible, with specific permission for extended absences of more than one week discussed and requested from the Practicum Instructor and Course Instructor. Students may plan to finish their practicum placement no more than two weeks before the end of the semester, unless approved by their Course Instructor and/or the Practicum Office.

Time Keeping & Time Report Approval Students enter their completed practicum hours into Experiential Learning Cloud each day and in the appropriate activity area, with reports generated either bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the student’s program. Regular timekeeping enables the student to document completed practicum hours and weekly activities, and to ensure ongoing accountability. Specific Experiential Learning Cloud Quick Reference Guides are available to assist students in documenting their activities appropriately and completing time entry requirements.

Time reports are required for each monthly reporting period while a student is in practicum and are submitted as course assignments to practicum supervisors for final approval through Experiential Learning Cloud. Practicum Instructors, and Task Supervisors where applicable, are required to approve all time reports. Course Instructors provide final approval of completed practicum hours.

Time reports are approved in the following order: #1) Task Supervisors (if applicable), #2) Practicum Instructors, and #3) Course Instructors.

All practicum students may count 1 hour of self-care per week. Students in Foundation practicum courses (SW 444, 445, or 640) may count up to 25 seminar hours per practicum.

Student Performance Evaluations Student performance evaluations are directly aligned with CSWE competencies, behaviors, and agreed upon practice activities in student learning plans. At midterm, students complete a midterm self-evaluation and share it with their Agency Practicum Instructor and Course Instructor. Informed by the student’s midterm feedback, the Agency Practicum Instructor then evaluates student performance and reviews and discusses this evaluation with the student. Students then submit the completed and reviewed midterm evaluation to the Course Instructor for final review and approval.

For final evaluation of performance and at the end of the semester, students complete

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MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

will be asked to withdraw from the course and referred to the respective academic program director.

a self-evaluation and submit it to their Agency Practicum Instructor for review. The Agency Practicum Instructor then completes a final performance evaluation and then reviews this with the student.

The student’s final evaluation from the Agency Practicum Instructor is then submitted to the Course Instructor for review, approval, and final grade submission. A final evaluation discussion with the student, Agency Practicum Instructor and Course Instructor, may be held to review and discuss the student’s performance evaluation.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

It is imperative that the Practicum Instructor notifies the Course Instructor by the mid-point of the placement if there is any indication that the student’s performance is less than satisfactory. In most instances where performance

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has been marginal, it is expected that discussions between Course Instructor, Practicum Instructor (and Task Supervisor if applicable), and student will have occurred before the formal evaluation.

The evaluations in the MSW Advanced Generalist Practicum year, and in the Military Specialization, reflect the advanced and specialized competency behaviors and align with the learning plan.

Grading Because performance in practicum instruction is a critical indicator of the student’s readiness to assume professional responsibilities, and practicum instruction is a major formal requirement, CoSW faculty will only grant academic credit to students whose course work meets minimum acceptability standards. Students must earn a

C or higher for both Foundation and Advanced placements in practicum instruction in order to complete candidacy for Bachelor or Master of Social Work degrees, respectively.

The Course Instructor utilizes the learning plan that was established to evaluate student performance at midterm and final evaluation time frame and assigns the student’s earned numeric grade for the practicum course. The grade consists of the Agency Practicum Instructor’s evaluation of student performance against the learning plan, assignments specific to each practicum course, and active, engaged participation in seminar (if applicable). Individual practicum course syllabi will outline specific details on assignments and grading for each practicum course. Per program policy, students who earn an E in two or more courses will be eligible for dismissal from the program.

PRACTICUM EDUCATION POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Students need to be aware that some agencies require background checks to be completed at state and national levels and may reject those with specific charges/ convictions in their background from completing a practicum placement in an agency.

Background check requirements are agency-specific and a student’s responsibility to complete. Students whose placement agency requires a background check can explore online resources and should be prepared to cover the costs of the process. The CoSW does not use or endorse any specific background check service for this purpose or pay for student background checks.

Students who have a criminal background should understand that some agencies are precluded by law from accepting them in a practicum placement.

Although some agencies are unwilling to host students having certain criminal charges, the Practicum Office will make every effort possible to assist students in securing a practicum placement. However, if a placement cannot be secured for any reason, the student may not be able to complete the degree program. Students should also be aware that even

following degree completion, certain criminal offenses may preclude them from obtaining employment as a social worker and a state licensing board may refuse to license the applicant as a professional social worker.

Students with a pending criminal charge should disclose the charge and situation to the Practicum Office to determine how the situation could impact the student’s ability to be successful in practicum. The CoSW understands that some non-violent, drug-related offenses may be subject to expungement due to changing state laws and encourages students to investigate their legal options in expunging a criminal conviction prior to their scheduled practicum courses.

Transportation of Agency Clients Students in practicum placement are not permitted to transport clients in their personal vehicles.

If an agency agrees to allow the student to transport clients in an agency-owned vehicle, the student should review the agency’s policy regarding client transportation and must be covered under the agency’s liability insurance. If a student is completing an employer-hosted placement and is required to transport clients in their personal vehicle while covered under their employer’s liability insurance, those activities may continue.

Liability Insurance Professional liability insurance coverage is provided by the University of Kentucky for students enrolled in the CoSW, provided there is a written and fully executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing an agreement between the placement agency and UKY. Students must be enrolled in the correct section of the appropriate practicum course to be covered under this policy. It is important that students are acting within the scope of their role as a student learner within the practicum placement agency. The College provides professional liability insurance for all practicum students registered for a practicum course and will provide, if requested, a certificate of insurance coverage for the agency. *Army/UK MSW Military Specialization students at Ft. Sam Houston are not eligible or required to have liability insurance provided by the University of Kentucky and are covered by the provisions of 28 United States Code, section 2679.

Personal Safety Students engaging in their practicum placement should exercise both caution and good judgement in situations

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PRACTICUM EDUCATION POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Criminal Background Policy

PRACTICUM EDUCATION POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

where there may be risks to their personal safety and/or harm to themselves or clients.

Examples of such situations may include confronting an agitated, explosive, or violent client alone; intervening in an escalating situation involving more than one client where interpersonal violence seems likely; and/or any situation where a client has a weapon. In any situation where a student feels threatened or is concerned for their personal safety they should, 1) immediately contact their supervisor or the supervisor on site for support and assistance, and 2) contact the police or emergency medical services for immediate assistance. Any situation where a student has experienced a threat to their personal safety should also be discussed in supervision and documented by the Practicum Office.

If a student experiences any type of injury during their placement, the University’s Accident-Injury Report must be completed within 24 hours of the injury occurring.

Health & Medical Coverage While student injuries in practicum placement are rare, there is an element of personal risk for those who engage in the practice of social work. It is important for students to know that if an injury should be sustained while in the practicum placement, his or her own medical insurance will be the only source of medical coverage.

The University is not responsible for accidents occurring to students in connection with class, laboratory, shop,

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practicum work, travel, or other activities. Students may rely on their own coverage or purchase a student health policy. Information about this policy may be obtained from the University Health Service.

Inclement Weather In case of inclement weather, students should monitor their UKY email, as notification via the UK ALERT system will occur if university activities are canceled.

Students are automatically enrolled in the UK ALERT system and can manage their details in the myUK portal.

In the event of inclement or threatening weather, students should use their best judgment regarding travel to and from campus, and to their placement site. Safety should be the main concern. If a student cannot get to an in-person class or their placement because of adverse weather conditions, they should contact their Course Instructor and/or Practicum Instructor as soon as possible.

Students should discuss with their Practicum Instructor the agency’s notification process for agency closure due to inclement weather and may adjust their placement schedule in order to make up placement time lost due to inclement weather, per Practicum Instructor approval.

Similarly, if a Course Instructor is unable to reach the in-person location, the instructor will notify the class of cancellation or changes as soon as possible (at least two hours before class starts), using email notification, to prevent students from embarking on unnecessary travel.

Continuing Practicum Placement Between Subsequent Semesters Students who are currently enrolled in SW 740 (Advanced Practicum I) should plan to complete their practicum at the same agency for SW 741 (Advanced Practicum II) and are permitted to engage with their agencies between subsequent semesters for the purpose of providing continuity of services to clients and client systems. Students should consider the following points when determining eligibility for completing hours between subsequent semesters, and to inform your decision to continue between semesters: • All students need to take a break and there are only a few weeks between semesters.

Graduate school is demanding, and many students are juggling complicated responsibilities in addition to graduate school. The UK CoSW strongly encourages you to prioritize self-care and rest between semesters.

• An agency cannot require a student to continue engagement between semesters. Choosing to engage between semesters must be a voluntary student decision.

• Only students who are continuing with the same agency for their Advanced Practicum courses (progressing from SW 740 to SW 741) may complete hours in between subsequent semesters. For example, a student who completed SW 740 (Advanced Practicum I) in the spring semester may continue to earn hours during the break

between the spring and summer semesters if continuing at the same agency. Students starting a different placement type (i.e., progressing from Foundation to Advanced Practicum) will need to wait until the official semester start date to engage with the agency. For example, a student who completes SW 640 (Foundation Practicum) in spring and begins SW 740 (Advanced Practicum I) in summer, will need to pause engagement until the summer semester officially begins even if remaining at the same agency.

• The Agency Practicum Instructor and Task Supervisor (if applicable) must agree to the engagement between semesters and must continue providing weekly supervision. Practicum questions and dilemmas will require a response and solution by the Agency Practicum Instructor or the Task Supervisor.

• Students may earn and apply up to 10% of the total required practicum hours earned during semester breaks. Example: A student who completes SW 740 (Advanced Practicum I) in the fall may earn and apply 25 (Advanced Standing students) or 30 (Regular Standing students) hours toward the total hours required for the SW 741 (Advanced Practicum II) spring course.

• External group supervision will not be offered between semesters and Course Instructors will not be available between semesters.

• Accrued time between semesters should be documented on the first timesheet/track hours log for the new semester. This timesheet will be available the first official week of the semester.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS AND PLACEMENT CHANGES AND CHALLENGES

As future social workers, students are expected to adhere to the standards and guidelines for professional behavior as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics and state social work licensure rules and regulations. Students failing to meet expectations in practicum and who demonstrate egregious, inappropriate, unethical, or noncompliant behaviors in the practicum or during practicumrelated activities may be terminated from the placement for the semester, receive a failing grade for the semester in which they are terminated, subject to disciplinary action, and/or dismissed from the BASW or MSW program. Students who are terminated twice while enrolled in their designated program will be referred to the BASW or MSW program director for disciplinary action and dismissal from the program.

The following are expectations of students in practicum. Students will:

a) Make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context.

b) Use reflection and self-

regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.

c) Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and in interactions with colleagues, clients, and peers.

d) Use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.

e) Use of technology, including cell phones, in ethical and appropriate ways and in compliance with the agency’s policies.

f) Adherence to agency policies and procedures and initiative in asking questions when in doubt about policies, procedures, practice and/or ethical issues.

g) Demonstrate regular and ontime attendance.

h) Demonstrate a willingness to learn and a willingness to be open to constructive feedback.

i) Take initiative in seeking learning opportunities.

j) Present with appropriate professional dress.

k) Exercise sobriety and good judgment.

l) Utilize appropriate professional communication, including written, verbal, and non-verbal communications.

Requesting a Change in Placement During practicum education, students must meet course requirements and professional and ethical responsibilities as they engage with clients and client systems, agencies, and communities. Due to these requirements, requests to change placement agencies after a semester has begun are rarely approved. We do know, however, that extenuating circumstances can occur through no fault of the student, and an agency change may be appropriate and/or necessary for student safety and learning. Examples of these situations include an agency discontinuing services, verified unethical activity on the part of the agency or inappropriate treatment of a student learner, or a crisis that impacts the agency and learning opportunities, such as a natural disaster. Students who suspect a change in agencies for a future semester may be warranted should be aware of practicum deadlines relating to placement confirmations and course registrations. These deadlines can be found in the BASW and MSW Student Services Suite in Canvas and align with priority course registration.

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PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS AND PLACEMENT CHANGES & CHALLENGES

Student Behavior Expectations

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS AND PLACEMENT CHANGES & CHALLENGES

If both the semester and the student presence in the agency have already begun and a student feels an agency change is in their best interest as a learner, the student should 1) consult with their Course Instructor about the circumstance that they are experiencing, and 2) complete a Placement Support Request form to request a Placement Success meeting. The practicum team will review the request, meet with the student to better understand the situation, and determine if a change in placement is appropriate and feasible for the student’s degree plan. If an agency change is approved, the practicum team and Course Instructor will work with the student to finalize tasks in the current agency and assist with securing a new placement.

Hours accrued at the first placement may be applied to the new placement if deemed appropriate for student assessment processes.

Changing to a new agency in the same semester will only be approved for already active and partnered agencies. Agencies requiring a new partnership contract with the UK CoSW and UK will not be allowed for the current semester and will require the student to delay their practicum course until the next semester. If practicum deadlines have passed, or policy exceptions are requested, requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Director of Practicum Education and Experiential Learning.

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Employment Offers Should the student be approached about accepting employment at the agency during the practicum placement, the student should immediately contact their Course Instructor to discuss the potential implications to their placement. The student is expected to complete practicum requirements as planned.

Students are required to submit an Employer-Hosted Placement Application to ensure their placement experience is captured accurately by the CoSW. Employment offers which disrupt, truncate, or otherwise affect the continuity and completion of the placement plan will not be approved.

If the student is in an employerhosted placement and is offered the opportunity to transfer into the placement position or a new job with their current or a new employer, a Placement Support Request should be submitted by the student for prompt attention and consultation. In this circumstance, and before initiating any action or making any decisions that could have an impact on the current placement plan, the student and/or the Practicum Instructor shall consult with the Course Instructor and potentially the Practicum Office.

Addressing Performance and/or Problematic Behaviors Students entering their practicum placement will be held accountable for their behavior and actions.

Problematic behaviors leading to an unsatisfactory rating or termination are not typically illegal or immoral but are often

a recurrent series of minor problems indicating a lack of readiness for professional social work. Although placement terminations and unsatisfactory ratings occur infrequently, they present challenging situations for the student, Practicum Instructor, Task Supervisor, and Course Instructor.

Although not an exhaustive list, students should actively work to avoid the following examples of unacceptable and problematic behaviors. Each

of the behaviors listed could be a reason for the justifiable termination of a student in practicum.

Students terminated from a placement for the semester may receive a failing grade for the semester in which they are terminated, subject to disciplinary action, and/or dismissed from the BASW or MSW program. Students who are terminated twice while enrolled in their designated program will be referred to the BASW or MSW program director for disciplinary action and dismissal from the program. Per program policy, students who earn an E in two or more courses will be eligible for dismissal from the program. a) Disregard for UK CoSW or agency policies, rules, and regulations, including violations of the NASW Code of Ethics.

b) A hostile, resistant, or combative attitude toward learning, their supervisors, or others in the agency.

c) Chronic tardiness and/or absenteeism, as considered by the agency.

practicum activities caused by prescription drug use, alcohol use, or other controlled substances or illegal drugs.

e) A personality unsuited to and incompatible with the practice of social work, such as being judgmental, unapproachable in appearance or attitude, and/or punitive or cold behavior.

f) Emotional immaturity that interferes with the ability to effectively practice social work.

g) Unprofessional behavior, including inappropriate communications (written, verbal, non-verbal) and disrespect to agency staff and/ or clients.

h) Behavior that is emotionally damaging to clients.

i) Emotional problems and needs that interfere with the student’s ability to work with clients, colleagues, or supervisors.

j) Boundary violations and concerns regarding the student’s ability to maintain appropriate and professional contact with clients.

k) Conflicts of interest; unforeseeable or previously undisclosed.

Requesting Placement Support Students, Agency Practicum Instructors and/or Course Instructors are expected to address and deal with concerns and problems as soon as possible and before they become a hindrance to learning. When student issues and unacceptable or problematic behaviors become evident, the Practicum Instructor and/or Task Supervisor should document the observed

behaviors and first arrange a meeting with the student to bring awareness to the issue and address the behavior.

Placement support should be requested for the following situations:

a) Student requesting an External Practicum Instructor and/or previous Practicum Instructor no longer available

b) Student requesting agency transfer

c) Student/agency facing an ethical dilemma

d) Student violation/concern regarding UKY-CoSW practicum policies and/or agency policies

e) Student performance concern (see list of problematic behaviors) f) Student failing to complete required course activities

g) Student withdrawing from practicum course

h) Student suspended/ terminated from placement

i) Possible practicum disruption or displacement at current agency **This is not an exhaustive list of reasons to complete a Placement Support Request.

The following steps should be taken by the student, practicum supervisors, and/or Course Instructor to initiate the placement support process from the Practicum Office.

1. Discuss the situation and attempt to resolve the issue directly between the student, Course Instructor, and/or Agency Practicum Instructor.

2. Submit a Placement Support Request in Experiential Learning Cloud. This is reviewed by a practicum team member and the submitter will be contacted for further exploration and/or guidance on resolution.

3. If not resolved, the practicum team member then reviews additional documentation (if available), consults with practicum leadership, and then provides additional guidance for the involved parties.

4. If not resolved, or the student has been terminated or suspended from the agency as part of the original issue, the Course Instructor will schedule a Placement Success Meeting to further review the support request, explore the concerns, and develop a plan for resolution.

This meeting will include the student, Agency Practicum Instructor, Course Instructor, and the Assistant Director of Practicum Education. During this meeting, a student success plan is developed to address longer-term concerns and/ or future practicum activities.

The Student Success Plan is documented and saved as an Advising Note in Experiential Learning Cloud.

5. If a student is suspended or terminated by the agency, or if a student fails a practicum course, the Director of Practicum Education and Experiential Learning will automatically review the situation and determine what further action is needed, including a report to the CoSW Student Concerns Committee Process.

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PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS AND PLACEMENT CHANGES & CHALLENGES

d) Impairment while engaging in

Suspension and/or Termination Students suspended or terminated from their placement are required to 1) immediately notify their Course Instructor and 2) submit a Placement Support Request in Experiential Learning Cloud. Termination from a practicum placement may occur when either the Course Instructor, Practicum Instructor, or Practicum Office leadership feels that there are concerns about a student’s performance or professionalism that have not responded to prior remediation efforts. Termination may also occur if a student’s behaviors have resulted in a significant violation of the NASW Code of Ethics, agency policy, or state or federal laws.

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Students terminated from their placement are not allowed to secure and/ or begin a new placement until the termination issue has been fully explored by the practicum team.

Practicum hours completed in a placement where the student has been terminated will not be applied to a new placement agency.

CoSW Student Concerns Committee Process The CoSW Student Concerns Committee Process will examine reports of serious issues concerning student behaviors and/or violations of the NASW Code of Ethics, the UKY CoSW’s policies, rules, or Code of Conduct. The Committee may hold hearings to make findings of fact and recommendations, and

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will do so within two weeks of having received such a report.

1. The Director of Practicum Education will interview the student and agency personnel and will then determine when it is appropriate to send a report of serious student violation to the Committee.

2. The Committee will convene to examine the report and the alleged violations, and make written recommendations, including the foundation for the recommendations, to the Director of Practicum Education.

3. The Director of Practicum Education will decide whether, or not, to adopt those recommendations.

The recommendations will then be shared with the student.

4. If the recommendation includes failing the student, the Director of Practicum Education will decide whether, or not, to accept the recommendation and communicate the decision to the student, and other appropriate college directors, faculty, and staff.

If the committee suggests failing the student, the Director of Practicum Education will decide to accept the recommendations or suggest alternative interventions. The final decision made by the Director of Practicum Education will be communicated to the student, faculty, and other appropriate college personnel that need to know the outcome.

5. The first level of appeal for the student is the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs (ADASA). The ADASA will decide whether, or not,

to adopt the recommendation of the Director of Practicum Education. The determination of the appeal will be communicated directly from the ADASA’s office.

6. The next level of appeal for the student will be the Dean of the College. The Dean’s determination of the appeal will be communicated directly from the Dean’s office.

If the student is not satisfied with the Dean’s decision on appeal, the student can appeal to the Academic Ombud. *Army/UK MSW Military Specialization students at the Ft. Sam Houston campus are subject to the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s policies, rules, and procedures in addition to AMEDDC&S HRCoE regulations.

Returning from Suspension or a Period of Inactivity Students returning from suspension must do at least one semester of classroom course work before they are eligible to register for a practicum course. Students returning to school after a period of inactivity of greater than one semester cannot register for a practicum course without the permission from the practicum team.

BASW Student Suspension: Information on the process for students placed on probation or suspension is in the University Catalog. Information is also located in the BASW student handbook on the College website.

MSW Student Suspension: Information on the process for students placed on probation or suspension is in the Graduate School’s Catalog and located in the MSW student handbook.

Practicum Course Withdrawal In rare instances, circumstances may require that a student withdraw from a practicum course. The College of Social Work follows the rules of the university as administered by the Registrar’s office for registrations and withdrawals. Withdrawing from a practicum course is much more serious than withdrawing from other university courses because of consequences for both agencies and agency clients. Students who experience significant difficulties that may require withdrawal should follow this step-by-step process:

1. Immediately contact your Course Instructor to arrange a meeting to discuss your options, including withdrawal.

2. Submit a Placement Support Request for Practicum Office notification and guidance.

3. If your withdrawal from the practicum education course is approved by the Practicum Office, and/or the appropriate academic advisor, follow the College and University guidelines for withdrawing from a course.

4. Contact your Agency Practicum Instructor to discuss your withdrawal.

Students who do not follow this withdrawal process, or who are asked to withdraw by the agency or Course Instructor may be required to attend a Placement Support Meeting in order to be granted permission to register again for a practicum course in a future semester. Students who

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withdraw from a placement are not allowed to apply the hours to future practicum placements or courses.

Frequently Asked Questions All practicum information and relevant practicum forms are in the online Student Services, Advising, and Practicum Orientation course in Canvas.

Practicum Education FAQs for BASW and MSW are available on the CoSW website.

Students can also complete a Practicum Contact Form or email coswpracticum@uky.edu for assistance.

Campus Resources & Support There are numerous resources available to students through the University of Kentucky.

These resources are available on the College website and on the University website.

College classes and practicum can be stressful. The University of Kentucky Counseling Center is available to fee-paying students who are enrolled for at least six credit hours in undergraduate, graduate or professional programs: https:// studentsuccess.uky.edu/ counseling-center The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available twenty-four hours a day at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you are concerned about yourself or someone else.

Institutional Neutrality Policy https://uknow.uky.edu/sites/ default/files/Institutional%20 Neutrality%20Policy.pdf

APPENDIX A PRACTICUM CONTACT INFORMATION Main Campus (Lexington, KY) General Practicum Inquiries coswpracticum@uky.edu Director, Practicum Education Stephanie Haynes Ratliff, PhD, MSW, CSW Stephanie.Ratliff@uky.edu Clinical Assistant Professor Desha Scanlon, DSW, MSW Desha.scanlon@uky.edu Senior Experiential Learning Specialist Sam Chenot, MSW, LCSW sam.chenot@uky.edu Practicum and Contracts Coordinator Jyler Donovan Jyler.donvan@uky.edu Pre-practicum Coordinator Lesley Phillips, MSW, CSW Lesley.Phillips@uky.edu Agency Engagement Coordinator Mason Kalinsky mason.kalinsky@uky.edu

APPENDIX A

Army/Ft. Sam Houston Campus (San Antonio, TX) Practicum Coordinator Shawndra Y. Pickett, MSW, LCSW-S

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APPENDIX B GLOSSARY OF TERMS a) Active/Approved Agency – An agency prepared to host students in their practicum placement that has a fully executed partnership agreement in place and has been approved by the practicum office.

b) Advanced Placement – The practicum practicum placement completed by graduate MSW students focusing on advanced generalist competencies.

c) Advanced Standing Student – An MSW student with an undergraduate degree in social work (within a set time period) that is conferred by an accredited program and meets the eligibility requirements for the 30hour MSW program.

d) Agency Practicum Instructor – The individual supervising the student in an agency that has earned an MSW + 2 years of post-grad experience and is providing weekly educational supervision. *Note: This role is referenced as a Site Supervisor in Experiential Learning Cloud.

e) Confirmation of Placement Dates Form – The form completed to confirm dates of practicum placement within the agency.

placement completed in the student’s current place of employment.

i) Employer-Hosted Placement Application Form – The form that is completed by the student seeking approval of a practicum placement at their current place of employment.

This form is completed as part of the Site Placement Process in Experiential Learning Cloud.

j) Extension Process – The process by which a student continues in the same agency from their Foundation to Advanced practicum placement (MSW) or completes both Foundation practicum education courses in the same agency (BASW).

k) External Practicum Instructor – The individual supervising the student from outside of the agency that has earned an MSW + 2 years of post-grad experience and is providing weekly educational supervision.

l) Practicum Contact Form – A fillable form on the CoSW website that requests additional information and/or support from the practicum office.

f) Coswpracticum@uky.edu – The CoSW email

m) Practicum Agency Qualification Checklist – The criteria agencies serving as approved

account students should use when seeking practicum information.

placement sites must meet to host social work students, found in the Practicum Manual.

g) Course Instructor – The individual overseeing practicum education course and student learning activities from the university.

Course Instructors may be CoSW faculty, Part-Time Instructors (PTI), or Staff, but must have an MSW from an accredited social work program and 2+ years of post-degree work experience. *Note: This role is referenced as Program staff/Faculty in Experiential Learning Cloud.

APPENDIX B

h) Employer-Hosted Placement – A practicum

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n) Practicum Agency Profile Form – The form completed by the agency to outline geographical information, populations served, and agency information.

o) Practicum Program Functions – The Practicum Program centers around five core functions: recruitment (includes student site placement), contracting, education, stakeholder experience, and quality assurance. All practicum operations and activities center within these areas of work and engagement, with limited crossover at times required for task handover and transition activities.

individual supervising the student while in their practicum placement in either role of Agency Practicum Instructor or task supervisor to outline their credentials.

q) Foundation Placement – The initial practicum practicum placement completed by undergraduate social work and regular standing graduate MSW students focusing on generalist social work competencies.

r) Inactive Agency – An agency that is unable to host students due to an expired partnership agreement or other circumstance.

s) Learning Plan – The documents developed by the student with the Agency Practicum Instructor and/or task supervisor to establish tasks related to the CSWE competencies. Foundation-level learning plans are used in SW 444/445 and SW 640, while Advanced-level learning plans are developed for SW 740/741, SW 745, or SW 746.

t) Midterm/Final Practicum Evaluations – The student performance assessment within a practicum course that includes a) a student self-evaluation and b) a practicum instructor evaluation. Learning Plan content is integrated into the Midterm and Final Practicum Evaluation documents, with students and practicum instructors assessing against planned activities.

Midterm and Final Evaluations allow Practicum Instructors (and Task Supervisors when appropriate) the ability to assess competencies and practice behaviors on a scale and demonstrate overall competency attainment ratings.

u) Virtual Group Educational Supervision – The weekly synchronous supervision session provided to CoSW students when there is no one connected to or part of the agency that meets the CoSW criteria as an Agency or External Practicum Instructor.

v) Orientation Checklist – An activity completed by students at the start of their placement to ensure they are aware of essential aspects of their new placement site.

w) Partnership Agreement – The legal Memorandum of Understanding executed by the placement agency and the UKY CoSW that establishes responsibilities and terms for student practicum placements. Establishing a partnership agreement requires numerous steps and must be in place prior to a student beginning in the agency and establishes liability coverage for students during their practicum courses.

x) Practicum Placement – The practicum education setting utilized by social work students during their practicum education course. Typically, in an agency or program, and may be engaged in person or remotely using technology, students are hosted and provided the opportunity to demonstrate and build their competencies and social work skills. Placements may have designations based on their client population, practice area, and/or issue (i.e. SUD placement, Child Welfare placement).

y) Placement Confirmation Form – The form completed by a student during the site placement process in Experiential Learning Cloud that confirms their understanding of their responsibilities as a student in their practicum placement. Completion of this form is necessary for practicum course enrollment.

z) Placement Success Meeting – A formal discussion between a student, a practicum team member, and other involved parties, intended to understand the challenge a student may be having and develop a workable solution to the issue.

aa) Placement Support Request Form – The form that alerts the Practicum Office that a student, practicum supervisor, or Course Instructor needs assistance in navigating a situation or concern regarding the student practicum placement. The requester will indicate the specific area of support, steps that have been taken to address the situation, and the ultimate outcome desired. The request is then reviewed by the Practicum Office and solutions to the issue are engaged.

bb) Practicum – The practicum education course and coursework completed by

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APPENDIX B

p) Practicum Instructor Application Form – The form completed by the

social work students toward their degree requirements. Foundation and Advanced are the two types of social work practicum completed at undergraduate (Foundation only) and graduate (Foundation and Advanced) levels.

cc) Practicum Placement Safety Checklist – An educational activity completed by students at the start of their placement to ensure they are aware of essential safety aspects of their new placement site.

dd) Redlining – A possible stage that can occur while establishing a new partnership educational agreement/contract where either UK or the agency requires changes to the terms outlined in the UK agreement template. If the agency partnership agreement goes into a redlining process, the student must determine another agency for their practicum placement due to the processing delays and uncertain timelines that are involved in term negotiation.

ee) Regular Standing Student – A student who does not meet the eligibility requirements for Advanced Standing status for the UK CoSW and is completing the 60hour MSW program.

ff) Initial Site Contact form – The form completed by the student to outline who the practicum office communicates with at the agency to start the educational agreement process.

gg) Site Placement Process – The series of steps a student must complete to finalize their practicum placement (in Experiential Learning Cloud), which includes selecting an active agency or suggesting a new agency, selecting or suggesting a practicum instructor, establishing placement dates, and completing the Placement Confirmation Form.

hh) Agency Site Visit – The required

APPENDIX B

meeting between the student, Course Instructor, practicum instructor, and task supervisor (if applicable) to ensure parties

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are introduced, and to discuss student learning opportunities and practicum placement requirements, which can occur in person or virtually.

ii) Student Practicum Details Form – The form completed by students to help them explore agency types, populations, and learning opportunities that they are interested in working with and help guide their placement selection process.

jj) Suspension/Termination – Student dismissal from their practicum placement that ends their ability to engage with the agency, often occurring due to policy violations, poor performance, and/or issues of professionalism. Students experiencing a suspension or termination from their practicum placement are required to submit a Placement Support Request and may not continue with their current agency or begin a new placement unless approved by the Practicum Office.

kk) Task Supervisor – The individual in the practicum placement agency providing dayto-day support to the student that does not meet the requirements of Agency Practicum Instructor.

ll) Experiential Learning Cloud – The online practicum management system used by students and agencies to facilitate their practicum placement site and manage practicum course activities and requirements.