General Requirements for Agencies

General Requirements for Agencies

• Statement of agency function as a provider of social services or related services.

• Focus of agency services is on individuals, families, groups, and the community. A minimum of 50 percent of a student’s assignments should be focused on direct practice in the foundation-year internship. For specialization-year internships, a minimum of 60 percent of assignments must be spent in the student’s declared specialization.

• A structured and supportive learning environment with a variety of planned social work assignments.

• A dedicated student work space, equipment, and supplies available on internship days.

• A qualified practicum instructor who possesses a CSWE accredited social work degree with a minimum of two years of postgraduate experience and/or an LCSW, is employed by the agency, and fulfills a supervisory role. (see Instructor Requirements page)

• Availability of a comprehensive learning experience at the BSW or MSW student level, consistent with BSW or MSW practice curriculum, that includes opportunities to complete micro-, mezzo-, and macro-level interventions.

• Availability of a reasonable student caseload assignment for the duration of the student’s placement assignment.

• Availability of trainings specific to the population served by the agency.

• Macro-level projects are highly desirable.

• A minimum of one hour of weekly individual supervision with practicum instructor. Student participation in group supervision and multidisciplinary meetings is highly recommended and an addition to student learning.