General Requirements for Field 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 field assignments should be focused on direct practice in the foundation-year field internship. For specialization-year field 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 field internship days.
A qualified field 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 Field 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 field 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 field instructor. Student participation in group supervision and multidisciplinary meetings is highly recommended and an addition to student learning.