Note that the placement process generally follows this order, but adjustments may be made along the way.
Many of these activities may occur over the summer. Please respond promptly to emails and complete follow-up activities. Failure to do so may result in a delayed start of the field experience or a change to the academic plan.
The Field Office sends a “slot request” to our established Field Sites every January.
The Site completes the slot request, which tells the Field Office if they can take field students and how many.
We request they complete the slot request in late February, but some sites won't complete it until later. Additionally, we continually onboard new field sites throughout the year and add them to our directory.
The available slots will constantly change throughout the placement process.
The Field Office will have the best understanding of which sites are available or not.
Students will receive an invitation to join the PRISM database. This database is used for all activities related to the field experience (consents, placement referrals, learning portfolios, timesheets, etc.).
After receiving the invitation, students must activate their account and pay the subscription fee.
Once activated, students complete their profile, including the recorded field interview. Fill out your profile completely. Add a headshot and upload an updated resumé.
Your profile will be sent to field sites when you are referred for an interview.
FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS
This process begins in January/February.
FOR NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS
This process starts after the mandatory advising session.
SPECIALIZATION YEAR STUDENTS
You must complete the Specialization Declaration form before.
Please record yourself answering the following questions. The recording should not exceed 5 minutes and address all questions listed below.
Once recorded, you must upload the file to Google Drive or YouTube and include the link in the Summary section on your EXXAT Profile.
Options for recording your video
Record on your cell phone and upload the file to Google Drive
Record on your computer using its recording software (QuickTime or Windows Camera App).
Sign up for a free account with Zoom and record directly to your computer.
Questions
What does it mean to be a social worker?
What are your hopes/expectations for your field experience?
When faced with a problem, what is the first thing you do?
What six items would you need if you were stranded on a deserted island alone?
Upload and share videos
Google Drive Sharing Instructions
Please use the share link, allowing anyone with the link to see the video.
After completing the profile, students will be invited to complete a Wishlist in PRISM.
The Wishlist allows students to select and rank available slots.
This process gives the Field Office insight into the student's interests, but choosing a field site doesn't mean the student will be referred to the site. The Field Office is ultimately responsible for determining a field placement and referral.
Available placements change daily, and not all slots that the student selects may be available at the time of referral.
Read sites carefully as they are available statewide! Please read what is available in PRISM and search their website to learn more about the agency.
Though meeting with the Field Coordinator is not required, it is highly recommended, especially if you have questions about specific sites or requirements. You can schedule a meeting with the field coordinator by visiting the appointment calendar.
Find the Wishlist here:
Start at the Dashboard
Click on Field Coursework
Click on the course name (E.G. 391 - Undergrad Field Education I)
Click on the course name under Wishlists
Read the instructions & click the Start button
In the left search menu, click "all states" or "Hawai'i," then on the "Apply" button to see the list of sites.
Tip: Do not use too many search filters, as they do not always work well and may filter out potential sites.
Note: Some agencies have a presence on multiple islands/locations. Read the description carefully.
FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS: This process begins in early March.
FOR NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS: This process starts after the mandatory advising session.
After the Wishlist has been submitted, the Field Office Reviews the submission and available slots, matching students based on the student's needs and interests and the specific site requests and requirements.
Please note that specialization students must be matched with a site that aligns with their specialization.
Once matched, students receive an email referring them to a site for an interview. The site also gets an email alerting them that a student has been referred, and they receive a link to the student's profile in PRISM.
After receiving the email, students should contact the listed contact persons to schedule an interview. Remember, do not rely solely on email to contact a site. When available, calling the person can help expedite the process.
Students will only receive one referral at a time.
FOR SPECIALIZATION YEAR STUDENTS
The placement process is highly competitive, and more than one student can simultaneously be referred to a site for an interview.
FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS
This process begins in late March and continues until all the students are placed.
FOR NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS
This process starts after the mandatory advising session.
Every placement requires an interview with the site. This will be coordinated when you contact the site after receiving the referral. Most interviews will be in person, though some may occur online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Make sure to do your due diligence to prepare for the interview. Look up information on the organization you are interviewing with. Practice answering interview questions. The field website includes a series of #protips to assist in preparing for the interview.
Make sure you dress appropriately for the interview. Always put your best foot forward!
📽️ Watch a video of Aimee and Robin talking about the field interviews.
FOR SPECIALIZATION YEAR STUDENTS: The placement process is highly competitive, and more than one student can simultaneously be referred to a site for an interview.
After interviewing with the site, if selected for the placement, students will update PRISM indicating that the placement has been secured. They will then begin work on fulfilling any requirements for the site (background checks, immunization records, etc.).
If a student is not selected for the placement, they should contact the field office and update them on the situation.
The Field Office will then work on another referral for the student.
Most field sites have site-specific requirements to be fulfilled before you can begin your hours. Some sites will have you complete the requirements 1-2 months before your scheduled start date; others will have requirements that may take longer. In some situations, you may be required to pay out of pocket to fulfill specific requirements (CPR certification, criminal background checks, immunizations, etc.). In other situations, the site covers the cost.
We have done our best to capture site-specific requirements within PRISM. There are situations where the requirements change or the site does not provide the information.
PRISM will indicate if the site requires the Field Office to collect the information. In this situation, you will upload most materials to PRISM or send them to your Field Coordinator via UH File Drop.
DO NOT WAIT TO GATHER THE NECESSARY MATERIALS OR COMPLETE THE REQUIREMENTS. Doing so may result in a delay in the start of your placement.
Many of these activities will occur over the summer when classes are not in session. Please make sure to check your email and respond promptly.
The field website includes a resource list of requirements.