It is important to develop student awareness of safety practice issues relevant to your area of practice.
Safety protocols in social work practice are essential. During the orientation period, inform students of safety policies and procedures at your organization.
If an event occurs during the practicum which impacts the student's mental, emotional and/or physical safety, please notify the student's assigned Practicum Liaison and complete a Critical Incident Report. The Critical Incident Report ensures debriefing occurs if needed and any needed resources are provided to students. When a Critical Incident Report is initiated the Practicum Education office is notified, and is available to offer resources and support.
Recommended Safety Considerations to Review During Orientation
Health Safety
Office Safety
Home Visit Safety
Community Safety
Environmental Safety
Recognition of Potential Volatile Situations
De-escalation Techniques
Emotional Safety
PLEASE REVIEW WITH YOUR STUDENTS:
Safety codes and responses to codes. (Ex. Dr. Armstrong is needed....)
Protocols for Fire, Tornado, Violence in the agency (and the drills)
Who to contact when incidents occur
What needs to be reported immediately
When to seek supervision
Taking care of themselves in crises
In the event of an interruption of social work practicum due to natural or human events such as natural disasters, civil unrest, public health emergencies, or other risks to public safety, the Practicum Education Office may authorize students to engage in learning activities in line with social work core competencies offsite from organizations under the supervision of Practicum Instructors and Practicum Liaisons. In the event of extraordinary events, the Practicum Office will consult university offices, including legal counsel, risk management, and the Provost Office. Additionally, the Practicum Office will monitor public health, public emergency response systems, and state and accrediting body advisements. Remote learning activities are meant to be time limited.
Note: Any alteration from the regular activities in the practicum and identified in the competency development plan have to be pre-approved by the Practicum Liaison, and the Practicum Instructor. They need to be related to specific events/circumstances. These should be short term with identified short time frames.
Students are responsible for immediately notifying Task Supervisors (if applicable), Practicum Instructors, and Practicum Liaisons via email and telephone if they are ill, quarantined, or otherwise unable to report to practicum.
Task Supervisors/Practicum Instructors are responsible for notifying students, Task Supervisors/Practicum Instructors, and Practicum Liaisons if the agency is closing or the Task Supervisor/Practicum Instructor will be unavailable.
Practicum Liaisons should coordinate with Task Supervisors/Practicum Instructors on planned activities, including telephone or video conference supervision plans. Evaluation of the activities should be completed in weekly supervision to determine if adjustments are needed.