Appendix I
Learning Contract- Graduate Social Work Field Practicum
Alabama A& M University
Department of Social Work, Psychology, and Counseling
Student Name: ________________________ Semester ___________ (Foundation)
Field Supervisor: ___________________Field Agency: ________________________
Mission: The mission of the MSW Program is to prepare students with advanced generalist and
specialized competencies to promote human and community well-being, demonstrate respect for
human diversity, engage in scientific inquiry, be committed to life-long learning and demonstrate
knowledge of and an ability to engage in professional practice that recognizes the interconnections
between social policy, social, economic and environmental justice and vulnerable populations in
rural and urban communities locally, nationally and globally.
Directions: The student and field supervisor develop the Learning Contract together. The
content of the learning agreement must be thoroughly discussed by the student and field supervisor
prior to the individual sections being completed. This agreement sets forth the context of the field
experience, its parameters and the performance expectations of both student and field supervisor.
A completed agreement must be turned in to the field director/coordinator by the 4
th
week of the
semester.
The tasks, activities and knowledge areas expected of the student must be reflective of the nine (9)
Core Competencies set forth in this contract. It is intended that the Field Supervisor will observe
the student doing the assignments, tasks and activities.
Learning activities- The field supervisor in collaboration with the student will identify activities
associated with their field placement that fulfills the competencies of the Council on Social
Work Education and the Alabama A & M University-Department of Social Work. Activities
should be specific to the agency placement and measurable.
SWK-581 Field Practicum and Seminar
2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)
9 Core Competencies & Component Behaviors
Competency 1- Students will Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Component Behaviors:
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;
use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain
professionalism in practice situations;
demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and
electronic communication;
use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and
use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.
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Competency 2- Students will Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Component Behaviors:
apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in
shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels;
present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their
own experiences; and
apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and
values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
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Competency 3- Students will Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and
Environmental Justice
Component Behaviors:
apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate
for human rights at the individual and system levels; and
engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.
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Competency 4 Students will Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-
informed Practice
Component Behaviors:
use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research;
apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research
methods and research findings; and
use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service
delivery.
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Competency 5 Students will Engage in Policy Practice
Component Behaviors:
Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service
delivery, and access to social services;
assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to
social services;
apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance
human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
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Competency 6 – Students will Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities
Component Behaviors:
apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment,
and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and
constituencies; and
use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and
constituencies.
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Competency 7 Students will Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and
Communities
Component Behaviors:
collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients
and constituencies;
apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment,
and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data
from clients and constituencies;
develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical
assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and
select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research
knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies
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Competency 8 Students will Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities
Component Behaviors:
critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance
capacities of clients and constituencies;
apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment,
and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and
constituencies;
use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice
outcomes;
negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and
constituencies; and
facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals.
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Competency 9 –Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and
Communities
Component Behaviors:
select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment,
and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes;
critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and
outcomes; and
apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and
macro levels
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Field Supervisor/Date Graduate Student/Date
----------------------------------------------OFFICE USE ONLY------------------------------------
Reviewed by Field Coordinator/Director: ______________________________
Signature/Date
Follow up and Consultation needed from Director of Field Education: ________ (√)
Reviewed and Consulted: ______________________________
Director of Field Education/Date