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Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Field Manual
2
Liberty University
Department of Social Work
DeMoss 3315
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-757
Christine Fulmer, MSW
Chair of the Department of Social Work
(434) 592-7665
Director of Field Education
(434) 592-3779
Jessica Schneider, BSW
Field Support Coordinator
(434) 592-3112
Stacey Hildebrand
Field Support
(434) 582-7686
Adyson LeClair
Field Support
(434) 582-3770
3
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ........................................................................... 6
I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 7
II. MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS, AND LEARNING
OUTCOMES ................................................................................................... 9
A. Mission Statement................................................................................... 9
B. Program Goals ........................................................................................ 9
C. Program Learning Outcomes ................................................................ 9
III. SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCIES AND PRACTICE
BEHAVIORS ................................................................................................. 10
IV. FIELD EDUCATION OVERVIEW .................................................. 14
A. Field Education Eligibility ................................................................... 14
B. Field Experience Requirements ........................................................... 16
B.1 Junior Field Experience ................................................................. 17
B.2 Senior Field Experience ................................................................. 17
B.3 Field Experience and Seminar Course Grade .............................. 18
C. Gate 1 Documents and Field Enrollment .......................................... 18
C.1 Background Check, Fingerprints & VA Child Abuse Search .... 18
C.2 Disclosure Statement Form ........................................................... 18
D. Requirements for Professionalism ...................................................... 19
E. Pre-Field Enrollment Documents (Gate 2) ........................................ 20
E.1 Acknowledgement of Field Manual Review ................................ 21
E.2 Release of Student Information .................................................... 21
E.3 Field Comittment Contract ........................................................... 21
E.4 Transportation Information Form ............................................... 22
E.5 Student Resume .............................................................................. 22
4
E.6 Student’s Field Fair Registration Form ........................................ 22
E.7 Employment Based Placement Proposal ..................................... 22
F. Field Enrollment Documents .............................................................. 22
F.1 Agency Information for Field Placement Form (Seniors
completing At-Home placements only) .............................................. 23
F.2 Field Instructor Information Form (Seniors completing At-
Home placements only) ........................................................................ 23
F.3 Affiliation Agreement ..................................................................... 23
F.4 Beginning Contract ......................................................................... 23
F.5 Professional Liability Insurance..................................................... 24
G. Field Placement Options ..................................................................... 24
G.1 Local Field Placements .................................................................. 25
G.2 Other Domestic Field Placement Opportunities (Senior Only) 25
G.3 Employment-Based Placements ................................................... 26
G.4 At-Home Placements (Senior Only) ............................................ 27
G.5 International Field Placement Opportunities (Junior only) ....... 27
H. Field Placement Process ...................................................................... 28
H.1 Agency Interview Assignments .................................................... 28
H.2 Resume and Interview Workshops .............................................. 28
H.3 Field Fair ......................................................................................... 29
H.4 Final Choice Form and Field Placement Matching Process ...... 29
H.5 Finalizing Agency Placements ...................................................... 29
H.6 Registration for Field Experience and Seminar Course ............. 29
H.7 External Field Instructors ............................................................. 30
I. Field Placement Schedules .................................................................... 30
I.1 Scheduling Field Hours ................................................................... 30
I.2 Completing Field Hours Past the Deadline .................................. 31
I.3 Field Days ......................................................................................... 31
5
I.4 Holidays and Vacations ................................................................... 32
I.5 Absences Due to Illness or other Circumstances ......................... 32
V. MUTUAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES ................................... 32
A. Liberty University ................................................................................. 32
B. Director of Field Education ................................................................. 33
C. Faculty Field Liaison ............................................................................. 35
D. Students ................................................................................................. 36
E. Field Instructor ..................................................................................... 38
F. Agency Field Coordinator .................................................................... 39
VI. FIELD EXPERIENCE AND SEMINAR ASSIGNMENTS ........... 40
A. Seminar Participation ........................................................................... 40
B. Agency Orientation Checklist .............................................................. 41
C. Adherence to Field Manual Policies and Procedures ........................ 41
D. Field Experience Journals .................................................................... 41
E. Field Application Presentation ............................................................ 41
F. Site Visit Participation ........................................................................... 42
G. Field Experience Timesheet ................................................................ 42
H. Field Experience Supervisory Agenda ................................................ 42
I. Field Experience Beginning Contract .................................................. 42
J. Field Experience Learning Contract..................................................... 42
K. Student Self-Evaluation of Field Experience ..................................... 43
L. Student Evaluation of Field Experience ............................................. 43
M. Field Instructor Evaluation of Student .............................................. 43
VII. HANDLING CHALLENGES DURING FIELD EXPERIENCE
.......................................................................................................................... 43
A. Changing Agency Experiences ............................................................ 43
B. Addressing Grievances ......................................................................... 44
C. Discrimination, Harrassment and Assault .......................................... 44
6
C.1 Racial Discrimination and Harassment ........................................ 45
C2. Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Assault ........................ 46
C.3 Other Personal Safety Issues ......................................................... 47
D. The Restoration Process ...................................................................... 48
E. Field Placement Agency Dismissal or Course Withdrawal ............... 50
VIII. NACSW STATEMENT OF FAITH AND PRACTICE ............... 51
IX. NASW CODE OF ETHICS ................................................................. 51
X. CSWE EDUCATION POLICY AND ACCREDITATION
STANDARDS ................................................................................................ 52
Appendix………………………………………………………….........53
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Department of Social Work would like to thank Dr. Raquel Ellis, the
Founding Director of Field Education, Christine Fulmer, Chair of the
Social Work Department, Zachary Grafman, the Department’s Faculty
Support Coordinator, Jessica Schneider, the Department’s Field
Coordinator, Stacey Hildebrand and Adyson LeClair, the Department’s
Field Support members, and Bailee Robinson, the Program Support
Coordinator, for their input and technical support in assembling this field
manual.
7
I. INTRODUCTION
Field education is a central component of the instruction and training that
students receive to prepare them for a professional career in social work.
Field work offers students the opportunity to apply the theory and
knowledge gained in the classroom to different practice settings. This
manual provides an overview of Liberty University’s social work field
education policies, procedures, and requirements for the residential
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW). The purpose of the manual is to
orient and offer guidance to residential BSW Students, Faculty, Field
Instructors, and other Agency Personnel involved in social work field
education as they engage in the field experience. In addition to describing
the roles and responsibilities of each party involved, this manual provides
an overview of the Department of Social Work’s mission statement, goals
and learning outcomes; the social work competencies and practice
behaviors adopted by the Department; Code of Ethics for the North
American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW) and the
National Association of Social Workers (NASW); and the Council on
Social Work Education (CSWE) Education Policy and Accreditation
Standards (EPAS). This information offers guiding principles for social
work education that support the goal of successfully preparing students
for a professional career in social work.
Liberty University’s Social Work Department offers Junior and Senior
Field Experience and Seminar courses. In these courses, students receive
supervised practice experience in an agency setting while concurrently
attending a seminar class that offers the opportunity to process their field
experiences and engage in further learning. The integration of classroom
and field activities provides students a unique and comprehensive learning
experience to support their development as professional social workers.
The Social Work Department offers field opportunities in a variety of
practice settings for students. These settings include opportunities to
engage in different levels of practice from direct practice with individuals
and families (micro-level), practice with neighborhoods and small groups
(mezzo-level), and practice that impacts larger systems such as policy
8
analysis, administration, and research (macro-level). Students are also
offered field opportunities in a variety of geographical locations, including
international settings.
Any inquiries and/or comments regarding any of the information
included in this manual should be directed to
residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu. Written inquiries and/or comments
may also be sent by postage mail to the Department of Social Work,
Demoss Hall Room 3315, Liberty University, 1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515.
9
II. MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS, AND
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. Mission Statement
The mission of Liberty University’s Department of Social Work is to
prepare Christ-centered men and women to impact the world through
competent generalist social work practice by equipping them with the
knowledge, values, and skills of the profession essential for enhancing
individual, family, and community well-being.
B. Program Goals
The goals of Liberty University’s Department of Social Work are to
develop Christ-centered competent social workers, who:
1. advocate for oppressed people groups;
2. embrace the values of the profession;
3. recognize the impact of the environment on human behavior;
4. are empathetic and strength-based;
5. practice with research-informed wisdom;
6. demonstrate cultural and relational humility; and
7. are healthy emotional, physically, and spiritually.
C. Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
1. Integrate faith in the practice of social work.
2. Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself
accordingly.
3. Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional
practice.
4. Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional
judgments.
5. Engage diversity and difference in practice.
6. Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
7. Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed
research.
8. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
10
9. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-
being and to deliver effective social work services.
10. Respond to contexts that shape practice.
11. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families,
groups, organizations, and communities.
III. SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCIES AND
PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
The table below depicts Liberty University’s social work competencies and
the practice behaviors that relate to each competency. The social work
curriculum, including field education, is designed to prepare students to
master each competency through demonstration of each of the practice
behaviors.
SOCIAL WORK
COMPETENCIES
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
Professional
Identity
Social workers advocate for client access to the
services of social work.
Social workers practice personal reflection and
self-correction to assure continual professional
development.
Social workers attend to professional roles and
boundaries.
Social workers demonstrate professional
demeanor in behavior, appearance, and
communication.
Social workers engage in career-long learning.
Social workers use supervision and consultation.
Ethical
Social workers recognize and manage personal
11
SOCIAL WORK
COMPETENCIES
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
Practice
values in a way that allows professional values to
guide practice.
Social workers make ethical decisions by applying
standards of the National Association of Social
Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the
International Federation of Social
Workers/International Association of Schools of
Social Work Ethics in Social Work, Statement
of Principles.
Social workers tolerate ambiguity in resolving
ethical conflicts.
Social workers apply strategies of ethical
reasoning to arrive at principled decisions.
Critical
Thinking
Social workers distinguish, appraise, and integrate
multiple sources of knowledge, including
research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom.
Social workers analyze models of assessment,
prevention, intervention, and evaluation.
Social workers demonstrate effective oral and
written communication in working with
individuals, families, groups, organizations,
communities, and colleagues.
Diversity
in Practice
Social workers recognize the extent to which a
culture’s structures and values may oppress,
marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance
privilege and power.
Social workers gain sufficient self-awareness to
eliminate the influence of personal biases and
values in working with diverse groups.
12
SOCIAL WORK
COMPETENCIES
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
Social workers recognize and communicate their
understanding of the importance of difference in
shaping life experiences.
Social workers view themselves as learners and
engage those with whom they work as
informants.
Human Rights
& Justice
Social workers understand the forms and
mechanisms of oppression and discrimination.
Social workers advocate for human rights and
social and economic justice.
Social workers engage in practices that advance
social and economic justice.
Research Based
Practice
Social workers use practice experience to inform
scientific inquiry
Social workers use research evidence to inform
practice.
Human Behavior
Social workers utilize conceptual frameworks to
guide the processes of assessment,
intervention, and evaluation.
Social workers critique and apply knowledge to
understand person and environment.
Policy Practice
Social workers analyze, formulate, and advocate
for policies that advance social well-being.
Social workers collaborate with colleagues and
clients for effective policy action.
Social workers continuously discover, appraise,
13
SOCIAL WORK
COMPETENCIES
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
Practice Contexts
and attend to changing locales, populations,
scientific and technological developments, and
emerging societal trends to provide relevant
services.
Social workers provide leadership in promoting
sustainable changes in service delivery and
practice to improve the quality of social services.
Engage, Assess,
Intervene, Evaluate
Engagement
Social workers substantively and effectively
prepare for action with individuals, families,
groups, organizations, and communities.
Social workers use empathy and other
interpersonal skills.
Social workers develop a mutually agreed-on
focus of work and desired outcomes.
Assessment
Social workers collect, organize, and interpret
client data.
Engage, Assess,
Intervene, Evaluate
Social workers assess client strengths and
limitations.
Social workers develop mutually agreed-on
intervention goals and objectives.
Social workers select appropriate intervention
strategies.
Intervention
Social workers initiate actions to achieve
organizational goals.
14
SOCIAL WORK
COMPETENCIES
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
Social workers implement prevention
interventions that enhance client capacities.
Social workers help clients resolve problems.
Social workers negotiate, mediate, and advocate
for clients.
Social workers facilitate transitions and endings.
Evaluation
Social workers critically analyze, monitor, and
evaluate interventions.
Faith and Practice
Social workers integrate faith and practice
through a process of ethical reasoning.
Social workers respect spiritual diversity.
Social workers assess client strengths and needs
using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model.
IV. FIELD EDUCATION OVERVIEW
A. Field Education Eligibility
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements prior to
engaging in field work:
1. Successfully pass the first two of several Program Gates by
receiving formal approval for admission into the BSW Program
(For details on the Gate Process, go to
https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=34029.
15
2. Be in good standing with the Department, which includes the
following:
a. Have a “C” or higher in all social work classes and Gate
prerequisite courses.
b. Maintain satisfactory citizenship and ethical behavior.
c. Consistently demonstrate the values of the profession:
integrity, service, the value of human relationships,
dignity and worth of a person, competence, and social
justice.
3. Complete all required prerequisite courses.
Students must complete several prerequisite courses meant to provide the
foundational knowledge and theory essential for engaging in field work.
Students must complete these courses with a minimum grade of “C” prior
to initiating their Junior Field Experience. Below is an overview of the
SOWK prerequisites. Information on the non-social work courses can be
found in the course catalog online.
Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 101) is a course that gives an overview
of the field of social work practice. Topics regarding the ecclesiastical
beginnings of the profession, additional historical components, the
integration of faith and practice, as well as social work values and ethics
will be explored.
Social Work Field Exploration (SOWK 120) is a course that provides an
overview of social work practice and settings of practice. Topics in the
course are centered on social work practice in places such as child welfare,
schools, domestic violence shelters, hospice, hospitals, and mental health
clinics. During this course, students have the opportunity to attend
multiple field exploration trips to a variety of local agencies that employ
social workers.
Intensive Social Work Observation (SOWK 150) is a course that offers
students the opportunity to spend a full work week observing a degreed
social worker in one particular setting of practice. Settings may include,
but are not limited to places such as child welfare agencies, schools,
domestic violence shelters, and hospice facilities.
16
Chemical Dependency (SOWK 260) is a course that presents an overview of
the concepts associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other
drugs. Topics in the course are the various perspectives on treatment and
prevention options; each topic is evaluated through a biblical worldview.
Ethics in Professional Helping (SOWK 270) is a course on the study of values
and principles of ethical decision making. Topics in the course are ethical
dilemmas, critical thinking, professional codes of ethics, and common
morality; each topic is evaluated through a biblical worldview.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment (SOWK 300) is a course that
utilizes a life course perspective and additional theoretical perspectives as
tools for understanding human behavior and its development across the
life span. Particular focus is placed on the inter-relatedness of the
biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects with a “person in the
environment” framework.
Social Work Practice with Groups (SOWK 355) is a course that provides
students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of theories,
methods and skills in relation to generalist practice with social work
groups. This course also provides the forum for students to gain an
understanding of cultural values of individuals and the impact of those
values on the group process. Emphasis will be placed on the importance
of being a culturally sensitive group leader.
B. Field Experience Requirements
Field experience is a required component of the BSW program. All
students admitted to the BSW program must complete both Junior and
Senior Field Experience and Seminar courses through Liberty University.
The Social Work Department does not provide exemptions to these requirements based
on previous work or life experience.
Below is an overview of the Department requirements for the Junior and
Senior Field Experiences.
17
Field Experience Course Requirements
Field Courses
Field Hours
SOWK 370 Junior Field Experience and
Seminar Course
100
SOWK 470 Senior Field Experience and
Seminar Course
400
B.1 Junior Field Experience
The Junior Field Experience and Seminar course (SOWK 370) provides
students with the opportunity to perform in the role of a social work
practitioner under the supervision of an experienced social worker.
Students are expected to complete a minimum of 100 field hours over the
course of one semester within one practice setting. Students complete
their field experience concurrently with a field seminar. Students will meet
for the Field Seminar component of the course for one hour weekly to
discuss the interaction of theoretical and conceptual concepts learned in
the classroom with the practical experiences in field placement. This
course is offered during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. The
hours in Field Seminar do not count toward the required field hours.
Juniors should anticipate working approximately 15 hours per week in
order to complete the minimum 100 field hours over an 8-week period.
B.2 Senior Field Experience
Students must satisfactorily complete Junior Field Experience and
Seminar Course and be approved through the first three program Gates
prior to engaging in Senior Field Experience. Senior Field Experience
provides students with the opportunity to perform in the role of a social
work practitioner under the supervision of an experienced master's level
social worker. Students complete their field experience concurrently with
the field seminar course. Students will meet for field seminar for two
hours weekly to discuss the interaction of theoretical and conceptual
concepts learned in the classroom with the practical experiences in field
placement. The hours in field seminar do not count toward the required
field hours. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 400 field
hours. Seniors should anticipate working approximately 32 hours per
18
week in order to complete the minimum of 400 field hours over a 14-
week period.
B.3 Field Experience and Seminar Course Grade
The Junior and Senior Field Experience and Seminar courses are graded
on an A to F scale. Students receive one grade for both the completion of
field work and participation in the seminar. The Department also requires
Field Instructors to recommend a letter grade for the student based on
their preformance at their placement. This recommendation is taken into
consideration for the student’s final grade for the course. Please see the course
syllabi for additional requirements for these courses.
C. Gate 1 Documents and Field Enrollment
C.1 Background Check, Fingerprints & VA Child Abuse Search
All students are required to submit to a criminal background check,
fingerprinting, and the VA Child Abuse Search as part the approval into
the BSW program. The results of all three checks are submitted to the
Department at Gate 1.
C.2 Disclosure Statement Form
All students must also complete a Disclosure Statement Form (see
Appendix A). The form requests disclosure of charges or convictions of
any misdemeanor or felony charge and disclosure of being named as a
perpetrator of a founded report of child abuse or neglect. Answering in
the affirmative will not necessarily preclude students from being able to
secure a field placement but may limit the options for field placement as
well as impact the ability of students to secure personal liability insurance.
The form also requests disclosure of any personal or family issues,
illnesses or addictions that could impair students’ abilities to function well
in a social work capacity for a particular agency or with a particular
population. Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, the
Department field staff can assist students in determining whether certain
field placements would not be suitable for them. The goal of this effort is
to secure field placements for students that would not compromise the
well-being of the students and their potential clients.
19
If students fail to disclose any of the information requested, it cannot be
guaranteed that they will be able to be placed in a field setting or complete
the field education requirements for the BSW degree.
Signing the Disclosure Form also indicates that students agree to
immediately inform their Faculty Field Liaison if they are charged with a
felony or a misdemeanor during their junior or senior field internship. The
Faculty Field Liaison will consult with the Director of Field Education
upon notification of this information.
D. Requirements for Professionalism
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in
all interactions with each other, agencies representatives and clients, and
the Department. Although this is not an exhaustive list, professional
conduct includes all of the following areas:
Integrity: Students are expected to provide high quality work that reflects
best effort. They must exhibit positive, proactive behavior and always
adhere to class, Department, and University academic honesty policies.
Respect: Students maintain professional demeanor even when stressed
and are not verbally hostile, abusive, dismissive or inappropriately angry.
They are careful not to distract others through socializing, sleeping,
leaving early or during class, reading unrelated material, doing homework
for another class or wearing inappropriate attire. Students are not to use
unapproved electronic devices in class. Students are respectful toward
peers and adults and of learning environments both in and out of class.
Communication: All student communication through email, Blackboard,
phone calls, etc. must follow appropriate lines of communication and
convey respect to the recipient in tone and verbiage. Students are
responsible for considering grammar, punctuation, and time of day when
sending correspondence. Professional response time for communication
is 24-48 busniess hours. In order to make communication more efficient,
please send comminucation to only necessary recipients rather than
sending multiple copies of the same or similar message to multiple
recipients.
20
Students are to resolve conflict with others (student, colleague, professor,
staff etc.) by addressing the issue directly with the person first, rather than
gossiping or complaining unproductively.
Time Management: Students submit projects or assignments or other
documentation on or before the deadline. They should always take
responsibility for missing work or deadlines. Punctuality and providing
advance notice when possible for absences or tardiness is expected.
Professional Interactions: Students are expected to regularly participate in
class discussions and reflect good preparation. Students assume and
complete professional responsibilities conscientiously. This includes
responsibly presenting oneself on social networking sites and maintaining
appropriate boundaries in accordance with professional ethical guidelines.
Students must refrain from posts that address someone with whom they
have issue. It is important to recognize that actions online and content
posted may negatively affect their reputations among instructors,
colleagues, future employers, and clients, and may have consequences for
their social work careers.
Attire: Students must adhere to agency guidelines for attire during field
experiences and University guidelines when in class. It is expected that
students dress in business casual for all agency interactions, including
interviews.
E. Pre-Field Enrollment Documents (Gate 2)
In addition to completing all prerequisite courses and being approved
through Gate 1, students must complete multiple steps of documentation
prior to engaging in fieldwork. The Pre-Field Enrollment documents are
located within the Gate 2 Application Portal. Once students have
completed the pre-field enrollment documents and are approved through
Gate 2, they move into the Field Enrollment stage where they may begin
completing the field enrollment documents (see Section F, Field
Enrollment Documents).
The Department of Social Work enrolls students in all field courses. Students are
not able to register themselves for field courses. Course enrollment occurs
after students have been approved through Gate 2 and submitted all the
field enrollment paperwork required to finalize an agency placement.
21
E.1 Acknowledgement of Field Manual Review
It is imperative that students read the entire Field Manual to become
familiar with all policies and procedures that govern the field education
process. Students must sign and submit the Acknowledgement of Field
Manual Review Form (see Appendix B) as documentation that they have
read and understood the contents of the manual, including the
Department’s expectations to adhere to the policies and procedures.
E.2 Release of Student Information
As part of the field placement assignment process, the Field Education
staff will need to share student placement materials and other relevant
information with potential agencies or Field Instructors. This information
could include: criminal background information that comes into the
possession of the Social Work Department or its employees or
contractors, student resumes, and liability insurance information. These
materials are meant to facilitate the matching process which generally
benefits students and their Field Instructors.
Students must sign and submit the Release of Information Form
indicating their approval to release pertinent information by the Field
Education staff to prospective field agencies.
E.3 Field Comittment Contract
The Junior and Senior Field Experience and Seminar courses require a
significant investment on the part of students to successfully complete.
Each week, students must prepare for seminar, complete the
recommended field hours, and complete field assignments. To ensure that
students understand the commitment involved while taking these courses,
students will be required to sign a Field Commitment Contract each
semester that they are in the field. By signing the Contract, students agree
to commit to the completion of all requirements of the field course in
which they are enrolled and agree to make modifications to their
schedules as appropriate.
22
E.4 Transportation Information Form
Students are responsible for having reliable means of transportation to get
to and from their field placements and any other off-site field activities
the agency may require. If students plan to use their personal car as their
means of transportation during their field experience, they will need to
carry appropriate insurance. Students must document the proof of
Driver’s License and Car Insurance on the Transportation Information
Form.
E.5 Student Resume
Students must develop and submit a professional resume to the
Department of Social Work prior to Junior and Senior Field Experiences.
Students should follow the social work resume sample on the student
field website when developing their professional resumes.
E.6 Student’s Field Fair Registration Form
Students use this form to identify the agencies with whom they would like
to interview at the Field Fair. This form also provides the Department
with information concerning the students’ preferences on types of
agencies, populations of interest, preferred geographic location, etc. so
that students can be assigned interviews that are a good fit.
E.7 Employment Based Placement Proposal
Students interested in proposing their place of employment as their field
experience placement must submit this form in the “Other Documents”
section of the Gate 2 Application Portal. (See section G.3 for more
information)
F. Field Enrollment Documents
Once students’ eligibility for fieldwork has been confirmed via approval
through Gate 2, the students will be notified to complete their field
enrollment documents (see Appendix for forms).
23
F.1 Agency Information for Field Placement Form (Seniors
completing At-Home placements only)
This form must be submitted for all agencies that are not already in the
Residential Field Directory as approved placements. This form provides
information about the agency and the tasks a student may do there,
providing the Department with the information necessary to decide
whether the site meets the field placement requirements. Seniors who are
completing their at-home placement must submit this form for their first-
choice agency option (see Appendix C).
F.2 Field Instructor Information Form (Seniors completing At-Home
placements only)
This form must be submitted for all potential Field Instructors who are
not affiliated with agencies already approved in the Residential Field
Directory. This form (see Appendix D) provides information regarding
the person’s credentials and schooling to determine if they meet the
criteria for supervising Junior or Senior field experience students. Seniors
who are completing their at-home placement must submit this form for
their potential Field Instructor at their first-choice agency option .
F.3 Affiliation Agreement
The University requires that all agencies partnering with the Department
for field experiences sign an Affiliation Agreement. This formal contract,
signed by the agency and Liberty University, outlines the legal obligations
to which both parties are agreeing. The Department must have a signed
copy of this document before a student’s placement can be finalized.
Students are not responsible for this form as the Department works with the agency to
get this completed.
F.4 Beginning Contract
Once students have been notified of their final placement, they will
collaborate with their Field Instructor and Agency Field Coordinator to
complete this form. The Beginning Contract is used to help students and
agencies identify tasks to be completed during the student’s first week at
the agency. It also details the student’s start and end dates and the days
and times when the student will be at the agency each week. This helps
ensure that the agency can provide enough tasks for the student prior to
24
the finalization of the Learning Contract, which is completed after the
student begins their hours at the agency (see Appendix E). The Beginning
Contract must be submitted prior to students being enrolled in the course.
F.5 Professional Liability Insurance
All students are required to have professional liability insurance while
engaging in field work. Professional liability insurance provides legal
defense and coverage for settlements or damages from legal action
brought against students due to negligent acts, omissions, and errors while
practicing at their field placement setting. Although it is not common for
students to have legal action brought against them, it is still important to
have this protection in place. Liberty University provides insurance
coverage of a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million
aggregate for residential students.
G. Field Placement Options
Once all field enrollment documentation is received and approved,
students will be enrolled by the Department into their Field Experience
course. The Social Work Department offers a variety of Junior and Senior
Field placement options.
The following is an overview of the field placement options available:
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G.1 Local Field Placements
Students completing their Junior or Senior Field Experience locally will
participate in the Field Fair to secure an agency placement.
Most residential students will complete Junior Field Experience locally
with pre-approved agencies in the Greater Lynchburg Area. The Field
Directory on the field website contains the most recent list of approved
agencies. If students propose any additional agencies outside of those
already approved, they must submit a completed Agency Information
Form and Field Instructor Information Form from the agency.
There is no guarantee that a proposed agency will be eligible to serve as a
field placement. The Department field staff will review the paperwork
submitted by the agency to confirm that they meet the Department’s
required criteria for agencies accepting students for field placement.
G.2 Other Domestic Field Placement Opportunities (Senior Only)
In addition to the various field placement settings available through the
Department, students have the opportunity to complete their Senior field
hours through the Chicago Semester program or Liberty University’s
Washington Fellowship program. Students need to be aware that their
acceptance into either program will depend on student performance and
their final grade in their Junior Field Experience and Seminar course and
whether they have maintained good standing with the Department of
Social Work.
The Chicago Semester program allows students the opportunity to
complete a semester-long internship in a highly diverse, urban-setting.
Students will select courses that help them explore and engage in the arts
as well as social justice issues within the city. For more information about
this program and its requirements, please go to the Chicago Semester
website. Students interested in this program must apply a year in advance.
The Washington Fellowship program offers the opportunity to secure a
semester-long internship in the Washington D.C. area. The program also
arranges local housing and hosts various professional development and
networking activities. For more information about this program and its
26
requirements, please go to the Washington Fellowship website. Students
interested in this program must apply a year in advance.
G.3 Employment-Based Placements
The Department recognizes that some students may currently be
employed at a social service agency. The Department will consider
proposals from students who would like for their current place of
employment to be considered as a junior and/or senior placement. The
Employment-Based Placement Proposal (see Appendix F) must be
submitted in the Other Documents section of the Gate 2 Application
Portal (Online Field Experience webpage). The policies for employment-
based placements are described below.
1. The current place of employment must meet the Department’s
requirements for serving as a field placement and an agency
administrator must complete Department paperwork.
2. Students must identify a degreed social worker who meets the
Department’s requirements for serving as a Field Instructor. The
proposed Field Instructor must be someone other than their current
employment supervisor.
3. All agencies must identify an Agency Field Coordinator to be the
student’s on-site daily task supervisor. The Agency Field Coordinator
must be someone other than the student’s current employment
supervisor. The identified Field Instructor may take on this role of
daily-task supervisor if they are on-site.
4. Students’ responsibilities must be different from that of their
current position. Since students will be in the role of social work
intern, their tasks should be specific to the role of a social worker in
that setting. These tasks should be tailored to support the learning
contract that they will develop and should aid in building their
application of the social work competencies adopted by the
Department.
5. It is highly recommended that students take advantage of the
opportunity to complete their junior and senior field experiences at
27
two different agencies. However, if their place of employment is at a
large organization that has distinct departments that can offer a
unique internship experience, students can propose completing both
their junior and senior field experiences at their place of employment.
Students will need to complete the Employment-Based Placement
Proposal for both field experiences.
The Department reserves the right to disapprove proposed field
experience plans at a student’s place of employment if the information
provided about the placement does not meet all of the requirements
described above.
G.4 At-Home Placements (Senior Only)
Students have the opportunity to complete their Senior field hours at an
agency in their hometown. This provides students the opportunity to
build connections with agencies and social workers in the location where
they would like to be after graduation.
Students must take the initiative to identify a potential agency and Field
Instructor who meet all of the Department criteria to serve as a field
placement. Once students identify a proposed agency, they must submit a
completed Agency Information Form and Field Instructor Information
Form from the agency. It is highly recommended that students select at least two
agencies with which to interview in case the student’s first choice agency falls through.
There is no guarantee that a proposed agency will be eligible to serve as a
field placement. The Department field staff will review the paperwork
submitted by the agency to confirm that they meet the Department’s
required criteria for agencies supervising students in field experience.
G.5 International Field Placement Opportunities (Junior only)
Students have the opportunity to complete their junior field hours
through study abroad programs in Australia, India or Uganda. Students
must take General Education courses through a local university in
addition to their Field Placement. For more information about the
Uganda or Australia program please go to the Best Semester website. For
more information about the India program please visit the BCA Study
Abroad website.
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H. Field Placement Process
Once approved through Gate 2, students begin the Field Enrollment
Process. This is the process securing an agency placement. During this
process, students attend three professional development workshops,
attend the Field Fair to complete agency interviews, and submit
documentation to finalize their field placement. Once finalized, students
are registered for the Field Experience and Seminar course.
H.1 Agency Interview Assignments
Agency interviews provide an opportunity for students to learn more
about each agency and ask specific questions that would help facilitate the
matching of students with agency placements. These interviews also
provide agency representatives the opportunity to learn more about the
students and ask questions that would help them to determine which
students would be the best fit for their agency.
The Department Field Staff assigns interviews based on information from
the Field Fair Registration Form. Prior to the Field Fair, students will be
notified of their three assigned agency interviews. If the agency will be
attending the Field Fair, students are also given the timeslot of their
agency interviews. If agencies are unable to attend, the students assigned
to interview with that agency are responsible for scheduling and
completing the interview by the established deadline.
H.2 Resume and Interview Workshops
In collaboration with the Career Center, the Department will host a series
of workshops preparing students for their Field Experience. Students are
required to attend these workshops in order to participate in the Field
Fair. Students update their resume, practice interviewing skills, and begin
drafting specific questions tailored the agencies they will be interviewing.
If students do not attend the workshops, they will be required to schedule
and attend an appointment with the Career Center. The student must then
submit documentation showing their completion of this requirement.
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H.3 Field Fair
In the Fall and Spring semesters, the Department hosts the Field Fair for
students completing their Field Experience in the Greater Lynchburg
Area. At this event, local agency partners come to campus to interview
students. Each interview will last 20 minutes. After the event, both
agencies and students submit the Final Choice Form.
H.4 Final Choice Form and Field Placement Matching Process
Once students complete all of their interviews, they will need to complete
and submit the Student’s Final Choice Form (see Appendix G). This is
used to rank their interview choices and explain their ranking. Students
must submit the form to residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu by the
deadline established by the Department.
Agencies use the Agency Final Choice Form (see Appendix H) to provide
feedback on the students they interviewed and rank their choices.
Agencies will submit the form at the end of the Field Fair or to
residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu.
The Social Work Department Field Staff will review the completed forms
and make final decisions based on the preferences of the agencies and
students.
H.5 Finalizing Agency Placements
The Department Field Staff will match students and agencies based on
several factors. Final Choice Form rankings, the timeliness of the
submission, and the needs of the student or agency are all considered
when placing students. Although the desire is to place all students in the
agency of their first choice, this may not always be possible.
Students will be notified by e-mail of their final placement. Agency
representatives will also be notified by e-mail which students are assigned
to their agency to complete their field experience.
H.6 Registration for Field Experience and Seminar Course
The Department registers all students for both Field Experience and
Seminar courses (SOWK 370 & SOWK 470) once agency placements are
30
finalized and all field enrollment documentation listed in Section F are
submitted.
H.7 External Field Instructors
If there is no social worker employed at the agency of interest, students
must identify a social worker external to the agency that meets the Social
Work Department requirements to serve as their Field Instructor. The
Field Instructor will need to submit the Field Instructor Information
Form (see Appendix D), a current resume and Independent Contractor
Agreement (see Appendix I).
I. Field Placement Schedules
I.1 Scheduling Field Hours
Students will collaborate with their Field Instructor and Agency Field
Coodinator to develop a schedule for Field which will be documented in
the Beginning Contract. Students must ensure that their work schedule
does not conflict with any other course requirements. Students must
schedule their field hours around their field seminar class time. The Field
Seminar class time does not count toward student’s required field hours.
Students may start their field experience as soon as they and their agency
representatives have completed the Field Orientation Training and
submitted the Acknowledgement of Field Orientation Training
Completion Form (see Appendix J). This is held the first week of classes.
Students must start at their agency no later than the second week of the
semester.
If there is a delay in the start of field experience, it is the student’s
responsibility to increase their number of hours per week in order to
complete the required minimum hours by the end of the semester.
Students should factor in a 30-minute lunch break each day that they are
at their placement more than five hours. Please note that lunch breaks do not
count towards field hours.
Students are welcome to work more than the minimum recommended
hours per week, but will need to continue engaging in field work until the
designated end date noted for the particular Field Experience and Seminar
31
course. Any additional hours accumulated after students reach the
minimum hours required for their Junior Field Experience may not be
used toward the hours required for their Senior Field Experience.
Students must also keep in mind that they must satisfy any agency-specific
requirements prior to ending their field work.
I.2 Completing Field Hours Past the Deadline
There may be some extenuating circumstances such as an athletic
schedule or a personal matter that hinder students from completing their
hours in one semester. If extenuating circumstances occur, students may
contact the Faculty Field Liaison to request approval to receive additional
time to complete their required field hours. Students must receive
advanced approval prior to continuing to complete field hours beyond
one semester.
If approved, this accommodation will require the establishment of a
written contract that includes the following: 1) the number of remaining
hours to be completed, 2) the anticipated date by which the hours will be
completed, 3) the day established for weekly agency supervision, and 4)
the day and time to meet with the Faculty Field Liaison (or other assigned
faculty member) to turn in weekly paperwork and to discuss any field
issues.
I.3 Field Days
During their junior and senior years, students should arrange their
academic courseload to allow for field experience to be scheduled in half-
day/full-day segments. Residential students enrolled in the Junior Field
Experience and Seminar course will engage in field work on Tuesdays and
Thursdays for a minimum of 15 hours per week and will attend the field
seminar portion of the course on the day offered by the Department.
The fieldwork days for students enrolled in the Senior Field Experience and
Seminar course will enage in field work Tuesdays through Fridays for a
minimum of 32 hours per week. All students will be expected to attend
the Senior Field Seminar that is scheduled on Mondays unless they are
participating in a field program that includes an on-site seminar (e.g.
international field program or Chicago Semester program). If not local,
students will participate in Field Seminar via WebEx.
32
Students may want to attend educational events during field placement
hours, such as workshops and conferences. Students must request prior
approval from their Field Instructor to attend these events. The Field
Instructor will determine whether attending the event aligns with the
student’s Learning Contract. If so, time spent attending the activity will
count towards the required field hours.
I.4 Holidays and Vacations
Students are responsible for informing their Field Instructors and their
Agency Field Coordinators of their schedules and vacation plans. The
Department of Social Work does not require students to complete field
hours during breaks (e.g. University holidays, spring break, and reading
days). However, depending on the nature of the work, a field supervisor
may request that a student work during these times. Students should ask
about these expectations during their agency interviews.
If a field day falls upon an agency-observed holiday that is not observed
by Liberty University, students must make up the missed hours.
I.5 Absences Due to Illness or other Circumstances
If students miss hours in field due to illness or other special
circumstances, they must make up the hours. Students are expected to
notify their Field Instructor and Agency Field Coordinator in advance of
any absence or late arrival in addition to following all agency procedures.
V. MUTUAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
Field education requires the ongoing cooperation and involvement of
various professionals to provide students a comprehensive and quality
learning experience in the social work field. The various roles and
responsibilities of each key player are described below.
A. Liberty University
Liberty University is responsible for the following:
33
• Continuing the process towards securing accreditation from the
Council on Social Work Education for its new Social Work
Department.
• Employing leadership staff that have graduate degrees in social
work to oversee the administration of the Department of Social
Work and Field Education.
• Employing faculty who have graduate degrees in social work and
the practice experience essential for facilitating learning of social
work theory, skills, and values.
• Overseeing faculty and staff adherence to the NASW and
NACSW Codes of Ethics and CSWE Education and Policy
Accreditation Standards.
• Providing liability insurance coverage of a minimum of $1 million
per occurrence and $3 million aggregate for residential students.
Offering, through the Office of Risk Management, a $10,000
accident insurance policy benefit to all residential students
attending the Lynchburg, VA campus. This benefit, subject to
the terms and conditions of the policy, provides coverage for an
accidental injury sustained by the residential student when there is
no coverage or when the student has co-payments or deductibles
remaining after having filed with their primary insurer. The
University does not provide health insurance coverage to
students.
B. Director of Field Education
The roles and responsibilities of the Director of Field Education, with the
support of other field staff, include the following:
• Monitor the performance of Field Instructors and the agencies
for quality assurance and field program improvement purposes.
• Serve as the contact for reporting incidents of discrimination,
harassment, assault, and/or other safety issues.
• Provide training and ongoing support to Faculty Field Liaisons.
• Development, oversight, and continuity of the field education
programs and policies.
34
• Develop relationships with community agencies locally and
abroad and enlist their support in serving as potential field
placements.
• Confirm eligibility of agencies to serve as field placements.
• Confirm eligibility of individual professionals to serve as Field
Instructors for social work students.
• Execute agreements between the agencies and the University as
needed.
• Disseminate field-related literature and materials to Field
Instructors to facilitate continued education.
• Lead Field Orientation Trainings for students and Field
Instructors as well as workshops on field-related topics.
Below is an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the other Field
Education personnel:
Task
Faculty Field
Liaison
Field
Instructor
Agency Field
Coordinator
Students
Weekly Seminar Course
x
x
Keep records of time
spent in the field
x
x
Keep records of
supervision experience
x
x
x
Monitor and evaluate
student Field Experience
x
x
x
Notify superior of any
problems that arise
x
x
Develop professional
resume
x
Complete all necessary
documentation
x
x
x
Assist/facilitate
completion of all
necessary
documentation
x
x
Complete Final Choice
Form upon completion
of interviews
x
x
x
Complete Field
Orientation Training
x
x
x
x
Develop Learning
Contract
x
x
x
35
Schedule and participate
site visit
x
x
x
x
Report unethical/illegal
practices
x
Complete all field
requirements within the
set dates
x
Consult with and aid
students
x
x
x
Learn the Code of
Ethics of the social work
profession
x
Seek opportunities to
engage in practice
behaviors
x
Weekly consultation for
feedback (one hour
minimum)
x
x
Observe student’s client
interaction and provide
feedback
x
x
Be available to students
in emergencies
x
x
Notify Field Liaison of
any unexpected leave of
absence
x
x
Complete mid-semester
and final evaluations
x
Provide student with an
orientation to the agency
x
Ensure student access to
necessary supplies for
daily tasks
x
Educate students of
personal risks
x
Sign Student Timesheets
x
C. Faculty Field Liaison
Faculty Field Liaisons’ roles and responsibilities include the following:
36
• Teach a weekly field seminar course for junior and/or senior students
engaged in field experience.
• Keep records of student time spent in field through the receipt of
weekly timesheets.
• Keep records of students’ supervision experiences through the receipt
of completed supervisory agenda forms.
• Provide consultation and assistance to students, Field Instructors, and
other agency personnel as necessary.
• Monitor and evaluate students’ field experiences to ensure optimal
learning and professional development through conference calls, a
review of site visit documentation, assignment submissions, and
review of several evaluation forms: Student Self-Evaluation, Field
Instructor Evaluation of Student, and Student Evaluation of Field
Experience.
• Provide guidance to agency staff as they work with students on-site at
international field placement settings that are not affiliated with a
specific study-abroad program.
• Promptly notify the Director of Field Education of any problems that
arise with field students or field placement staff.
D. Students
Students’ roles and responsibilities include the following:
• Complete all required pre-field and field enrollment forms by the
deadlines set by the Department of Social Work.
• After all interviews are complete, rank the agency choices and submit
the Student’s Final Choice Form.
• Upon official notification of their assigned placement by the
Department of Social Work, students must schedule an appointment
to complete the Beginning Contract with their Agency Field
Coordinator and Field Instructor.
• Complete agency requirements (e.g. drug test, agency specific
paperwork, etc.) by the deadlines set by the agency assigned for field
experience.
• Complete Field Orientation Training.
• Perform in a responsible and professional manner, keeping
commitments to the agency, the Field Instructor, the clients, and the
Department of Social Work.
37
• Develop a Learning Contract with support from the Field Instructor,
Faculty Field Liaison, and Agency Field Coordinator, and secure
appropriate signatures on the contract forms.
• Schedule and participate in a Learning Contract conference call with
the Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, and if applicable, Agency
Field Coordinator.
• Seek consultation or assistance as necessary from their Field
Instructor or the Faculty Field Liaison.
• Schedule and participate in a site visit with the Faculty Field Liaison at
the agency and, if necessary, participate in a debriefing session
following the visit.
• Report unethical or illegal practices within the agency to the Faculty
Field Liaison as soon as possible.
• Provide as much advance notice a possible to the agency Field
Instructor and the Agency Field Coordinator regarding absences and
tardiness.
• Complete tasks assigned by the Agency within specified deadlines.
• Prepare an agenda using the Field Experience Supervisory Agenda
form (see Appendix K) and participate in weekly supervision
meetings with the Field Instructor for a minimum of one hour.
• Conduct themselves as a member of the social work profession and
abide by agency work policies and procedures.
• Adhere to Liberty University’s Honor Code at all times.
• Apply principles of social work learned in the classroom to the field
and strive continuously to improve skills through periodic self-
evaluation.
• Attend field seminar class weekly and actively participate in class
activities and discussions. Complete all seminar assignments by
assigned due dates.
• Learn the Code of Ethics of the social work profession and apply
these principles in their field experience at all times.
• Seek opportunities to engage in practice behaviors that relate to the
social work competencies.
• Be teachable and receptive to feedback given by the Faculty Field
Liaison, Field Instructor, and any other agency personnel.
• Participate in meetings and phone conferences during the field
experience with the Faculty Field Liaison, Field Instructor, and if
applicable, Agency Field Coordinator.
38
• Attend all required Department of Social Work events.
• Complete a self-evaluation of their performance in applying the
practice behaviors associated with the core competencies using the
SWEAP Field Placement/Practicum Assessment Instrument
(FPPAI). Also, complete an evaluation of their field experience.
• Complete all field experience requirements by the deadlines in order
to satisfactorily complete the course.
E. Field Instructor
The Field Instructor’s roles and responsibilities include the following:
• Complete and submit a Field Instructor Information Form (see
Appendix D) a current resume, and the Independent Contractor
Agreement form (see Appendix I) if applicable.
• Attend the Field Orientation Training at Liberty University with
the field students (or participate in the online Field Orientation
Training) at least once per calendar year.
• Provide guidance in the development of students’ Learning
Contracts and sign the contract forms.
• Participate in a Learning Contract web or phone conference
meeting with students, Faculty Field Liaison, and if applicable,
the Agency Field Coordinator.
• Participate in a site visit with the Faculty Field Liaison, student,
and if applicable, the Agency Field Coordinator. If the Field
Instructor and/or placement is not local, this will be conducted
via phone call.
• Monitor students’ progress toward meeting their learning goals as
well as building social work competencies.
• Provide feedback to students through weekly supervision. If the
Field Instructor is external and out-of-state, these supervisory
meetings may be completed via phone or WebEx. Use the
Supervisory Agenda (see Appendix K) to guide the meeting and
sign the form after each meeting.
• If on-site, observe students interacting with client systems and
provide feedback. If external, discuss during supervision the
detailed summaries of agency interaction that students provide.
• Structure assignments to help students: 1) learn a broad range of
social work interventions common to generalist social work
39
practice and 2) engage in practice behaviors associated with the
core social work competencies.
• Promptly contact the Faculty Field Liaison if problems arise with
students during placement.
• Be available to students in emergency situations.
• Promptly notify the Faculty Field Liaison of the need to take an
unanticipated, extended leave of absence and work with the
Faculty member to explore alternative plans for supervision of
students.
• Prepare a mid-semester evaluation and a final evaluation of the
students’ progress in completing learning contract goals and
students’ performance in applying the practice behaviors
associated with the core competencies. The SWEAP Field
Placement/Practicum Assessment Instrument (FPPAI) will be
used for the final evaluation.
• As necessary, participate in meetings and phone conferences
during the field experience with the Faculty Field Liaison,
student and if applicable, the Agency Field Coordinator.
If the Field Instructor is employed by the agency and is serving as the students’
Agency Field Coordinator as well, please reference the following section for
additional responsibilities.
F. Agency Field Coordinator
An agency representative must be assigned to serve as the Agency Field
Coordinator (or daily task supervisor). This role may be fulfilled by an on-
site Field Instructor. The Agency Field Coordinator’s roles and
responsibilities include the following:
• Complete the Agency Information for Field Placement Form
(See field website) and facilitate having an agency official sign an
Affiliation Agreement to establish the field internship partnership
with Liberty University.
• Attend the Field Orientation Training at the University with field
students (or participate in the online Field Orientation Training if
the Coordinator is not local) at least once per calendar year.
• Provide students an orientation to the agency that includes a tour
of the facilities, and a review of the agency policies, procedures
40
and resources as indicated in the Agency Orientation Checklist
(see Appendix L).
• Ensure student access to agency manuals, policy statements, and
case files as needed.
• Educate students about personal risks (i.e. physical health and
safety) and appropriate protections as described in agency policy.
• Provide suitable access to materials necessary to perform the
tasks assigned according to expectations.
• Participate in a Learning Contract web or phone conference
meeting with students, the Field Instructor, and Faculty Field
Liaison.
• Participate in a site visit with the Faculty Field Liaison, student,
and Field Instructor.
• Structure assignments to help students: 1) learn a broad range of
social work interventions common to generalist social work
practice and 2) engage in practice behaviors associated with the
core social work competencies.
• Review and sign students’ Weekly Field Experience Timesheets.
• Promptly contact the Faculty Field Liaison if problems arise with
students during placement.
• Be available to students in emergency situations.
• Promptly notify the Faculty Field Liaison of the need to take an
unanticipated, extended leave of absence and work with the
Faculty member to explore alternative plans for supervision of
students.
• Provide feedback to facilitate completion of students’ final
evaluation in collaboration with the Field Instructor.
VI. FIELD EXPERIENCE AND SEMINAR
ASSIGNMENTS
A. Seminar Participation
Students will have the opportunity to share their field experiences and
discuss how these experiences relate to the theories and practices learned
in the classroom. Students are expected to be on time to class and actively
41
participate in order to earn full points. An active participant is one who
actively listens, responds to information, asks pertinent questions, shows
signs of understanding, shares relevant insights, and contributes to the
general learning of the class.
Students should come to class prepared to share their field experience and how they are
applying what they learned in the classroom in their field placement. To help facilitate
the discussion, students should have the NASW Code of Ethics Document and the
LU Social Work Competencies and Practice Behaviors Document available during the
seminar.
B. Agency Orientation Checklist
Students will cover the items in the checklist with their Field Instructor
(or Agency Field Coordinator) to support the student’s orientation to the
agency (see Appendix K).
C. Adherence to Field Manual Policies and Procedures
Students must adhere to the policies and procedures described in the
Field Manual throughout the duration of the course. This includes, but is
not limited to, adhering to the Codes of Ethics and other policies detailed
in the Manual related to student conduct, student roles and
responsibilities, agency placement and interviewing procedures, and
procedures for handling field-related challenges. Students must also
participate in all required conference calls and in-person meetings with the
field instructor and Department field staff as necessary.
D. Field Experience Journals
Journal summaries offer students the opportunity to reflect on the field
activities they participated in and how they observed or applied the core
competencies. The summaries also offer students the opportunity to
engage in a process of self-assessment and self-correction. To support the
integration of theory and practice, students will incorporate into each
journal at least one reference using a textbook from a previous or current
social work course.
E. Field Application Presentation
Students will complete three oral presentations over the course of the
semester that facilitate application of key social work competencies. The
42
presentations will occur during seminar sessions. To support the
integration of theory and practice, students will incorporate into each
presentation at least one reference using a textbook from a previous or
current social work course.
F. Site Visit Participation
Student will schedule and participate in an in-person meeting with the
Faculty Field Liaison, Field Instructor, and if applicable, the Agency Field
Coordinator to discuss their progress at their field placement sites. If the
student is completing their field experience in a distant location, the site
visit will occur by telephone or WebEx. The discussion will follow the
areas included in the Site Visit Evaluation form on Blackboard. Corrective
actions will be discussed for any areas of concern identified.
G. Field Experience Timesheet
Students will document the field hours they complete each week using a
timesheet and secure the appropriate signatures prior to submission. Each
completed timesheet submission is worth 10 points. A copy of each
signed timesheet is due by 5pm on Monday for the field hours completed
during the prior week.
H. Field Experience Supervisory Agenda
Students will complete the Field Experience Supervisory Agenda form
each week to document the weekly supervision session with their Field
Instructor. The student will also secure the appropriate signatures on the
form prior to submission.
I. Field Experience Beginning Contract
With support from the Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, and the
Agency Field coordinator, students will develop a Beginning Contract and
secure appropriate signatures on the contract form. Students will need to
complete this form for both their junior and senior placements.
J. Field Experience Learning Contract
With support from Field Instructors and Faculty Field Liaison, students
will develop a Learning Contract. Students will also schedule a meeting
43
with the Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, and if applicable, the
Agency Field Coordinator to discuss the draft. After the meeting, students
will revise the Contract based on feedback gathered during the meeting
and secure appropriate signatures on the contract form.
K. Student Self-Evaluation of Field Experience
Students will complete an online self-evaluation of their performance of
practice behaviors associated with the social work core competencies.
Completing this evaluation assists students in reflecting on their
experience and identifying growth areas. A completed evaluation is one
that has a rating for each practice behavior and includes justification of
student ratings.
L. Student Evaluation of Field Experience
Students will complete an online evaluation of their placement, seminar
course, and the field experience as a whole. Completing this evaluation
will assist the Department in assessing the quality of the field experience
provided.
M. Field Instructor Evaluation of Student
Field Instructors will complete an online evaluation that will assess how
well they believe the student demonstrated the practice behaviors
associated with the core competencies. This evaluation is an opportunity
to provide feedback on whether the student has met their learning
contract goals and suggest a grade for the field experience part of the
course. Once complete, Field Instructors will meet with students to
discuss their evaluation of student performance.
VII. HANDLING CHALLENGES DURING
FIELD EXPERIENCE
A. Changing Agency Experiences
Students are expected to remain at the assigned agency over the course of
a semester to complete their field hours. However, in the case of
extenuating circumstances, it may be necessary to change an agency
44
placement. The Director of Field Education, Faculty Field Liaison, Field
Instructor, or student may initiate a change. If students feel their
placement needs to be changed for any reason, they must discuss this first
with their Faculty Field Liaison. The Faculty Field Liaison will consult
with Director of Field Education, and if approved, the Director will begin
the process of changing the placement.
B. Addressing Grievances
If students have a grievance related to their field experience, they must
follow the guidelines of successive steps below and thoroughly document
their proceedings:
1. The student must discuss the matter with the person immediately
involved.
2. If the grievance remains unresolved or the student is dissatisfied
with the resolution, they should request the assistance of their Field
Instructor. If the Field Instructor is the person with which the student
has a grievance, students should report the incident to the alternative
staff member indicated in the agency’s policy.
3. If the grievance is still unresolved after speaking to the Field
Instructor, the student should contact the Faculty Field Liaison for
assistance.
4. If still unresolved, the student should then contact the Field
Director.
5. If after all of the above steps have been taken and the student is
dissatisfied with the outcome of these discussions, they can then bring
their grievance to the Chair of the Social Work Department.
C. Discrimination, Harrassment and Assault
Liberty University does not engage in unlawful discrimination or
harassment because of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, national
origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability or military veteran status in its
educational programs and activities. Liberty University maintains its
Christian mission and reserves its right to discriminate on the basis of
religion to the extent that applicable law respects its right to act in
45
furtherance of its religious objectives. The following persons have been
designated to coordinate Liberty University’s compliance with certain anti-
discrimination laws: Director of Disability Academic Support
(Residential) at (434) 582-2159 or odas@liberty.edu; Executive Director
of Title IX at (434) 592-4999 or TitleIX@liberty.edu.
C.1 Racial Discrimination and Harassment
Liberty University insists that all members of the University community
are entitled to and shall be afforded an environment free of racism—
whether overt or subtle. Therefore, members of the University
community will not tolerate racial discrimination or harassment of any
kind. Behavior that constitutes racial discrimination or harassment is
prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This includes, but is
not limited to racial/ethnic slurs, coarse jesting with racial/ethnic
overtones and other forms of communication resulting in disparagement
or intimidation based on race or ethnicity.
It is the expectation of the Department of Social Work that each agency
serving as a field placement will have racial discrimination and harassment
policies in place that guide the expected conduct of agency staff and
volunteers. Students are expected to abide by both the agency and Liberty
University’s policies while at their field placement and any other location
performing field activities.
Reporting Process: There is a specific protocol that students must
follow in the event that any of these situations occur.
1. Students should immediately report the incident to their Field
Instructor and follow any additional agency policies for reporting and
addressing the situation. If the supervisor is the perpetrator of the
harassment or discrimination, students should report the incident to
the alternative staff member indicated in the agency’s policy.
2. Students must call the Director of Field Education to report the
incident within 24 hours of its occurrence.
3. Students are required to complete an Incident Report Form and
submit the form here within five (5) days of the incident.
46
As appropriate, the Field Director will contact students and their Field
Instructors to discuss incidents filed with the Department and to
determine if additional corrective action is necessary.
C2. Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Assault
Liberty University is committed to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory
learning, living, and working environment for all members of the
University community. Liberty University expects all members of its
community to treat everyone with a spirit of Christian love, mutual
respect, and individual dignity.
The University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in any
of its education or employment programs and activities, nor does Liberty
University tolerate sex discrimination or sexual harassment. This policy
prohibits sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking,
intimate partner violence, and retaliation, as those terms are defined in
more detail below (collectively those terms are referred to in this policy as
“Prohibited Conduct”). These forms of Prohibited Conduct are harmful
to the well-being of the University community and its members, the
learning and working environment, and collegial relationships amongst
students, faculty, and employees.
All forms of Prohibited Conduct under this policy are regarded as serious
University offenses, and violations of this policy will result in discipline,
including potential separation from the University. Some forms of
Prohibited Conduct may also violate state or federal laws, and criminal
prosecution may occur independently of any disciplinary action imposed
by the University.
It is the expectation of the Department of Social Work that each agency
serving as a field placement will have sexual harassment and
discrimination policies in place that guide the expected conduct of agency
staff and volunteers. Students are expected to abide by both the agency
and Liberty University’s policies around sexual harassment and
discrimination while at their field placement and any other location
performing field activities.
Reporting Process: Students who believe that they have been the subject
of sexual harassment, discrimination, or assault in any form while at their
47
field placement or while performing field work at another location should
take the following steps described below.
1. Students should immediately report the incident to their Field
Instructor and follow any additional agency policies for reporting and
addressing the situation. If the Field Instructor is the perpetrator of
the harassment or discrimination, students should report the incident
to the alternative staff member indicated in the agency’s policy.
2. Students should immediately report the incident to the Title IX
Office.
Director of Title IX
University Title IX Office
(434) 592-4999
TitleIX@liberty.edu
3. Students should call the Director of Field Education to report the
incident within 24 hours of its occurrence. Students will be given the
option of changing their field experience placement.
4. Students are required to complete an Incident Report Form and
submit the form here within five (5) days of the incident.
For more information on Liberty University’s sexual harassment policies
and procedures for students, please see the Student Code of Conduct.
C.3 Other Personal Safety Issues
Students may experience a situation that compromises their personal
safety while at their field placement agency or while performing field
activities off-site. These situations include personal injury by violent client
or other persons, exposure to or contraction of infectious disease, or
damage to personal property. If students or Field Instructors have
questions about whether a particular incident is reportable, they may
contact the Director of Field Education. Students will need to follow a
specific protocol in the event that any of these situations occur.
1. Students should immediately seek medical treatment as necessary,
report the incident to their Field Instructor, and follow any additional
agency policies for reporting and addressing the situation.
48
2. Students should call the Director of Field Education to report the
incident within 24 hours of its occurrence.
3. Students are required to complete an Incident Report Form and
submit the form here within five (5) days of the incident.
As appropriate, the Field Director will contact students and their Field
Instructors to discuss any incidents which have been filed with the
Department and determine if additional corrective action is necessary.
D. The Restoration Process
Liberty University Faculty and Field Instructors have a professional and
ethical responsibility to evaluate students on the social work competencies
and associated practice behaviors.
As such, there is no guarantee that the faculty of Liberty approve program
completion for students who demonstrate the need for continued growth
which may interfere with future professional competence. Instead, a
restoration plan will be formulated in conjunction with the Department,
students, and Field Instructor. The purpose of the restoration plan is to
assist students in obtaining competency in the social work skills or
personal, interpersonal, or ethical problems so that students may
successfully continue in the program.
Restoration procedures can include such actions as repeating particular
courses, obtaining personal counseling, completing additional
assignments, participating in tutoring, using services at the Writing Center,
and/or meeting with the Career Center. Once students have fulfilled all
stipulations of the restoration plan, the Department of Social Work will
meet to decide if they are ready to continue. Depending on the severity
and nature of the situation, students may be subject to academic dismissal
from the Department of Social Work or Liberty University.
Students who interview at and are denied placement at an agency due to
inappropriate behaviors or demonstrating poor interviewing skills will be
referred for additional support through the Career Center. Students who
interview at and are denied placement at multiple agencies due to
inappropriate behaviors may be given a failing grade and/or deferred
placement and a plan of restoration implemented.
49
Students enrolled in a Field Experience and Seminar course may be given
a failing grade and/or delayed in the program and a plan of restoration
implemented if any of the following apply:
1. Unprofessional or unethical conduct either at the field agency or in
an interaction with Liberty University faculty and staff;
2. If the Field Instructor and/or Liberty University faculty determines
that the student’s current emotional, mental or physical well-being
compromises the integrity of the field experience or potentially places
the student, or others, in harm’s way or an unduly vulnerable position.
If a student must be removed from their field experience, no hours
accrued at a previous placement will be “rolled over” into a subsequent
placement or credited to students if they are placed on hold from
continuing with the Field Experience and Seminar course due to either of
the above circumstances. Students who successfully complete the
restoration plan and are allowed to retake the course, will need to start
over in completing the minimum number of field hours.
When student misconduct constitutes a violation of the University’s
Honor Code, the Faculty Field Liaison will fill out an Honor Code
Violation form. The Office of Student Conduct and Faculty Field Liaison
will investigate the situation with support from the Director of Field
Education. The incident will be shared with the Social Work Department
Chair and if warranted, the Department Chair will bring the issue to the
Department of Social Work core faculty. A restoration plan will be
formulated in conjunction with the program, students, and Field
Instructor if appropriate. Once students have fulfilled all stipulations of
the restoration process, the Social Work Program Leadership Team will
meet with the students to develop a plan for possible continuation in the
program.
In cases involving the Honor Code Violation, students will have an
opportunity to appeal. Students seeking to appeal should follow the
protocols described in the Student Honor Code. The appeal deadlines
must be observed. Written appeals are always required.
50
E. Field Placement Agency Dismissal or Course Withdrawal
Students are required to fulfill their field contract with the site. If students
make the decision to withdraw from a Field Experience and Seminar
course, they forfeit all field hours earned for the semester and will need to
reapply for the Field Experience and Seminar course in a future semester.
The Field Instructor must promptly notify the Faculty Field Liaison if it is
anticipated that students will receive failing evaluations or be dismissed
from their field placement. The Faculty Field Liaison will write an incident
report to the Field Director which will be discussed with the Chair of the
Social Work Department. The Chair and the Department will examine the
nature and reason for the needed growth and/or dismissal and refer to the
Restoration Committee, if warranted. At this point the students may
receive a final grade of “F” for their field experience and their progress
through the program will be deferred in order to allow time to address the
areas of needed growth. These restorative procedures can include such
things as requiring students to retake certain courses and/or seek personal
counseling, etc. The Restoration Committee will determine whether the
students are eligible to retake the Field Education and Seminar course. If,
after restoration, the students are unable to reach competency in the
growth areas, the Restoration Committee and the Leadership Team will
meet to decide the best course of action for the students up to and
including removal from the program.
If the dismissal involves a violation of the University’s Honor Code, the
Faculty Field Liaison will fill out an Honor Code Violation form, which
will be investigated by the Student Affairs Office and the Faculty Field
Liaison with support from the Director of Field Education. The incident
will be shared with the Social Work Department Chair who present the
situation to the Department of Social Work core faculty.
Students have the opportunity to appeal. The final decision regarding any
accrued field hours is at the discretion of the Restoration Committee and
Leadership Team based on a thorough evaluation of the incident.
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VIII. NACSW STATEMENT OF FAITH AND
PRACTICE
NACSW is a membership association that seeks to equip its members to
integrate Christian faith and professional social work practice. To this end,
NACSW established a set of values, principles, and standards to guide the
conduct of social workers seeking to professionally integrate the Christian
faith into their social work practice. The NACSW Statement of Faith and
Practice guides the practice of faculty, staff and students of Liberty
University’s Department of Social Work.
IX. NASW CODE OF ETHICS
The NASW Code of Ethics is another key set of values, principles, and
standards that guide the conduct of faculty, staff and students at Liberty
University’s Department of Social Work. The Code is relevant to all social
workers and social work students, regardless of their professional
functions, the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve.
A copy of the Code of Ethics is in the student handbook.
As described on the NASW website, the NASW Code of Ethics serves six
purposes:
1. The Code identifies core values on which social work’s mission is
based.
2. The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the
profession’s core values and establishes a set of specific ethical
standards that should be used to guide social work practice.
3. The Code is designed to help social workers identify relevant
considerations when professional obligations conflict or ethical
uncertainties arise.
4. The Code provides ethical standards to which the general public
can hold the social work profession accountable.
5. The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social work’s
mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards.
6. The Code articulates standards that the social work profession
itself can use to assess whether social workers have engaged in
52
unethical conduct. NASW has formal procedures to adjudicate
ethics complaints filed against its members. In subscribing to this
Code, social workers are required to cooperate in its
implementation, participate in NASW adjudication proceedings,
and abide by any NASW disciplinary rulings or sanctions based
on it.
X. CSWE EDUCATION POLICY AND
ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) uses the Educational
Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) to accredit baccalaureate- and
master’s-level social work programs. As described on their website,
CSWE supports academic excellence by establishing thresholds for
professional competence. It permits programs to use traditional and
emerging models of curriculum design by balancing requirements that
promote comparability across programs with a level of flexibility that
encourages programs to differentiate. The Liberty University Department
of Social Work is committed to adhering to the EPAS standards and is
currently engaged in seeking accreditation for its new BSW program.
53
Appendix A: Disclosure Statement Form
Please a
nswer the following questions to assist the field education staff of the Department of Social
Work in securing an appropriate field experience for you.
1. Have you been charged or convicted of any misdemeanor or felony charge or named as a
perpetrator of a founded report of child abuse or neglect?
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
2. Is there any information concerning personal or family issues (including behavioral issues),
illnesses, or addictions that could impair your ability to function well in a social work capacity for a
particular agency or with a particular population? This could include, but is not limited to, drug or
alcohol abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, or economic issues.
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
No arra
ngements for a field placement will be made prior to completion of this statement
and its submission to the Department of Social Work.
54
I conf
irm that my responses to the questions in this form are true and I hereby grant permission to
the field education staff of the Department of Social Work to release information from this form for
the purpose of arranging my field placement. This release extends only to a mutually agreed upon
agency or party for the purpose of a mutually agreeable placement.
I agree to immediately inform the Director of Field Education if during my junior or senior field
internship, I am charged with a felony or a misdemeanor.
Student Signature: __________________________________________
Date_______________________________
Appendix B: Acknowledgement of Field Manual Review Form
___________________________________________________________________________
I, ___________________________________________________, acknowledge
that I have read and understood both the contents within the Liberty University Social
Work Department Field Manual and the expectation to adhere to the policies and
procedures detailed within the manual.
Student Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ___________
55
56
Appendix C: Agency Information Form
Please complete and e-mail the completed form to residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu. The Department
of Social Work field staff will use the information in this form to confirm agency eligibility to serve as a
field placement option for Bachelor-level students. Once confirmed, a brief summary of the agency will
be placed in the Department’s Field Directory.
I. Agency Information
Agency Name____________________________________________
Agency Address__________________________________________
Agency Website_________________________________________
Agency Phone Number_____________________________________
Agency Director Name_________________ E-mail_________________ Phone_____________________
Please provide a brief overview of agency services:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If applicable, please specify the units/departments within the agency that are available for student
field placements AND their locations:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Do you offer paid field experience opportunities? If so, what are the conditions?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Are there any job tasks that would require a student to have a personal car? If so, please
explain.______________________________________________________________________________
57
Please indicate the type of agency requirements students would need to meet prior to engaging in
field work at your agency.
Criminal/child abuse background check________ Does the agency pay for this check?______
Substance abuse testing___________ Does the agency pay for this check?______
DMV check_______ Does the agency pay for this check?______
Other (please specify)_________________________________________
Does your agency require the Department to sign an agreement, Memorandum of understanding or
contract form prior to the student’s field experience? ____ Yes _____No
If yes, please forward a blank copy of the document.
The Department of Social Work has an affiliation agreement that must be signed once a student is
selected to complete field hours at your agency. Once approved by our Department, your agency will be
included in our Field Directory with a note to students that they would need to identify a degreed social
work professional external to the agency to serve as a Field Instructor if they want to explore placement
at your agency.
II. Student Intern Job Description
Student Status of Interest: Juniors only_____ Seniors only_____ Both_______
Juniors are typically in the Field two full days a week. For residential students this is on Tuesdays and
Thursdays but may vary for online students. Seniors are typically in the Field about 32 hours per week.
Seniors in our residential program would complete these hours Tuesday through Thursday, whereas the
schedule will vary for the seniors in our online program.
Note: The field days listed above are typical for residential students based on their course schedules.
Online students may have different schedules. The field instructor and student can work out
alternative arrangements as necessary.
58
Briefly describe the types of job tasks a student may engage in while completing fieldwork at your
agency. If the proposed job descriptions are different for juniors versus seniors, please specify the
difference in tasks._____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What types of tasks can a BSW intern do?
BSW students are able to lead a variety of case management, counseling, and other tasks on behalf of
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Some of the most common tasks for a
BSW intern include:
• Scheduling client appointments;
• Providing support for an intake line and help with the triage of clients coming in for services;
• Utilizing a psychosocial assessment tool to engage clients—and, when appropriate, other members
of client systems—in information-gathering and decision-making processes to help clients identify
their goals, strengths, and challenges;
• Collaborating with clients and other service providers to develop, implement, monitor, and amend
individualized case plans that promote clients’ strengths, advance clients’ well-being, and help
clients achieve their goals;
• Conducting home visits to facilitate case plan development, implementation and monitoring;
• Identifying appropriate community resources for a client based on review of the client’s assessment;
• Offering education, advocacy, referrals and supportive counseling to clients;
• Documenting case management activities in the appropriate client record system;
• Designing group activities and facilitate groups;
• Participating in/present client cases at case staffing meetings;
• Supporting the development and implementation of an agency’s community education and public
awareness efforts as appropriate;
• Supporting an agency’s efforts to engage in policy analysis and policy action to advance social and
economic justice; and
• Attending and take notes during community meetings (e.g. FAPT meetings).
59
III. Staff Information
Does your agency have a degreed Social Worker on staff who is available to serve as a field instructor?
____ Yes (If yes, please fill out and submit the attached Field Instructor Form along with this Agency
Information Form.)
_____No (If no, please fill out the information below to identify a current staff member to serve as the
Agency Field Coordinator and a Back-up Coordinator. This staff member will be the student’s site
supervisor, and will help conduct student orientations and in-service trainings, verify and sign student
timesheets, and coordinate daily field assignments and activities. Students will need to find an External
Field Instructor for supervision.
Agency Field Coordinator
Name____________________________________ Title______________________________
E-mail_____________________________ Phone Number (Work)_______________________
(Cell)_______________________Degree___________________________
Proposed Back-up Agency Field Coordinator
This staff member will fill in if the identified agency field coordinator is unavailable (e.g. on leave,
vacation, etc.).
Name____________________________________ Title______________________________
E-mail_____________________________ Phone Number (Work)_______________________
(Cell)_______________________
Degree___________________________
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Appendix D: Field Instructor Information Form
Please fill out the information below and attach a current resume when you submit the completed
form.
I. Contact Information
Name____________________________________ Title______________________________
Telephone: (work) ______________ (cell) ______________________
E-mail Address_____________________________
II. Field Instructor Eligibility
Degree: MSW_____ BSW______
Years of Experience Post Degree______________________
Type of License (If applicable) _______________ Licensure # (If applicable) __________________
___ I am eligible to serve as a Field Instructor for Juniors. I have a Bachelor of social work degree (LSW
preferred) with minimum of two (2) years of post-graduate social work experience.
___ I am eligible to serve as a Field Instructor for both Juniors and Seniors. I have an MSW degree with
a minimum of one (1) year of post-graduate social work experience (LSW/LISW/LCSW preferred).
III. Field Instructor Commitment
Field Instructors are expected to carry out the following core responsibilities:
• Attend a field orientation training at Liberty University with the students (or participate in the online
field orientation training if the Field Instructor is not local)
• Provide students an orientation to the agency and assigned job tasks;
• Provide a minimum of one (1) hour/week in supervisory conference with students in order to
provide feedback and act as educator and model;
• Verify and sign timesheets and other field experience forms presented by students
• Provide in-service training on an on-going basis;
61
• Assist students in developing a learning contract and participate in a telephone conference call with
students and Faculty Field Liaison to finalize the contract
• Evaluate students’ progress toward meeting their learning goals as well as the social work
competencies and participate in a site visit in-person (or by telephone if the Field Instructor and/or
placement is not local) with the Faculty Field Liaison and student; If the student does not have a
Field Instructor who is local, allow the Faculty Field Liaison to observe the student at the agency,
usually once (1) observation per semester;
• Structure assignments and activities to help students: (1) learn a broad range of social work
interventions common to generalist social work practice and (2) engage in practice behaviors
associated with the social work competencies; and
• Notify the Faculty Field Liaison of any issues as soon as they become evident.
Do you have adequate release time from your employer to provide direct supervision for social work
students as they complete their required hours of field experience, attend required meetings, and
complete required field placement forms? Yes ____No ____
Name and Title of Supervisor: ______________________________________________________
Supervisor’s Telephone #: __________________________________
Supervisor’s Email Address: _________________________________
Work Address: ___________________________________________
IV. Field Instructor Experience
Have you served as a field instructor in the past?
Yes ____ (If yes, please answer the questions below)
No ____(If no, please proceed to the “Current Employment Information Section”.
Which universities or colleges did you serve as a field instructor for?
______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
How many years did you serve as a field instructor? ____________________
V. Current Employment Information
Please provide the information below on your current place of employment.
Agency Name____________________________________________
Agency Address__________________________________________
62
Unit/Department Name within Agency (If applicable): ________________________________
Agency Website_________________________________________
Agency Phone Number_____________________________________
Agency Director Name_________________ E-mail_________________ Phone_____________________
Will you be supervising students at your current place of employment?
Yes ____ No ____
Will you be an external field instructor for students at an agency that is not your current place of
employment?
Yes ____No ____
If yes, the Department of Social Work will need for you to sign an Independent Contractor
Agreement prior to the start of the student’s field experience. This agreement will be sent to
you upon receipt and processing of this form.
Appendix E: Field Experience Beginning Contract
Student’s full name: JR or SR (circle one)
Agency:
Field Instructor’s full name:
Agency Field Coordinator’s full name:
Description of tasks for student’s first week:
Proposed Schedule
Juniors must complete at least 15 hours per week in order to complete the required 100 field hours over 8
weeks. Seniors must complete at least 32 hours per week in order to complete the required 400 field hours
over 14 weeks. Please factor in a 30-minute lunch break each day that you work more than five hours.
Please note that lunch breaks do not count towards your field hours.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Start
Time
End
Time
Approximate number of hours per week the student will work:
Beginning date of Field Experience: Expected completion date of Field Experience:
SIGNATURES:
Student: Date:
Field Instructor: Date:
Agency Field Coordinator: Date:
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Appendix F: Employment-Based Placement Proposal
Please consult with agency staff when drafting this proposal and type your responses below.
Today’s Date______________________________________
Student Information
Name of Student: __________________________________
Junior or Senior Field: _____________________________________
Proposed Semester of Internship: _______________________
Current Job Title at Agency:
______________________________________________________________________________
Current Role and Responsibilities at Agency:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Agency Information
Agency Name: ____________________________________
Agency Address: ___________________________________
Agency Website ___________________________________
Agency Phone Number ______________________________
Unit/Department where student works: ________________________________
64
Student’s Current Agency Supervisor
Name: _______________________________
Email: _______________________________
Phone Number: _________________________
Current Job Title at Agency:
______________________________________________________________________________
Current Role and Responsibilities at Agency:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Field Instructor Information
The proposed Field Instructor should be someone other than the student’s current employment
supervisor. Students can propose an External Field Instructor, if necessary. The student must
have the proposed Field Instructor complete a Field Instructor Information Form and include
this form when submitting this proposal.
Name: _______________________________
Email: _______________________________
Phone Number: _________________________
Current Job Title:
______________________________________________________________________________
Current Role and Responsibilities:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Is the proposed Field Instructor employed by your agency? Yes ____ No ____
Are you proposing to use an external Field Instructor who has not yet been identified?
Yes ____ No ____
Proposed Agency Field Coordinator Information
If the Field Instructor is not an agency staff member or is not on-site at the location where the
students will complete their internship hours, the agency must be willing to assign a staff
member to serve as an Agency Field Coordinator (site supervisor). The proposed Agency Field
Coordinator should be someone other than the student’s current employment supervisor.
65
Name: _______________________________
Email: _______________________________
Phone Number: _________________________
Current Job Title at Agency:
______________________________________________________________________________
Current Role and Responsibilities at Agency:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Social Work Internship Information
Students’ duties should be different from that of their current position. Since students will be in
the role of social work intern, their duties should be specific to the role of a social worker in that
setting.
Unit/Department where student will work: ________________________________
Proposed Job Tasks as a Social Work Intern:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Appendix G: Student’s Final Choice Form
This form is to be completed after finishing your agency interviews. Below, please rank all agencies that you
interviewed, indicating your first, second and third choice.
Full Name: __________________________________________ Junior or Senior (circle one)
ID Number: L________________________
FIRST CHOICE AGENCY
Agency Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Name of Interviewer(s): _________________________________________________________________
Two Reasons for Choosing this Agency: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Two Reservations about this Agency: _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Date and Time of Interview: ______________________________________________________________
SECOND CHOICE AGENCY
Agency Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Name of Interviewer(s): _________________________________________________________________
Two Reasons for Choosing this Agency: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Two Reservations about this Agency: _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Date and Time of Interview: ______________________________________________________________
THIRD CHOICE AGENCY
Agency Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Name of Interviewer(s): _________________________________________________________________
Two Reasons for Choosing this Agency: _____________________________________________________
67
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Two Reservations about this Agency: _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Date and Time of Interview: ______________________________________________________________
Please submit this form to the Department Office or to residentialsocialwork@liberty.edu by the
deadline.
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Appendix H: Agency’s Final Choice Form
This form is to be completed after finishing your student interviews. Please rank all students you interviewed.
Agency Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Representative Name(s): ______________________________________________________________
Number of Juniors interviewed: __________________ Number of Seniors interviewed: ___________
Number of Juniors agency will host: ______________ Number of Seniors agency will host: _______
Student Name: _______________________________________ JR or SR (circle one)
Ranking (circle one): 1
st
Choice 2
nd
Choice 3
rd
Choice 4
th
Choice
Reason for Ranking: ____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Strengths: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Areas of Improvement: __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Comments: __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student Name: _______________________________________ JR or SR (please circle one)
Ranking (circle one): 1
st
Choice 2
nd
Choice 3
rd
Choice 4
th
Choice
Reason for Ranking: ____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Strengths: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Areas of Improvement: __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Comments: __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
69
Student Name: _______________________________________ JR or SR (please circle one)
Ranking (circle one): 1
st
Choice 2
nd
Choice 3
rd
Choice 4
th
Choice
Reason for Ranking: ____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Strengths: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Areas of Improvement: __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Comments: __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student Name: _______________________________________ JR or SR (please circle one)
Ranking (circle one): 1
st
Choice 2
nd
Choice 3
rd
Choice 4
th
Choice
Reason for Ranking: ____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Strengths: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Areas of Improvement: __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Comments: __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Are there any students you would decline placement at your agency for the completion of their field
experience? If so, please provide the name of the student as well as a detailed explanation.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Agency Representative Who Completed This Form
Name: ______________________________ Signature: ________________________ Date: ___________
70
Appendix I: Independent Contractor Agreement for
External Field Instructors
71
Liberty University, Inc.
Independent Contractor Agreement
This Independent Contractor Agreement (“Agreement”) for professional services serving as Field Instructor,
entered into by Liberty University, Inc. and the Contractor, documents the entire understanding of the parties
regarding the services to be provided. This Agreement becomes effective only when signed by the Contractor
and a Liberty University representative with signatory authority.
Name of Contractor:
Address:
City: State:
Phone Number:
Business Email Address:
SCOPE OF SERVICES: The Contractor shall deliver the following professional services described:
1. Field Instructor will complete an online field orientation training
2. Field Instructor will help orient the student to best practices when working with the population he will
be serving at the facility
3. Field Instructor will meet with the student once/week for a minimum of one hour for supervision
4. Field Instructor will assist the student in developing a learning contract and participate in a phone call
with Liberty Social Work Faculty and the student to discuss the contract
5. Field Instructor will participate in a call mid-semester or in-person meeting to discuss the progress of
the student,
6. Field Instructor will complete an online evaluation of the student’s performance at the end of the field
experience.
CO
MPENSATION: Contractor will not be paid for any services rendered hereunder. Contractor is
volunteering his/her services for free. There will not be any exchange of compensation of any kind for these
services.
I
NDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the
Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Liberty University, its Board of Trustees, officers, and
employees from and against any and all loss, expense, damage, claim, demand, judgment, fine, charge, lien,
liability, action, cause of action or proceedings of any kind whatsoever (whether arising on account of damage to
or loss of property, or personal injury, emotional distress, or death) arising directly or indirectly in connection
with the performance or activities of the Contractor hereunder, whether the same arises before or after completion
of the Contractor's operations or expiration of this Agreement, except for damage, loss, or injury resulting from
Liberty University's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
RE
NEWAL: This contract will automatically renew annually unless ninety-day written termination notice is
given by either party. Such termination notice will be sent to the Contractor at his/her listed address if terminated
by Liberty University. Termination notice from the Contractor should be sent to: School of Health Sciences,
Department of Social Work, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24515.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS: This Agreement does not constitute employment or an offer of
employment by Liberty University. Contractor acknowledges and agrees that Contractor is an independent
contractor and not an employee of Liberty University for any purpose whatsoever, including without limitation,
federal and state income tax and Workers’ Compensation insurance purposes, and Contractor shall not be entitled
to any benefits offered or provided to employees of Liberty University. Contractor understands and agrees that,
as an independent contractor, Contractor is not eligible to participate in any benefits offered to its regular
employees, including but not limited to health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, retirement plans or other
insurance plan participation.
T
REATMENT OF UNIVERSITY INFORMATION: Contractor agrees to hold confidential all information
that Contractor may become aware of as part of performing duties under this Agreement. Contractor agrees to
abide by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act in regards to student records. Contractor agrees not to
disclose any confidential information during the term of the Agreement or thereafter.
B
ROADCAST: Contractor hereby grants Liberty University the license to use Contractor’s name, likeness,
image, voice, video, performance, biographical and other information in any format whatsoever and to distribute,
broadcast and exhibit these without charge, restriction or liability.
I
, ___________________________________, agree to serve as a Field Instructor for Liberty University and
agree to provide supervision for the clinical education of students for the academic year.
T
his Agreement is the complete and exclusive understanding of the parties.
T
he parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement on this ___ day of ______________, 20___.
Signature of Contractor Date
Printed Name
LU Contracts Administration Date
Printed Name
Appendix J: Acknowledgement of Field Orientation Training
Completion
___________________________________________________________________________
I acknowledge that I have watched and understood both the contents within the
Liberty University Social Work Department Field Orientation Training and the
expectations and responsibilities of my role in the field experience.
Student Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ___________
Field Instructor Signature: ______________________________Date: ___________
Agency Field Coordinator Signature: _____________________ Date: ___________
Please return this form to the Department by the student’s first day at the
agency. Students may not begin accruing field hours until a signed copy of this
form has been received.
74
Appendix K: Supervisory Agenda (Sample)
Items to Complete Prior to the Meeting
Student: Susie B. Working
Field Instructor: Karen Jolly
Agency: Hope Family Services
Date of Meeting: 2/16/16 Time: 10:00 am
Agenda Items:
1. Learn how to express empathy when talking with clients
2. Debrief about client that exhibited attachment issues during home visit
3. Discuss progress in completing learning contract goals
4. ________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________
Items to Complete during the Meeting (Please include practice behaviors associated with
core competencies in your discussion)
Areas Where the Student is Demonstrating Positive Growth/Development:
1. Advocating for client access to services (practice behavior associated with Professional
Identity competency)
2. Student views herself as a learner and engages those whom she works with as informants
(practice behavior associated with Diversity in Practice competency)
3. _______________________________________________________________________
75
Ethical or Professional Practice Concerns (if applicable):
1. Student asked questions about how to keep professional and personal relationships
separate (e.g. not serving clients with whom you have a personal relationship)
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
Other Areas Needing Continued Improvement/Development:
1. More experience utilizing interviewing skills
2. Utilizing conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment
3. ________________________________________________________________________
Learning Objectives for the Next Supervision Session:
The objectives should be specific, measurable actions that support a plan for
improvement/development and/or specific goals/objectives in the student’s learning contract.
1. Review NASW Code of Ethics around professional relationships with clients
2. Read materials provided by field instructor about attachment theory
3. Make attempts to utilize interviewing skills discussed during supervision with clients
next week
Field Instructor’s Signature: Susie Working
Student’s Signature: Karen Jolly
76
77
APPENDIX L: AGENCY ORIENTATION CHECKLIST
This is a suggested tool for Field Instructors and Agency Field Coordinators to use as a part of
the student orientation process. This tool may supplement or be replaced by an established
agency orientation checklist.
Agency Overview
Agency history, mission, philosophy, and goals
Tour of agency and introduction to staff
Services provided
Funding auspices, organizational structure and role of social workers
Role of the agency in relation to the community and its resources
Target population/communities served
Security and/or safety procedures and protocol, including disaster preparedness
Policy & Procedure Manuals, Code of Conduct, Regulations
Other: __________________________________________________________
Agency Policies and Protocols
Office procedures, work space, supplies, and provisions
Telephone and communication/computer utilization, client information systems
Intake/admissions/eligibility/referral policy and procedures
Dress code
Parking details and if applicable, mileage policy
Mileage/Travel reimbursement policies and procedures
Agency, department, and/or program meeting schedule
Documentation and maintenance of records
Agency Forms
Confidentiality policies and procedures, including HIPAA and limits to confidentiality
(mandatory reporting)
High risk/dangerous client laws, including suicide, domestic violence, and Tarasoff statute
Client fees/payment schedule
Emergency contacts and protocol
Consumer rights and grievance policy
Informed consent policies and procedures
Placement schedule, including lunch and breaks
Professional language (jargon, acronyms, terms used by agency, etc)
Agency policy regarding sexual harassment
Agency policy on racial discrimination and harassment
Other: __________________________________________________________
78
Field Instructor/Agency Field Coordinator/Student Responsibilities
Expectations, availability, style, and schedule for supervision
Plan for review and signing of weekly timesheet; identification of back-up staff to sign as
necessary
Giving and receiving feedback during supervision
Student expectations, roles, responsibilities
Plan for student to identify self as social work intern to clients, staff, and other professionals
Plan for monitoring of student hours (weekly review and signing of timesheet; identification of
back-up staff to sign as necessary)
Agency training or staff development opportunities (if applicable)
Professional boundaries in the students’ relationships with clients, agency staff, etc.
Student’s personal safety issues and concerns and strategies to deal with them
Guidelines for field assignments and deadlines (e.g. Learning Contract)
Overview of vision for the placement and working relationship
Other: __________________________________________________________
Student Signature__________________________________ Date______________________
Field Instructor Signature____________________________ Date______________________
Agency Field Coordinator Signature ____________________________ Date______________________
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