Master of Social Work (MSW) Online
Thank you for becoming a field instructor for Marymount University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The success of our program depends on the dedication of social workers such as yourself who are interested in contributing to our students’ educational process.
This guide provides core information about the field instructor advisory experience, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. Please feel free to reach out to your student’s faculty instructor if you have any additional questions.
FIELD INSTRUCTOR AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Field Instructor Role
An MSW field instructor is an experienced social worker with a desire to give back to the next generation and agrees to provide students with a positive learning environment using a variety of skills and educational opportunities. Field Instructors serve as role models, showing professional behavior, demonstrating practice knowledge and expertise with ethics, laws and exposure to a variety of different practice areas.
As a field instructor, you will be asked to provide constructive feedback to help your student maintain a safe learning environment and determine appropriate tasks/assignments for the student. Field Instructors collaborate and communicate with their students and faculty at Marymount to ensure the experience is satisfactory for all parties.
As a field instructor, you will engage in multiple roles, such as:
- Teacher
- Coach
- Leader/Influencer
- Facilitator/Socialization Agent
- Evaluator
- Protector
- Role Model
- Practice Expert
Field Instructor Responsibilities
As a field instructor, you will also have several responsibilities:
- Provide support and encouragement to the student
- Provide a variety of learning experiences within the social work setting
- Educate/inform the student about policies, procedures and guidelines
- Expect and communicate with the student to work on days/times according to your schedule throughout the experience together
- Notify the student of any changes in the schedule
- Support the student in their learning of skills and professional behaviors
- Maintain or co-sign the time log to document the student’s hours
- Report any issues, concerns, adverse events or unfavorable outcomes to the appropriate contact at Marymount in a timely manner
- Offer frequent feedback to the student on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement
- Notify the faculty if the student is not meeting objectives
- Complete evaluations as requested
Student Responsibilities
Students also have responsibilities to ensure a successful supervised field experience:
- Arrive on time and take breaks at an appropriate time
- Review personal goals for the supervised field experience, and revise if needed
- Determine an appropriate experiential schedule and complete times and dates as scheduled
- Dates and hours selected must not conflict with classes
- Prioritize field schedule and avoid other conflicts, especially for days already planned out with the field instructor
- Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn
- Establish rapport with clients and families when appropriate
- Work as a team member
- Demonstrate effective communication with clients, staff members and the supervisor
- Follow all social work regulations and guidelines for practice
- Immediately report any adverse events, issues or unfavorable outcomes to supervisor and faculty, depending on the issue
- Seek new learning experiences and request help when needed
- Accept guidance and suggestions with a positive attitude
- Improve in skills, knowledge and understanding of the professional social worker role
- Notify the faculty and supervisor of emergency changes in schedule
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE THE FIRST DAY
It is important to cover the following items with the student prior to the start of their fieldwork or during your first meeting:
- Shift schedule
- Required dress code based on student handbook and facility policy
- Parking policy
- ID badge
- Computer access/training
- Expectations regarding timeliness, professionalism, preparedness, etc.
- Absence policy and expectations
- Current skill level and position in course progression
- Fieldwork objectives and goals
- Share desired main form of communication (email, text, phone, etc.)
MSW ROTATION PREPARATION
Orientation Process
Each social work environment may differ regarding the orientation process for students. Please coordinate with the faculty and supervisor to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day, students need to be oriented by the field instructor to the important areas of the facility.
Necessary Documentation
All documentation needed for field instructors will be handled by either the facility or the administration office at Marymount University. We recommend supervisors check their email frequently to ensure further documentation or information is not needed.
Setting Expectations, Goals and Objectives
Course and field objectives will be provided by the faculty and should guide the student’s experience. For unique practice sites, additional learning objectives may be added to the learning experience.
At the beginning of the term, the student and field instructor should convene and discuss objectives. The field instructor should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for his/her experience. This information helps the field instructor plan the experience and provide learning opportunities and student-specific instruction.
The field instructor should also be aware of the student’s current skills and knowledge base as it pertains to the social work setting. Using the program plan of study and previous objectives, the field instructor can gain an understanding of the skills and experiences the students are already equipped with.
FORMATIVE EVALUATION PROCESS
A crucial role of the field instructor is being an evaluator. On the first day of the term, explain to the student that feedback will be provided often throughout the supervised experience. Providing feedback to students is necessary for learning and growth.
MSW CURRICULUM
-
This course introduces students to the generalist approach to social work practice and social welfare policy. It presents social workers in a wide range of professional roles demonstrating a commitment to human rights and social justice, an eclectic knowledge base, and effective and ethical service delivery to a diverse constituency of clients and populations. (3 credits)
-
This course introduces students to the generalist approach to social work practice and social welfare policy. It presents social workers in a wide range of professional roles demonstrating a commitment to human rights and social justice, an eclectic knowledge base, and effective and ethical service delivery to a diverse constituency of clients and populations. (3 credits)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
- MSW with two or more years of relevant experience
- Preferable prior experience in supervision or field instruction
Field Instructors have opportunities to provide immediate feedback as well as a more formal assessment of student performance in the form of evaluations.
Traditional students will obtain 900 hours across six terms, and Advanced Standing students will obtain 500 hours across three terms. You will work with the student to arrange a schedule that allows the student to obtain all necessary hours over the designated timeframe.
