COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Field seminar class is designed to be an integrative experience in which students can discuss their field work activities and seek to integrate the knowledge, skills and theory that have been presented throughout the social work curriculum. Professional development/exploration is encouraged.
COURSE FORMAT:
Student discussion and informal presentations are the primary methods of instruction.
GRADING:
A student will receive a "Satisfactory" grade if s/he completes all assignments in a timely fashion, and if the student achieves the goals of primary importance among his/her learning goals and receives satisfactory ratings on the field evaluation completed by his/her supervisor. Grades are determined by the field liaison. Student progress will be discussed when the field liaison visits with the student and his/her supervisor.
I. Professional development
A. Using learning goals for self-direction at your agency
B. NASW Code of Ethics
C. Client rights including confidentiality, privileged communication
D. Supervision for support and professional development
E. Attitudes toward one’s work, one’s clients, and one’s co-workers
Assignment: Compose 5 type-written learning goals. For each goal, describe the purpose of the goal; the specific knowledge, skill, or experience you intend to achieve and by when; your plan of action (tasks you'll need to complete to achieve your goal & a time table); and the manner in which you will document your task and goal achievements. September 11th a good draft is due.
Ongoing Assignment : Keep a journal discussing your activities, feelings about your work, and reactions to your supervisor and co-workers. Journal entries should be written for each field day. The journal is collected on the first Tuesday of each month beginning October 2nd. Please make an entry for each day in field. Your journal for Dec. 4th should also include a report and documentation showing your progress on each of your 5 learning goals.
Assignment: Provide a verbal report on the manner in which client confidentiality is handled at your agency. What are the formal and informal procedures? What if any suggestions do you have to improve upon these? September 11th
Assignment: Provide a verbal report on supervision. Who receives supervision in your agency? What are the purposes of supervision? What form does supervision take? How can you get the most from supervision? September 25th
Activity: Discussion of case scenarios in which self-determination, cultural differences, and issues of professional boundaries emerge. Ongoing
II. Generalist social work roles
Activity: Which generalist roles are enacted in your agency? Describe who fills what role. Which roles are not enacted and may be needed among your agency’s functions?
III. The Social Work agency
Assignment: Provide a brief written outline describing the agency’s history, funding, its target population, an organizational chart and its networks or coalitions. Bring in agency brochures. Oct. 16th
Activity: Exchange brochures and compile a chart indicating the--Target Population; Criteria for Service; Major Funding Source; Type of Organization; Agency’s origin
IV. Case Recording Procedures and other documentation completed at your agency
V. Applying knowledge and skill
VI. The impact of diversity
Activity: How diverse is your agency’s client population and its staff?
VII. Formulating a systematic plan to evaluate case progress (Review)
D. Choosing a research design to evaluate practice
Assignment: Formulate a learning goal for next semester which demonstrates your ability to evaluate practice effectiveness. Dec. 4th
Assignment: Hand-in an outline describing a 45 minute presentation
you will give in seminar next semester. Dec. 4th