The field placement process actually begins in February with the annual Field Fair/Career Day.  At this event, students have the opportunity to meet with prospective field instructors and agency representatives in anticipation of field placement for the next academic year. An important part of the placement process is the student interview with the prospective field instructor. The student is expected to discuss their goals, appropriate background, issues that may inhibit the successful completion of the practicum, and expectations with a field instructor. Students must apply for field placement using the Field Education’s Application for Field Placement Form.  Field forms are found on our website at http://cosw.sc.edu/field/forms/index.html

PREPLACEMENT VISIT QUESTIONS

You are being asked to schedule appointments at potential field placement sites. Both you and the contact person at that site should explore the appropriateness of this practicum assignment. Below is a partial list of questions which you might want to consider asking during your initial appointment.

1. What kinds of activities and programs does this agency undertake?

2. What activities, tasks, and/or projects will I be able to undertake?

3. What specific skills will I able to develop at this agency?

4. Does this agency have a particular theoretical approach to intervention?

5. What are general characteristics of clients and communities served by this agency?

6. What is the approach to and structure of supervision?

7. What amount of interaction does a student have with other students and with permanent staff?

8. What opportunities exist for inter-professional collaboration or cooperation?

9. What types of in-service training or workshops and conferences will be available to me?

10. What kinds of cases and/or projects do you anticipate assigning to me?

11. What kinds of skills do you hope a student will bring to the agency?

12. How much independence and initiative do you expect me to demonstrate?

13. How are students helped to handle issues of diversity regarding age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and mental and physical ability on both staff and client levels?