Field Instruction Overview AURORA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL

Field Instruction Overview AURORA UNIVERSITY- SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

Welcome! BSW Students

What is Field Instruction and Field Work? o. Provides students with learning experiences in the community o. Applies direct social work skills learned from the classroom into the community o Should be aligned with student interests o. Provides students the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to function in a practice setting Internships help: o Network o Possible employment

Placement requirements: BSW/ MSW Foundation: o 450 min. total hours o 225 min. hours each semester o. Required supervision by MSW o 1 hour/week o Structured/planned o Consistent o Provides ongoing feedback and education

Two Factors to consider How to find internship placements: q. Geographic area? q. Areas of social work that most interest you? 2. ) Review the Field Agency List q. Students outside of IL should contact Larry Le. Sure 3. ) Select 3 or more agencies 4. ) Contact the agencies and introduce yourself

Search for agencies: o. It is encouraged to use the Field Agency List in order to find agencies o. For those not using an agency from the field list: o Consult the specialization coordinator or Larry Le. Sure to get the agency approved o This approval process could take up to three months

How to Navigate the Field Agency List:

Agency Name Address

o. Once you have selected an agency: Prior to going to an interview: o Prepare a cover letter o Prepare a resume o. Contact agencies through preferred way of contact listed on the field agency list o. Call agency to set up an interview: o. Be very professional o. Act just like you would for a job interview o. Send follow up email o After several days

For the interview: o. Dress professionally o. Arrive 15 -20 minutes before interview time o. Bring at least three copies of your cover letter and resume with you o. Bring the AU field application form o You will need to discuss with the agency the following: o Internship tasks o Who will provide supervision? o Schedule commitment for field placement o Field interview specifics o Make sure the agency will be able to meet all the minimum responsibilities

Field Placement Application o. How to: o. Complete the field placement application o. Send completed form to Larry Le. Sure at llesure@aurora. edu o Fax: 630 -844 -6182

Once you have ccepted a placement: Fill out field application You will then receive a conformation letter allowing you to begin your internship Please be patient and wait for AU to process your paperwork Send completed form and a copy of your resume to Social Work Department If this internship is your place of employment or prior place of employment, complete the JAFP form

Reminder: Students are not allowed to terminate their internships. Please decide wisely before you accept an offer.

Q&A o. Q: Can I intern at place of employment? o. A: Yes, see Larry Le. Sure for further information regarding interning at current place of employment. o. Q: Can I intern at an agency that I have already interned at? o. A: Yes, see Larry Le. Sure for further information regarding repeating placement. o. Q: What if I have two interviews within a few days of each other and the first agency offered me a position? o. A: Tell the agency “Thank you so much for the offer. Can I get back to you in 24 hours? ”

Let the Journey Begin!