Field Instructor Quick Guide

FIELD INSTRUCTOR AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Field Instructor Role

A Field Instructor is an experienced social worker who agrees to train students in the field using a variety of skills and education tools. They serve as role models, showing professional behavior, and appropriate actions, and behaviors. 

The Field Instructor is the student’s primary field learning resource and the agency’s representative to the program. 

As a Field Instructor, you will engage in multiple roles, such as:

• Teacher
• Coach
• Leader/Influencer
• Facilitator/Socialization agent
• Evaluator
• Protector
• Role Model

Field Instructor Responsibilities

As a Field Instructor, you will also have several responsibilities:

• Participate in orientation and training activities for new Field Instructors.
• Orient the student to the agency and staff.
• Develop and implement a student learning contract in collaboration with the student during the first three weeks of field experience. The contract specifies learning experiences that will help the student achieve their learning objectives and field education requirements.
• Schedule weekly in-person supervisory sessions with the student for a minimum of one hour.
• Provide appropriate activities for the student to complete incremental tasks that achieve the student’s objectives and offer a broad range of agency experience.
• Review regularly the student’s work and time accrual, maintain an ongoing evaluation of the student’s progress through Taskstream, and complete evaluations of the student at the end of each semester - including a recommended grade.
• Support the student’s initiative in gaining access to other learning experiences and resources in the agency and professional community when needed.
• Collaborate with the Faculty Liaison in the preparation, review, and evaluation of the field experience.
• Inform the Faculty Liaison promptly of any problems in the field placement and, when necessary, develop a plan of remedial action with the Faculty Liaison and the student.
• Provide information to the Field Education Director to assist in the future use of the agency as a placement site, including the Field Instructor’s interest in continuing service as a Field Instructor.

Student Responsibilities

Students also have responsibilities to ensure a successful field experience: 

• Arrive on time and take breaks at an appropriate time.
• Review personal goals for the field placement experience with the Field Instructor, and revise if needed.
• Determine an appropriate work schedule and complete field placement dates as scheduled (dates and hours selected must not conflict with classes).
• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn.
• Establish rapport with clients and families.
• Work as a team member.
• Demonstrate effective communication with clients, staff members, and the Field Instructor.
• Follow all site regulations and guidelines for practice.
• Immediately report any adverse events or outcomes to the Field Instructor.
• 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 instructor, faculty, and Field Instructor 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 field placement or during your first meeting:

• Field placement shift schedule
• Required dress code based on student handbook and site 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
• Objectives and goals (course and field placement objectives will be provided by the social work faculty to guide the student’s field placement experience)

FIELD PLACEMENT PREPARATION

Orientation Process

Each organization may differ regarding the orientation process for social work students. Please coordinate with the faculty and agency to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day of the placement experience, students need to be oriented by the Field Instructors to the important site areas. 

Necessary Documentation

All documentation needed for Field Instructors will be handled by either the site or administration office at Cleveland State University. We recommend Field Instructors check their email frequently to ensure further documentation or information is not needed.

Setting Expectations, Goals and Objectives

Course and field placement objectives will be provided by the social work faculty and should guide the student’s experience.

At the beginning of the field placement experience, the student and Field Instructors should sit down and discuss the objectives. The Field Instructors should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for their field placement experience. This information helps the Field Instructor plan and provide learning opportunities and student-specific instruction.

Field Instructors should also be aware of students’ current skills and knowledge base as it pertains to the social worker setting. Using the program plan of study and previous objectives, Field Instructors 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 field placement experience, explain to the students that feedback will be provided often throughout. Opportunities for feedback include, but are not limited to, the weekly required supervision meeting between the student and Field Instructor, as well as the semester evaluations through Taskstream.

FORMS AND PLANNING RESOURCES

• Field Acceptance Form
• Field Instructor Application

MSW CURRICULUM