SW8020: Specialization Practicum

This specialized practicum builds upon the student?s foundation practicum experience and offers an immersion into the social work process under the direct supervision of an M.S.W.-level social worker. The practicum engages the student in advanced social work practice related to the student?s specialization and challenges the student to integrate policy formulation within their professional position. Students are also expected to develop an ethical and professional identity, engage in anti-racism, and increase their understanding of social, racial, economic, and environmental justice as integral to our profession. The Specialization Practicum is designed to support students in further developing and integrating practice skills and knowledge learned in specialization coursework into their own evolving social work practice. The basis for specialization practicum learning is critically examined, and social work practice experience is tailored for relevance across a wide range of settings, including the student?s area of specialization (Advanced Direct Practice, Advanced Generalist Practice, or Advanced Macro Practice). The Specialization Practicum requires a student to spend a minimum of 600 hours in a supervised Practicum setting. Practicum optional consultation hours for SW 8020 count toward this total. Each student is expected to assess their social work learning needs and to plan and complete activities that will support achievement of structured learning goals with the help of the agency-based practicum instructor (and task supervisor, if dual supervision arrangements exist). Student progress in learning is monitored throughout the practicum using a competency development model. Two formal student evaluations are completed, at mid-placement and the end of the practicum. The internship ending is based not on the completion of the minimum number of practicum hours, but on demonstrating competency as determined and rated by the practicum instructor on the student?s goals. Specialization Practicum students are required to complete the Practicum Orientation in Canvas before the start of their in-agency/organization experience. Specialization Practicum students are required to engage in an Instructor Consultation session within the first month of their practicum to finalize their Learning Contract?s development.

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