Assignment Paper

MSW Advanced Clinical Concentration

Population Served:

Proposed Schedule:

Describe what your regular tasks will be at the agency:

Importance of the Learning Agreement
Purpose of the Learning Agreement: The learning agreement is designed to ensure students are mindful about the learning expectations in their field placement. It was developed to help students and supervisors/instructors plan a well-rounded experience that will help students meet the learning objectives.
Learning Objectives: The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires students gain competency in nine areas of social work practice. These areas of practice are defined as core competencies of the profession. Each core competency requires particular behaviors students should be able to engage and gain competency in. Students should provide examples of activities in the agency they can participate in to help them meet the learning objectives. Some examples of activities are provided. This is not an exhaustive list, so others can be added. Students must have an opportunity to complete tasks in all nine areas of competency.
Connection to the Student Evaluation: Not only is the learning agreement a helpful tool to plan the learning goals for the term, but it connects directly to the evaluation points in the student evaluation. Field Instructors/supervisors will be asked to complete student evaluations. Each student is evaluated on the nine core competencies of social work. Having a solid learning agreement aligns the learning goals with the student’s evaluation, so no areas are missed.

Instructions
Negotiating the Agreement: The learning agreement should be completed by week 3 at the agency. This is a collaborative process, where the field instructor/supervisor and student meet to establish goals for the term. The student will then submit the agreement to the faculty liaison for feedback and comments. Once everyone is happy with the agreement, all parties sign the agreement. During the evaluation session, toward the end of the quarter, the student and instructor/supervisor should meet to discuss progress and challenges with the plan and develop ways to adjust the learning for the remainder of the placement and the next quarter.
Form Layout:
Each page/grid is devoted to one of the nine Social Work Core Competencies. Students must have experience in all nine competencies.
Section Descriptions:
Expected Behaviors – the expected behaviors are those that are identified based on the concentration area. These behaviors should be demonstrated by students during the term of the field placement/internship.
Agency Activities-These are examples of particular activities that students can do at the agency to demonstrate the expected behaviors. Most of these are general to all settings. However, if they don’t quite match, feel free to add/change these to fit with the context of your agency. Check all activities that apply.
Field Course Assignments-These are a few examples of field course assignments that help reinforce the Social Work Core Competencies. Students will be required to complete all field course assignments.
How to Complete the Form:
a- By week 2, students should complete all student designated sections on the learning agreement and discuss it with their supervisor/instructor.
b- By week 3, students should upload the learning agreement to Blackboard for the faculty liaison to review. (Only upload agreements that have been approved by your supervisor/instructor).
c- After the faculty liaison reviews and signs the agreement, the student and instructor should sign it.
d- After the agreement has been signed, the student will upload it to Meditrek.
Learning Agreement
Social Work Core Competency 1 – Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
a- Makes clinically appropriate decisions based on the NASW Code of Ethics, and other local, state, and federal legal statutes and regulations.

b- Identifies and manages personal values to provide clinical service delivery, according to professional values and standards.

c-Incorporates professional behavior when engaging clients, families, colleagues, and other professionals.

d- Evaluate the ethical and appropriate use technology to facilitate delivery of clinical social work services

e-Integrates principles of supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.

f-Demonstrates professional development by identifying the specialized skills and knowledge needed to practice clinical social work.
0Adhere to ethical standards outlined by the NASW and other social work organizations
0Discuss personal values in supervision when they conflict with the values of the profession and adjust practice as needed.
0Recognize personal triggers that could impede effectiveness with clients. Discuss those triggers with your supervisor.
0Discuss case scenarios with my supervisor and faculty liaison that require ethical reasoning.
Seek guidance when you experience and ethical dilemma.
0Maintain professional boundaries with clients and others and discuss and potential boundary challenges in supervision.
0Use professional communication and interaction with clients, colleagues, and others.
0Recognize your professional responsibility to the client, the profession, and the agency.
0Adhere to agency polices about technology and record keeping. Discuss with your supervisor any potential ethical challenges that may arise because of the use of technology.
Add other activities here:
SOCW 6520 (Field III) Assignments:
Self-Assessment Assignment (Week1)
Blog post on confidentiality (Week 2)
Blog Post safety in field (Week 3)
Blog Post on Supervision (Week 4)
Blog on Ethics (Week 5)
Use of Self Blog (Week 8)

For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these expectations and activities will help you increase competence in ethical and professional behavior. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve knowledge, develop skills, and address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop as a professional social worker (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation).

Social Work Core Competency 2 – Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
a-Demonstrates cultural awareness by recognizing and integrating diverse populations’ varying values, culture, norms, and beliefs throughout the therapeutic process.

b-Demonstrates cultural humility by managing personal biases when partnering with clients.

c- Communicates in a culturally responsive way recognizing various community structures, norms, and values. 0Practice with those who are different from you based on age, SES, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

0Discuss in supervision and in class the strengths of engaging diversity and the challenges you have when engaging difference.

0Engage in self-refection about personal biases related to client population and discuss with supervisor and be able to demonstrate that you can have a personal view and a professional view in practice.

0Develop a diversity/cultural competency plan that allows you to learn about the cultural needs of client groups and be culturally responsive when communicating with clients.

Add other activities here:

SOCW 6520 (Field III) Assignments:
Agency Assignment – describe the population (Week 4)
Diversity Blog (Week 7)
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage diversity and difference in practice. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve knowledge, develop skills, and address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to engage diversity and difference in practice (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation).

Social Work Core Competency 3- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
a-Examines the effects of oppression, discrimination, structural social inequality, and historical trauma on clients/constituents and their systems to guide intervention planning.

b- Chooses social work clinical practices that promote human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

0Identify barriers clients face when accessing services at my agency or at other agencies and discuss during supervision.

0Develop a plan to learn about the effects of oppression, discrimination, inequality, and trauma on clients.

0Use evidence-based practices that consider the unique challenges clients have when faced with oppression, discrimination, social inequality, and historical trauma.

0Discuss with supervisor about how social, economic, and environmental factors affect client outcomes.

0Work with instructor/supervisor to engage advocacy for needs and services for clients.

0Collaborate with a local or national organization that advocates for your population.

Add other activities here:

For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve knowledge, develop skills, and address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you advance human rights and justice (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation)

Social Work Core Competency 4 – Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
a-. Critically evaluates evidence based and “best practice” treatment interventions

b- Develops clinical intervention plans based on the best available research and “best practices”. 0Research the evidence-based treatment interventions associated with the context of your agency.

0Use critical thinking to evaluate the benefits and challenges of the evidence-based interventions used with clients. Discuss your ideas with your supervisor.

0Develop treatment plans for clients that are evidence-based.

Add other activities here:
SOCW 6520 (Field III) Assignment:
Intervention Treatment Plan Assignment
SOCW6530 (Field IV) Assignment:
Intervention Treatment Plan Assignment part II
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve knowledge, develop skills, and address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you improve use research in your practice justice (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation).

Social Work Core Competency- 5- Engage in Policy Practice
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
a- Critically evaluates and creates awareness about agency and/or government policies and regulations that impact the well-being of clients.

b- Applies critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that support the needs of clients who present for clinical services

0Consider policies that affect the lives of your clients and discuss those challenges with your supervisor.

0Use critical thinking to examine the negative impact of policies on clients and advocate when needed.

0Explore how social problems are connected to social policy.

0Explore how agency funding is connected to policy.

Add other activities here: SOCW 6520 (Field III) Assignment:
Week 10 focuses on Organizational Policy
Social Problem/Policy Assignment
SOCW6530 (Field IV) Assignment:
Agency Funding and Policy Implication Assignment

For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage in policy practice. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve knowledge, develop skills, and address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to engage in policy practice (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation)

Social Work Core Competency 6- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors – Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
Individuals
Uses empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to engage diverse clients in the therapeutic process.

Families
Uses empathy, reflection, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of human behavior and the social environment and family systems to engage with families.

Groups
a-Uses empathy, reflection, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of group dynamics to engage group members in the group process.

b- Engages with inter-professional teams and stakeholders associated with clients’ care.

Organizations
Engages with organizations that provide services, support, advocacy, and resources to support to clients.

Communities
Identifies and actively participates in opportunities to communicate with community leaders and members about community service gaps for clients.
0Show care, empathy, and genuineness with clients to initiate therapeutic relationships.

0Use a strengths-based approach when engaging with individuals, groups, and families.

0Use active listening and other engagement skills.

0Consult with organizations to assist with client needs.

☐Engage in professional communication in interprofessional team meetings from the social work perspective.

0Connect and work with community organizations that provide services related to the clients you serve.

Add other engagement activities:
SOCW 6520 (Field III) –First 11 weeks
Process Recording (Week 5)
Process Recording (Week 7)
Week 9 focuses on Individual, Family, and Group contexts
SOCW6530 (Field IV)- Second 11 weeks
Week 1 & Week 2 Focus on Engagement
Blog on Engagement (Week 2)
Process Recording (Week 3)
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how you will engage with the following target systems in the context of your agency:
Individuals:
Families:
Groups:
Communities:
Organizations:

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop your engagement skills (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation)

Social Work Core Competency 7-Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
Individuals
a-Conducts clinical assessments that provide information about the biopsychosocial-spiritual needs of clients.
b- Uses critical thinking to apply the strengths perspective and theories of human behavior and the social environment when analyzing and interpreting assessment information in a clinical setting.
c- Develops mutually agreed-upon evidence-based therapeutic interventions that consider culture, values, and safety.

Families
a- Conducts family assessments to understand family roles, functioning, relationships, resources, and support needs.
b- Uses critical thinking to apply theories of family systems when analyzing and interpreting family functioning, support, and dynamics.

Groups
a-Identifies the professional social work role in inter-professional and supervision group meetings and assesses how that role contributes to the group’s purpose.
b- Assesses the functioning and needs of professional and/or patient focused groups, and considers the best intervention strategies, based on professional knowledge and ethics.

Organizations
a-Assesses how the agency’s mission, structure, vision, connect to client outcomes.
b- Uses critical thinking to consider the strengths and limitations of therapeutic services provided to clients.

Communities
a-Develops knowledge about community resources, resources, governance, political climate, and initiatives to support mental health
b- Uses critical thinking to consider the strengths and limitations of the community and how those impact the functioning of clients 0Utilize agency appropriate forms, tools, and processes to complete clinical assessments.

0Utilize developmentally, and strengths-based approaches to assessment.

0Assist clients in developing mutually agreed upon goals and interventions to enhance well-being.

0Assess family functioning, relationships and support needs in the context of the agency’s practice.

0Work with groups to assess needs and to inform group intervention goals and treatment strategies.

0Assess ways you can participate in inter-professional and supervision meetings from the social work perspective.

0Assess how other organizations assist with client needs and where there may be gaps in services.

0Assess the role the community plays in providing services for your clients (financial, legislative, representative, etc.) Discuss your findings with your supervisor.

Add other assessment activities:

SOCW6520 (Field III) – First 11 weeks

Process Recording (Week 5)

Week 9 Focus on Individuals, Families, and Groups
SOCW 6510 (Field II)- Second 11 weeks

SOCW 6530 (Field IV)- Second 11 weeks
Week 3 and 4 devoted to the assessment process, with assignments of blogs and process recordings.
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how you will assess the following target systems in the context of your agency:
Individuals:
Families:
Groups:
Organizations:
Communities:

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop your assessment skills (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during supervision)

Social Work Core Competency 8-Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Communities, and Organizations
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
Individuals
a-Implements therapeutic interventions based on the strengths perspective, biopsychosocial needs, and current theories appropriate for the setting and client needs.
b- Utilizes appropriate resources and services for clients.
c- Promotes effective transitions and endings that incorporate mutually agreed-upon goals.
Families
a-Implements family interventions based on the strengths perspective, family culture, family systems theory, and evidence-based practice.
b- Utilizes appropriate resources, services, and interventions for families.
Groups
Uses professional ethics, knowledge, and evidence-based interventions in groups.
Organizations
Participates in opportunities to improve agency/organization service delivery that will support the needs of clients.
Communities
Explores and actively participates in opportunities to advocate for community services and support mental health services.

0Use agency-appropriate and developmentally- appropriate intervention strategies and techniques.

0Use relevant prevention strategies with individuals, families, and groups.

0Explore various evidence-based interventions and discuss those with your supervisor.

0 Intervene with families using appropriate family theories.

0Explore and utilizes resources to provide holistic care.

0Talk with supervisor about planning for termination or transitions with clients.

0Consults with supervisor about ways to be involved in service delivery improvement at the agency.

☐Consults with supervisor about opportunities to be involved in advocacy.

Add other activities here:
SOCW 6520 (Field III) First 11 weeks

Week 9 focuses on Individuals, Families, and Groups

Discuss with supervisor evidence-based practices used in agency setting

SOCW 6530 (Field IV) Second 11 weeks

Weeks 5 and 6 focus on intervention with assignments of blogs and process recordings.
Week 9 focuses on Termination with clients

For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how you will intervene with all of the following target systems in the context of your agency:
Individuals:
Families:
Groups:
Organizations:
Communities:

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you apply appropriate intervention strategies (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation)

Social Work Core Competency 9- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check ALL that apply AND add other activities specific to your agency. Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.
Individuals
Evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention strategies for with individuals

Utilizes evaluation data to inform new intervention strategies.

Families
Evaluates the effectiveness of intervention strategies used to improve family functioning and support.

Utilizes evaluation data to inform new intervention strategies and resources.

Groups
Evaluates the effectiveness of group related processes.

Utilizes evaluation data to inform future group processes.

Organizations
Evaluates the effectiveness of social services and intervention strategies provided by agencies to support clients.

Utilizes evaluation data to inform advocacy initiatives to improve services.
Communities
Evaluates the effectiveness of community services and resources for clients and their families.

Utilizes evaluation data to inform advocacy initiatives
0Considers the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and makes changes to treatment plans as needed.
0Consults with supervisor about treatment plan outcomes to consider potential alternatives.
0Evaluate the effectiveness of social services provided organizations and communities and advocate where needed.
0Meet with clients to assess the progress of their goals and make changes in treatment plans as necessary.
0Participate in data collection, needs assessments, and other research efforts to inform advocacy or awareness initiatives.
Add other activities here:
SOCW 6520 (Field III) First 11 weeks
Week 9 focuses on Individuals, Families, and Groups

SOCW 6530 (Field IV) Second 11 weeks
Weeks 7 and 8 focus on evaluation of client success with assignments of blog posts and process recordings.

For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how you will evaluate with all of the following target systems in the context of your agency:
Individuals:
Families:
Groups:
Organizations:
Communities:

For Students: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you understand how to evaluate clients and other systems (these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).

For Students: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:

Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation)

WORKSITE INTERNSHIPS ONLY
For this section, please complete the following table
List specific tasks/activities that meet SW competencies.

SPECIFIC WORKSITE TASK/ACTIVITY Is this part of your job description? IDENTIFY WHICH COMPETENCY 1-9
TASK IS ADDRESSING
Example: Admission intake process Yes No

Internship Accountability Schedule
Placement Allocation List specific days of the week you will be in working for each role.
List specific hours you will be engaged in this role during the week. Employment Supervisor Name Field Instructor Name
Employment hours
Internship hours
Comments:

Signature Page

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