Developing a Comprehensive Orientation for MSW Internships

1. Developing a Comprehensive Orientation for MSW Internships

2. Considerations for developing an orientation Primary Consideration Student Learning Needs Student at Employment Student with Human Service Experience Student Coming Directly from an Undergrad Degree Student with Internship and/or volunteer experience When developing an internship orientation, multiple variables should be considered. The primary consideration is th student's learning needs. Students come to the internship with varying amounts When developing an internship orientation, multiple variables should be considered. The primary consideration is th student's learning needs. Students come to the internship with varying amounts

3. Using the Educational Resume Students Prepare a lengthy resume Cover letter identifying their learning interests and what they bring to the internship Assist Field Instructor identify student�s orientation needs.

4. Agency Size of the Agency or Unique Features Small agency with 1 or 2 programs Large agencies with multiple programs Employee orientation Program orientation Social Workers in Host Settings Fluid vs. Formal Structure

5. Student Anxiety Anxiety Begin with the Planning Process Anxiety for Student with minimal experience Expectations Feelings of inadequacy Anxiety for Students with experience Worker vs. Student

6. The School�s Orientation to Practicum Responsible to both Student and Field Instructor Field Education Manual Rules, guidelines, policies and procedures Compass Web source for students during internship New Field Instructor Training Web based Trainings�such as this Program on Field Education Day

7. Orienting Student to Internship Process Incoming meeting with all student Discuss specialization Internship geographic and learning interests Field Education Day Morning informational meeting Informational Meetings about the Process Individual Planning Meetings

8. Orienting Agencies Orientation begins during the initial contact Discuss program requirements Appropriate learning activities Supervision Overview of the Internship Program A confirmed agency receives a Confirmation Packet Curriculum syllabus Field instructor profile Learning plans Timeline Information regarding field instructor training

9. Agency Orientation Multiple purposes Welcomes a student Reduce student anxiety Saves student from seeking out information Enhances the learning process Socialization to the Profession Information on the placement site Builds relationship

11. Prior to Intern�s Arrival Inform staff of intern Educate staff Identify tasks and assignment Formal and informal supervision Physical space Orientation Training needs and materials Multiple programs

12. Internship Physical space Community Staff Office procedures Phone usage Long distance calls Signing in and out Lunch breaks Parking Travel reimbursement Scheduling clients Office machines Insurance Personal phone calls Agency hours

13. Computer system Culture Parking Dress requirements Special security precautions

14. Orienting the Student to the Agency Mission statement Annual report Brochures Website Organizational chart Job descriptions Agency terminology Policy and procedures manuals Reporting lines Funding sources Personnel Manual

15. Orienting student to the Practicum Confidentiality Documentation Record keeping Role and expectations Supervision Relevant reading materials Community resources Observation Communication Teaching/learning styles Work hours