FIELD INSTRUCTOR MANUAL

Many social workers report that they learned more in their field placements than they did in the classroom, and much of this learning can be attributed to the role Field Instructors play in the professional development of students. Field Instructors are adjunct faculty members who hold MSWs from CSWE accredited Schools of Social Work and who work in community agencies.

The Field Instructor orients the student to field work, to the field agency, and to supervision and helps the student prepare the learning contract. The Field Instructor accepts responsibility for the work of the student throughout the field placement and meets formally with the student each week to monitor cases, assess the student's performance, and provide guidance. The Field Instructor formally evaluates the student's performance at the end of each quarter using a form provided by the Department of Social Work.

The Field Instructor's work is often supplemented by Task Supervisors, non-MSW staff who are experienced staff members in the programs to which students are assigned. Task Supervisors work in conjunction with Field Instructors to guide students' field education experience.

Before serving as Field Instructors or Task Supervisors, individuals must complete training provided by the Department of Social Work. The following slides provide a brief introduction to the supervision of field students.