School of Social Work

Field Work Instructors

A field instructor for the Salem State BSW program is a staff member at a human service agency who has significant practice experience and appropriate credentials, nearly always an MSW. The field instructor is an integral part of the School of Social Work's BSW Field Work Program and a member of the educational team (student, field instructor and faculty liaison). They are expected to provide a helpful and positive experience for the student in various ways, including:

1. Involving the student in meaningful agency experiences
2. Determining appropriate assignments in conjunction with the student
3. Instructing the student as to the goals, scope, and operation of the agency as part of the student's orientation to the agency
4. Holding weekly 1-2 hour supervisory sessions with the student
5. Helping the student make accurate assessments, plan and evaluate appropriate interventions and apply relevant social work theory to practice
6. Discussing and evaluating student reports, assessment documents and process recordings
7. Being available for on-site visits with faculty liaison and students
8. Providing ongoing evaluation of the student's performance and completing School of Social Work Field Work Evaluation instruments in conjunction with the student and submitting them to the faculty liaison
9. Attending on-campus field instructor meetings/workshops whenever possible
10. Fostering student application of the knowledge, values, processes and skills essential for insuring the social work focus of their learning

It is expected that the agency will provide adequate space and facilities for a professional utilization of a student. In keeping with the generalist approach to social work, the field instructor will attempt to arrange the variety of activities for the student whereby her/his skills working at various systems levels can be developed and enhanced.

Prior to a student beginning the field placement, the field instructor will complete and return to the School a “Letter of Acceptance” of the student on a form provided by the School. Early in the student's placement, a written “Contract” will be negotiated between the student and field instructor. The field instructor should keep the faculty liaison informed about the student's activities and progress, any problems associated with the student's performance, and any agency changes that may affect the student's work.