The Field Education program strives to:
- Foster professional development wherein personal and professional skills are promoted in the interest of competent professional practice
- Develop practice competence as an entry level professional in generalist social work practice within the organization, the community, social work skills of assessment, planning and evaluation, and the profession
- Support the development of effective and efficient delivery of social welfare services and the process of quality improvement through professional evaluation
- Develop substantive understanding of social work knowledge, values and skills and demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the principles, which underlie professional social work practice
- Apply professional skills and techniques as well as analytical competence to work with direct and indirect systems in an agency setting and develop an understanding of the relationships between human behaviour and societal processes
- Develop self-awareness and self-discipline sufficient to enable students to apply their knowledge, values, and skills when working with client systems
- Develop critical thinking skills and an inquiring interest in professional issues and knowledge along with a commitment to the ethical principles of Social Work and the development of a professional identity
- There are seven educational objectives addressed within four areas: the organizational context of practice, the community context of practice, the social work skills context of practice and the professional context of practice.
- The Code of Ethics and the Guidelines for Ethical Practice as set out by the Canadian Association of Social Workers
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Equity
- Suitability
47-473 Field Education I Learning Outcomes
LEARNING OUTCOME #1
Articulate knowledge of field agency’s structure, mission, policies, communication channels, and worker roles by creating a self-orientation plan, employing expected professional behaviour, and establishing appropriate communication links with agency personnel.
LEARNING OUTCOME #2
Assess the impact of community characteristics on social work practice, including agency function in the community, available community resources, and economic, political, and social conditions.
LEARNING OUTCOME #3
Employ generalist social work practice skills, effective written and oral communication, and client advocacy in micro and macro contexts.
LEARNING OUTCOME #4
Display social work core values (the inherent dignity of persons, social justice, service to humanity, confidentiality, integrity and competence in professional practice) and appropriate use of self in micro and macro practice.
47-475 Field Education II Learning Outcomes
LEARNING OUTCOME #1
Implement strategies for utilizing agency structure, mission, protocols, and communication channels to sufficiently and effectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
LEARNING OUTCOME #2
Employ working relationships with formal and informal networks and resources using organizational, collaborative, and leadership skills to impact larger systems and involve and empower the community.
LEARNING OUTCOME #3
Demonstrate practice approaches that fit client system, problem, and diverse social work roles by using self reflection, critical thinking, problem solving, and evaluating intervention effectiveness.
LEARNING OUTCOME #4
Portray oneself as a member of the social work profession by upholding social work mission, values, and ethical reasoning; displaying personal initiative, strengths, self awareness, and professional behaviour; and espousing continuous learning.