Foundation_Year_learning_agreement_2015_EPAS1.docx

MSW Foundation Year -Student Learning Agreement

Walden University — Barbara Solomon School of Social Work

Used with SOCW 6500 and SOCW 6510

Agency Name:

Agency Address:

Student Information

Instructor/Supervisor Information

Faculty Liaison Information

Agency Info

Name:
Walden Email:

Name:
Email:
Phone:

Name: [Type here]
Email: [Type here]
Phone: [Type here]

Description: Baltimore County Department of Aging Ombudsman program is an advocate for residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and continuing care retirement homes. The ombudsman provides information about how to select a facility and what to do to get quality care. They represent the perspective of residents in monitoring laws, regulations, and policies. The ombudsman plays a role of a facilitator, educator, navigator and provide advocacy services through communication skills, and companionship.

Academic Term
Example: Winter 2016
[Type here][Type here]

Course Number

Example: SOCW 6500-10
[Type here]

Population Served: Senior citizens aged 65. and older adults.

Proposed Schedule:

Give a description of your tasks and responsibilities at the agency:

Importance 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.

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.

: 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

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.

Each page/grid is devoted to one of the nine Social Work Core Competencies
. Students must have experience in all nine competencies.

Section Descriptions:

– the expected behaviors are those that are identified by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). These behaviors should be demonstrated by students during the term of the field placement/internship.

-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.

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.

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 tasks associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a- make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context.

b- use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.

c-demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance, and oral, written, and electronic communication.

d-use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes.

f- use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.

|_|Familiarize self with clients’ rights and respect these at all times and adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.

|_|Advocate for those who are incapacitated, incompetent and those who cannot represent their own best interests.

|_|Discuss personal values in supervision when they conflict with the values of the profession.

|_|Discuss case scenarios with my supervisor and faculty liaison that require ethical reasoning.
Seek guidance when you experience and ethical dilemma.

|_|Dress professionally, use appropriate, professional language and behavior.

|_|Adhere to agency polices about technology and record keeping.

Add other activities here:

SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignments:
Blog entries on supervision, use of self, confidentiality and boundaries.
Process Recording on Values and Ethics

For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these expectations and activities will help you gain competence in ethical and professional behavior. For example how will these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, and provide you skills for professional social work (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop as a professional social worker (these should focus on areas where you think you need 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 tasks associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a-recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice

b-make ethical decisions applying the standards of the social work ethical codes

c-tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts

d-apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions

|_|Interact with those who are different from you based on age, SES, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

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

|_|Engage in self-refection about personal biases related to client population and discuss with supervisor.

Add other activities here:

SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignments:
Week 7 – Focus on diversity, including a blog post on the diversity represented in your agency and a process recording focused on cultural competency in your agency.

For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these expectations and activities will help you gain competence with engaging diversity in practice. For example how will these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, and provide you skills for professional social work (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help develop cultural competency (these should focus on areas where you think you need 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 tasks associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a-apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels.

b-engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.

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

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

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

|_|Become familiar with a local or national organization that advocates for your population.

Add other activities here:

SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignments:

For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these expectations and activities will help you gain competence to advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice. For example how will these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, and provide you skills for professional social work (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you work to advance human rights and justice (these should focus on areas where you think you need 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 tasks associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a-use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research.

b-apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings.

c-use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.

|_|Research the context and treatment models used by the agency.

|_|Read current research/literature on best practices with the population you serve. Discuss those articles with your supervisor. (See assignment in SOCW6500)

|_|Work with your supervisor to create a brief-interview questionnaire that could be used during an intake process with your population. (see assignment in SOCW 6510)

Add other activities here:

SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignment:
Assignment to find 5 research articles for best practices in your agency setting.

SOCW6510 (Field II) Assignment:
Use the articles identified in quarter 1 of Field 6500 to develop a short questionnaire that could be used with your client population during intake

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 (be specific). For example how will these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, and provide you skills for professional social work (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you improve use research in your practice (these should focus on areas where you think you need 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 tasks associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a-identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services.

b-assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access of social services.

c-apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

|_|Become familiar with local, state, federal and agency policies that affect the client population and discuss them in supervision and in class.

|_|Explore how the service delivery in the agency is affected by social welfare policies.

|_|Find opportunities at the agency or in advocacy organizations to work with others to advocate to advance human rights and justice.

Add other activities here:

SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignment:
Policy Paper Assignment

SOCW6510 (Field II) Assignment:
Policy Paper identifying policies that affect a sub-population of the clients served at the agency

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 these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, and provide you skills for professional social work (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to engage in policy practice (these should focus on areas where you think you need 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 in each area AND add other tasks in each area associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a-apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies.

b-use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.

Individuals:

|_|Show care, empathy, and genuineness with clients to initiate professional relationships with clients.

|_|Use a strength’s based approach with clients.

|_|Consider how the client’s stage of development may impact engagement techniques.

Add other engagement activities with individuals:

Families:

|_|Initiate professional relationships with families to support client needs.

|_|Consider how family roles and dynamics may impact the engagement process.

Add Other engagement activities with families:

Groups:

|_|Engage with groups by using professional and interpersonal skills associated with effective group facilitation.

|_|Discuss with your supervisor the design of groups in your agency and how those are designed to address developmental needs and psychosocial needs.

Add other group engagement activities here:

Organizations:

|_|Consult with organizations to assist with client needs.

|_|Develop relationships with individuals within advocacy organizations that address the needs of your clients.

|_|Attend a conference hosted by an advocacy organization

Add other engagement activities with Orgs:

Communities:

|_| Connect with community organizations that provide services related to the clients you serve.

|_|Attend a community meeting that discusses the needs of the community where your clients live.

Add other engagement activities with communities:

SOCW 6500 (Field I) –First 11 weeks
Blog on use of self

SOCW6510 (Field II)- Second 11 weeks
Week 1 and 2 focus on engagement with a blog and process recording

For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. For example how will these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, and provide you skills for professional social work (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop your engagement skills (these should focus on areas where you think you need 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 in each area AND add other tasks in each area associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a-collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies

b-apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies.

c-develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies.

d-select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies.

Individuals:

|_|Utilize agency appropriate forms, tools, and processes to assess clients’ needs, strengths, and limitations to inform appropriate intervention strategies.

|_|Use critical thinking to connect what you learn from an assessment to what potential interventions are needed.

|_|Use the information from the assess clients’ strengths and challenges

|_|Use information from the assessment to help clients identify their personal strengths and challenges.

Add other assessment activities with individuals:

Families:

|_|Assess family support systems for clients that support intervention goals and strategies.

|_|Work with families to assess needs, strengths, and limitations in to provide resources and services.

|_|Discuss with your supervisor how the various theoretical theories about family roles and dynamics guide how the agency approaches the needs of families.

|_|Use agency appropriate tools and resources to assess families’ needs.

Add other assessment activities with families:

Groups:

|_|Work with groups to assess needs and to inform group intervention goals and strategies.

|_|Develop a needs assessment that would inform the design and development of a group for clients.

Add other assessment activities with groups:

Organizations:

|_|Discuss with your supervisor the needs of clients, the strengths of the services offered, and the areas where more services may be needed.

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

Add other assessment activities with organizations:

Communities:

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

|_|Conduct a community needs assessment to determine social needs in the community.

|_|Begin to learn what resources or services the community provides to clients.

Add other assessment activities with organizations:

SOCW6500 (Field I) – First 11 weeks

Discuss with supervisor evidence-based practices used in agency setting.

SOCW 6510 (Field II)- 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 these will help you assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. For example how will these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, and provide you skills for professional social work (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop your assessment skills (these should focus on areas where you think you need 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 in each area AND add other tasks in each area associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a-critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies.

b-apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies.

c-use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes.

d-negotiate, mediate, and advocate with an d on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies

e-facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals.

Individuals:

|_|Use agency-appropriate processes to help clients set goals.

|_|Discuss with supervisor relevant prevention strategies with clients served.

|_|Utilize prevention strategies with clients.

|_| Assist clients by negotiating, mediating, and advocating for needed services.

|_|Talk with supervisor about planning for termination with clients.

|_|Work with clients to transition services when they transition from your service

Add other intervention tasks with individuals here:

Families:

|_|Work with families to provide strategies and interventions that promote family well-being.

|_|Discuss with the supervisor how intervention strategies are associated with roles, dynamics, and family systems.

Add other intervention strategies with families here:

Groups:

|_|Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.

|_|Facilitate groups that provide education, support, skill development, etc.

Add other intervention tasks with groups here:

Communities:

|_|Participate in a community activity that helps promote wellness in the community.

|_|Begin to learn the issues facing the communities where your clients live.

|_|Partner with community leaders to improve conditions for residents.

Add other community intervention tasks here:

Organizations:

|_|Get involved in an advocacy or support organization.

|_|Be a part of an organizational committee at the agency or outside the agency.

|_|Discuss with your supervisor how the needs of your agency and how change is suggested in that system.

Add other intervention tasks with organizations here:

SOCW 6500 (Field I) First 11 weeks

Discuss with supervisor evidence-based practices used in agency setting

SOCW 6510 (Field II) Second 11 weeks

Weeks 5 and 6 focus on intervention with assignments of blogs and process recordings.

Week 9 focuses on termination (ending services) with clients.

For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you intervene with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. For example how will these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, and provide you skills for professional social work (be specific)?

For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you apply appropriate intervention strategies (these should focus on areas where you think you need 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 in each area AND add other tasks in each area associated with your agency.

Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned.

a-select and use appropriate methods for evaluation outcomes.

b-apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes.

c-critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes.

d-apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro level.

Individuals:

|_|Meet with clients to evaluate the progress of their goals and make changes in treatment plans as necessary.

|_|Discuss with your supervisor any barriers to client success.

|_|Work with clients to evaluate and develop new goals.

|_|Work with clients to transition to the next phase of intervention if goals are met.

Add other evaluation tasks with clients here:

Families:

|_|Work with families to evaluate their progress toward goals and help with changes in intervention strategies as needed.

|_|Discuss with your supervisor any barriers families face when working toward their goals.

|_|Work with families to set goals or transition to the next phase of intervention if goals are met.

Add other evaluation tasks with families here:

Groups:

|_|Work with groups to determine their perceived outcomes of the group. (Did they learn new information, develop new skills, find support, etc.)

|_|Discuss with your supervisor the various ways groups can meet their outcomes.

|_|Design a group for clients with the intended outcome in mind.

Add other evaluation tasks for groups here:

Organizations:

|_|Explore how the agency assesses outcomes for its clients and discuss with supervisor. 

|_|Explore if funding sources at the agency require certain outcomes and discuss with supervisor.

|_|Evaluate how support resources support client needs.

Add other evaluation tasks for organizations here:

Communities:

|_|Participate in an agency sponsored evaluation of services provided by a community agency.

|_|Talk to a community representative about a recent social initiative and the results of the effort.

|_|Talk with your supervisor about the perceived benefits of community partnerships and what could be improved.

Add other evaluation tasks with communities here:

SOCW 6500 (Field I) First 11 weeks 
 Agency presentation will have you explore the funding sources for your agency, which may tie to their client success/outcomes. 
 
SOCW 6510 (Field II) 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 these will help you evaluate your practice and outcomes with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. For example how will these tasks use your strengths, help you develop in areas where you lack knowledge or have challenges, …