school of social work - carleton university · school of social work msw student practicum ......

School of Social Work

MSW STUDENT PRACTICUM INFORMATION PACKAGE

SOWK 5606, SOWK 5607

*Please keep this package as a reference throughout the practicum.

This package includes information that will be helpful for you throughout your practicum.

For more detailed information regarding practicum policies, please refer to the MSW practicum

Manual at: www.carleton.ca/socialwork/practicum-hub/practicum-manuals/

Revised 2012W

http://www.carleton.ca/socialwork/practicum-hub/practicum-manuals/

MSW Student Practicum Information Package SOWK 5606 and 5607 | 2

THIS PACKAGE CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:

GLOSSARY OF TERMS............................................................................................................. 3

IMPORTANT PRACTICUM DATES ............................................................................................ 4

STEPS TO SETTING UP A PLACEMENT ..................................................................................... 4

GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING YOUR PLACEMENT AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES ......................... 7

PRACTICUM COMPONENTS ................................................................................................... 7

1. The Learning Contract ........................................................................................................... 7

2. The Placement ....................................................................................................................... 8

3. The Special Assignment ......................................................................................................... 8

4. The Practicum Seminar ......................................................................................................... 9

5. The Faculty Liaison Meetings ................................................................................................ 9

6. The Written Evaluation ....................................................................................................... 10

GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING THE LEARNING CONTRACT ...................................................... 11

STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR FACULTY LIAISON MEETINGS ...................................................... 13

GUIDELINES FOR SELF EVALUATION ..................................................................................... 14

ASSIGNMENT - GUIDELINES FOR THE PAPER OPTION ........................................................... 15

ASSIGNMENT - GUIDELINES FOR THE REFLECTIVE JOURNAL OPTION .................................... 16

ASSIGNMENT - GUIDELINES FOR THE PRESENTATION OPTION .............................................. 18

CARLETON UNIVERSITY LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE .................................................... 19

*WORK/EDUCATION PLACEMENT AGREEMENT FORM ......................................................... 20

*MSW PRACTICUM LEARNING CONTRACT ........................................................................... 21

*MSW PRACTICUM PLACEMENT AGREEMENT FORM ........................................................... 23

*MSW PRACTICUM APPLICATION ........................................................................................ 26

*ACTION: FORMS THAT WILL NEED TO BE COMPLEYED AND RETURNED BY SPECIFIED DATE


GLOSSARY OF TERMS

PRACTICUM

This refers to the entire course which consists of the six following components:

1) Learning Contract

2) Placement

3) Special Assignment

4) Practicum Seminar

5) Faculty Liaison meetings

6) Final Evaluation

PRACTICUM SUPERVISOR

This refers to the agency-based instructor who is responsible for providing the student with

formal supervision and guidance in the placement.

FACULTY LIAISON

The individual assigned by the School of Social Work to monitor and support practicum students

and the practicum supervisors. The liaison also serves as sounding boards to problem solve

situations and identify additional resources as may be necessary. The Faculty liaison also

organizes and conducts the bi-weekly practicum seminars.

PRACTICUM COORDINATOR

This is a faculty member who has administrative responsibility for coordinating the graduate

practicum component of the School’s MSW program.


IMPORTANT PRACTICUM DATES

PRACTICUM FALL TERM WINTER TERM SPRING/SUMMER TERM

Orientation As Needed Mid-September Mid-January

Practicum Application Due

April 1 October 1 February 1

Practicum Agreement Due

August 1 December 1 April 1

Draft Learning Objectives Due

August 1 December 1 April 1

Practicum Learning Contract

To be completed in first week of Placement

Start Date After Labour Day First day of winter term classes

First day of summer term classes

End Date (approximate)

Mid-December Mid-April Mid-August

STEPS TO SETTING UP A PLACEMENT

Students are notified of timelines for the practicum during the academic semester prior to the

practicum course. The following is the process for establishing student placement:

1. Practicum Orientation

The student has to attend a practicum orientation the semester prior to the start of the

practicum. This orientation is offered to students early in the fall (for those entering

Winter Practicum) and early in the winter (for those entering Spring Practicum) semester.

At orientation the practicum process will be outlined, the expectations for the practicum

reviewed, and questions and concerns addressed. The MSW Student Practicum

Information Package will be distributed. Students should keep this package until the end

of the practicum as they will need to use the various forms and guidelines throughout the

practicum. These packages are also available on the School of Social Work web site:

http://www1.carleton.ca/socialwork/practicum-hub/msw/


2. MSW Practicum Application

The student should submit the MSW Practicum Application (Appendix A) together with

a professional resume and give it to the practicum administrator in the main office (Room

509 DT) who will check to see if the student has the academic prerequisites. The

application form indicates to the practicum coordinator the number of students who plan

to do a practicum and in which term. For the winter term practicum (intended for

students in their first year of the two year MSW), applications are due October 1st.

Winter term practica are generally 4 days a week starting in early January and finishing

by mid-April. Part time students must finish by mid-August. For the spring term

practicum (usually at the end of the second year) applications are due February 1st. the

placement at the end of April or early May and ends by mid-August. Part time students

must finish by December 15th. For the fall term practicum, applications are due April 1st.

Fall term placements start in early September and must be completed by December 15th.

Part time students must finish by mid-April.

3. Practicum Options

The following are sources the student might check for ideas of possible placements:

a) School of Social Work website at www.carleton.ca/ssw;

c) Agency Fairs (held twice a year);

d) Student Practicum Orientation meeting (held September and January);

f) Contacts in agencies;

g) Faculty;

h) Other students

4. Three top choices

The student outlines the top three placement options/opportunities;

5. Prepare resume

The student prepares a professional resume and identifies learning needs and interests. To

assist in drafting the learning objectives the student should consult the Guidelines for

Selecting Your Placement and Learning Objectives (Appendix B).


6. Meeting with practicum coordinator

The student meets with the coordinator to discuss the student’s top three preferences.

7. Resume sent to agency

The practicum coordinator sends out each student’s application and resume to one agency

(with a copy to the student) based on the choices outlined by the student as well as the

availability of the agencies.

8. Agency Interview

The agency representative will contact the student and cc the coordinator. If the agency

is interested in the student an interview will be scheduled with the student.

9. Signing of Placement Agreement Form

If both the practicum setting and the student are happy with the outcome of the interview

the placement will be confirmed with the signing of the Placement Agreement Form

which the student sends to the practicum coordinator.

10. Coordinator follow-up

If the agency does not proceed with the student within the two weeks of receipt of the

email from the coordinator, the practicum coordinator will follow-up. If an agreement is

not reached the coordinator will contact the next option listed for a possible placement.

11. Final approval

The coordinator makes the final approval of placements.

Although students may experience this as stressful, the process is intended to optimize the match

between agency and student. Students are encouraged to discuss concerns with the coordinator.


GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING YOUR PLACEMENT AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES To be completed in advance of meeting with practicum coordinator:

1) What do you consider your strongest areas of skill or knowledge in social work practice?

2) What are your skill areas that are not yet well developed?

3) What are practice skill areas you want to develop further (either strong or weak areas)?

4) What kinds of people have you already worked with (age, race, gender, social class,

sexual orientation rural/urban, etc.)?

5) With what kind of people would you be interested in working with?

6) What social issues have you been involved in?

7) What social issues would you be interested in addressing?

PRACTICUM COMPONENTS

There are six components to 5606 (Practicum I) and 5607 (Practicum II). All six components of

the practicum must be completed successfully in order for the student to receive a satisfactory

grade for the practicum. The faculty liaison is responsible for submitting the final grade of

Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

The six components are as follows:

1. THE LEARNING CONTRACT

Students develop a draft of their learning objectives prior to the commencement of their

placement and submit them to the MSW Practicum Coordinator as an attachment to the

MSW Practicum Agreement form.

The formal learning contract is developed in the first week of the placement in

consultation with practicum supervisor. It identifies the student’s learning objectives,

associated tasks, and appropriate evaluation measurements. It should be seen as a tool to

help focus and guide work in the placement setting while remaining a flexible and fluid

document that can be modified with agreement of all the parties. It is shared with the

faculty liaison prior to the first meeting, toward the end of the second week of placement,

when it is reviewed and finalized.


2. THE PLACEMENT

The placement consists of hands-on practice in a placement setting and is guided by the

specifics identified in the learning contract. Formal supervision is provided on a weekly

basis, for a minimum of one and a half hours, to enable students to engage in meaningful

discussions about macro social issues, raise thoughtful observations or reflections, and

pose insightful questions related to theory and practice. The required number of the

placement hours is 426 for SOWK 5606 and 426 hours for SOWK 5607.

3. THE SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

The special assignment is in addition to the usual work of the placement. Twelve hours

are allocated for working on the assignment at home. Additional details related to the

assignment are provided in Appendices G, H, I.

Students will choose one of the following options:

Paper

This paper should discuss relevant questions and issues in linking theory to

practice, using concrete examples drawn from the practicum such as a specific

situation or case study. The outline for the paper should be submitted by the mid-

point of the placement. The practicum supervisor, in consultation with the faculty

liaison, will assess and evaluate the merits of this paper.

Reflective journal

This assignment is designed to capture the development of a student’s learning

throughout the duration of the practicum, involving a process of critical analysis,

thoughtful questioning and critical self-reflection. Journal entries should be

submitted to the practicum supervisor and/or faculty liaison a minimum of five

times interspersed throughout the placement. It will be reviewed and graded by

both or either of them with appropriate feedback provided.

Presentation

Toward the end of the placement, students may: a) organize and present a

thoughtful and reflective analysis of their experiences and observations to their

respective agencies, with suggested recommendations as may be appropriate, or


b) make a thoughtful and analytical presentation on a topic or issue that is relevant

to the agency. The outline for this presentation should be submitted one week

prior to the presentation. Presentations are evaluated and graded jointly by the

practicum supervisor and faculty liaison.

4. THE PRACTICUM SEMINAR

All students are required to attend a bi-weekly practicum seminar. There are six seminars

in total. Distance practicum students generally participate in a bi-weekly chat seminar.

The practicum seminars provide an opportunity for students to share their placement

experiences with other students. The emphasis is on linking theory to practice, in

particular looking at the application of the structural approach to specific practice

settings.

The seminar provides an informal small group experience to discuss particular issues or

concerns arising from the practicum and to provide support to one another. Seminars

also serve as a forum to practice social work skills through role-plays and case study

discussions. Furthermore, the seminars also provide opportunities for students to learn

about different fields of practice. This widens the experience of students and faculty and

helps to foster an awareness of commonalities rooted in social work.

Themes for practicum seminars are largely student driven keeping in mind the integration

of theory with the students' practice. Generally the seminars are facilitated by the faculty

liaisons. Attendance is required. A satisfactory grade in the practicum seminar is

required to get a grade of satisfactory for the practicum.

5. THE FACULTY LIAISON MEETINGS

There will be a minimum of two meetings held between the practicum supervisor, the

student and the faculty liaison (three for students doing a distance practicum). Usually,

these meetings are held in the placement setting. The first liaison meeting is toward the

end of the second week of placement. At this meeting the learning contract is reviewed

and finalized. The second meeting is at the mid-point of the practicum to discuss the

student’s progress. Its primary focus is a student facilitated discussion of the piece of

work they have provided for this meeting. If it is a case study it should be 5-6 pages, if an

audio/video recording it should be 10 minutes plus a 2-3 page critical discussion paper.


Appropriate questions to facilitate discussion should also be identified.

Students are expected to prepare and disseminate necessary materials and documents

(draft learning contract for the first meeting and an illustration of a piece of their work for

the second meeting) to their practicum supervisor and faculty liaison a few days prior to

the meetings to give adequate time for materials to be reviewed. For further details on

this please see Student Guidelines for Faculty Liaison Meetings. (Appendix F)

6. THE WRITTEN EVALUATION

Students will complete a formal written evaluation (7-10 pages) of their learning

(including examples) at the end of their practicum, following guidelines established by

the School and based on the student’s learning contract.

All six components of the practicum must be completed satisfactorily in order for the

student to receive a satisfactory evaluation. The grade assigned is either Satisfactory or

Unsatisfactory for all components.

Summary of written work required by the student:

1) The learning contract a copy of which should be given to the faculty liaison

and the practicum supervisor by the end of the first week in placement.

Revisions may be required following the first liaison meeting

2) A mid-term discussion paper for the 2nd meeting (about 5 pages) or

audio/video tape. This must be sent to the faculty liaison prior to the meeting.

3) The special assignment – a paper, reflective journal entries or a presentation

4) A self-evaluation due at the end of the practicum.


GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING THE LEARNING CONTRACT

WHAT IS A LEARNING CONTRACT? The learning contract is an agreement between the student, the School of social Work and the

field setting/agency regarding what, where, how and when the student will learn and be

evaluated on that learning. The learning contract is finalized after the first visit of the faculty

liaison, but may be changed later by agreement of all three parties.

Covers: 1) Student learning objectives

2) Tasks and products

3) How the learning will be evaluated and by whom

Purpose: 1) Makes explicit that this placement's primary purpose is for learning

2) Makes expectations clear

3) Makes it possible to refer back if necessary

4) Makes evaluation clearer

PREPARATION OF CONTRACT - RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student To take initiative, especially regarding learning objectives

To be responsible for writing the contract

To meet with the practicum supervisor to negotiate the contract

To provide a copy of a draft learning contract to the supervisor and the faculty liaison

by the end of the first week in the placement

To make revisions as suggested by the practicum supervisor and faculty liaison

following the first liaison meeting

Practicum Supervisor To discuss with the student in the initial interview the learning opportunities available

before signing the Practicum Agreement Form

To offer suggestions for learning objectives and the accompanying

tasks/opportunities to help achieve the objectives and to help the student identify

evaluative measures.

To support the student in fine-tuning the learning contract

To sign the practicum learning contract


To discuss the learning contract periodically with the student and revise as

appropriate

Faculty Liaison To review and make suggestions regarding the learning contract

To receive the contract by the end of the first week the student is in placement and to

finalize at the first liaison meeting

To approve the practicum learning contract

To review and update the contract as appropriate during the course of the placement

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – WHAT DO I WISH TO LEARN? 1) Do your objectives address what you want to feel, know and will be able to do by the

end of your field placement?

2) Is there a clear verb that suggests an activity?

3) Are the objectives realistic for the time and resources available?

4) Does the contract allow for unanticipated learning?

5) Does the contract include learning about the context of your work, including the

community and the organization?

6) Does the contract include how you will systematically evaluate your work?

7) Does the contract include some personal goals?

SOME EXAMPLES OF OBJECTIVES: To explore the integration of structural social work theory into practice;

To gain an increased understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary to work

effectively with racially and culturally diverse communities

To discover and work on my own personal biases related to diverse communities

TASKS - HOW WILL I DO THIS? Will your planned tasks help you meet your learning objectives?

Are there resources available to carry out the tasks?

EVALUATION - HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE MET MY LEARNING OBJECTIVES? 1) Consider both the process of the evaluation (how it will happen and by whom) and

what products will be involved.

2) Feedback on something concrete is vital (examples: piece of writing, observed

interviews or meetings chaired, videotapes, process recordings)

3) A variety of forms of feedback are useful (written and verbal)

4) Ask for constructive criticism (i.e. suggestions for change)


SOME EXAMPLES OF EVALUATIVE MEASURES: Feedback from practicum supervisor

Feedback from clients

Ability to discuss issue knowledgably in seminar group

STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR FACULTY LIAISON MEETINGS The purpose of the faculty liaison meeting is to help promote the student’s learning. These joint

meetings are working sessions centered on how the placement is going generally and helping

students if there are concerns. Not knowing, struggling, and making mistakes are essential parts

of any good learning process. Sharing these parts of the process can be invaluable.

Faculty liaisons have the responsibility to assign a pass/fail grade to each student on placement

and therefore need to see evidence of the student’s learning.

For the first meeting, the student’s written learning contract forms the basis of the discussion.

For the second meeting, the student should prepare a detailed illustration of a piece of work they

are engaged. This could take the form of either a written piece or a video or audio tape which

will provide the basis for discussion. This should be delivered to your faculty liaison and the

practicum supervisor in good time so that they can come prepared to discuss.

Here are the guidelines:

1) Select either

a. a topic raised by your work; Or

b. a detailed piece of your practice, which may be focused on one contact, episode,

or policy-related piece. Give concrete examples from your work.

2) Briefly describe the context and the basic information of your topic.

3) Discuss the structural and power issues in

a. your placement environment;

b. between you and the person/people policy issue you are working with.

4) Explore what you have been trying to do in this situation. The emphasis here is on your

own participation; what helped and what hindered.


5) List a few questions or issues that you have about your work in this particular situation

that you would like addressed by all at the liaison meeting and which can be a

springboard for discussion.

If the student wishes to make a video or audio tape as a mid-term assignment, it is important that

the student receives written consent from the people who will be taped. When taping clients it is

vitally important that the explanation is clear in terms of their right of refusal, the proposed use

of the tape, who will view it and when and how the tape will be destroyed. The student may also

consider whether the client will be allowed to view the tape and how it might be used in their

work together. The student might consider the following questions related to receiving feedback

on the tape. Can I choose which part to show to my practicum supervisor and faculty liaison?

Will my liaison or practicum supervisor wish to watch the whole tape ahead of time? Can we

play it together? Can any one stop it for discussion? What kind of feedback do I want?

GUIDELINES FOR SELF EVALUATION

GENERAL: At the end of each placement, students are expected to write an evaluation of their learning

during their practicum. This should be done in discussion with the practicum supervisor, who is

also preparing a written evaluation of the student. The practicum supervisor’s evaluation should

be made available to the student and vice-versa although the student may wish to include an

additional piece that is not shared with the supervisor. Both the student’s and the supervisor’s

evaluations will be placed in the student’s file. The student must submit their self-evaluation

prior to the deadline for grade submission. It is envisaged that the evaluation will be

approximately 7-10 pages.

It is suggested that you include, but not be limited by, the following:

1) A brief summary of your workload, your tasks and achievements.

2) A review of how you attempted to integrate your classroom learning, including issues of

race, class, gender etc., with your practice and what, if any, new theoretical learning you

gained in the placement.


3) A review of the learning objectives for this placement. This may include what you

learned, what you did not achieve, as well as unanticipated learning. Give brief examples

from your work.

4) What you learned about yourself as a social worker and your way of working, both your

strengths and weaknesses. What you did that was helpful to the people you were working

with. What surprises there were, if any.

5) How this learning will impact your future social work practice. Identify areas for

development in your next placement or work situation.

6) Comment on the supervision, the faculty liaison and the usefulness of this setting for

another student.

ASSIGNMENT - GUIDELINES FOR THE PAPER OPTION

DUE DATE (UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN WRITING BY THE FACULTY LIAISON):

15 August for Spring Term

15 December for Fall Term

15 April for Winter Term

DESCRIPTION: A 15-20 page paper, properly footnoted, with bibliography. You will be expected to make

connections between structural social work theory and your practice in the placement, citing

examples of both reading and every-day incidents in your practice, as well as from your previous

experience. You may also refer to other theories, particularly those taught in your undergraduate

program (if applicable) and those used by social workers in your practice setting. You are

encouraged to take a critical approach in order to reach the objective of linking theory and

practice.

PROPOSAL: A written proposed outline of the paper must be given by the student to the faculty liaison and to

the practicum supervisor ahead of the second liaison meeting. They must have enough time to

read it so that it can be discussed at the meeting and any changes agreed upon.


CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION: Ability to link theory and practice, analytic skills, use of examples, writing skills, creativity.

Extra criteria may be added by agreement of all parties.

EVALUATOR: The paper will be read and commented upon by the practicum supervisor and the faculty liaison.

The faculty liaison will give the final grade in consultation with the supervisor.

GRADE: The evaluation is on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. A Satisfactory grade for this assignment

is required for the successful completion of the practicum.

ASSIGNMENT - GUIDELINES FOR THE REFLECTIVE JOURNAL OPTION

DUE DATE The last journal entry is due no later than the week before your last day of placement.

OBJECTIVES: This assignment is an opportunity for reflection and for regular written dialogue with your

practicum supervisor and/or faculty liaison. It is a particularly useful way of noting the process

of your learning, linking theory and practice, and of the process of your work with clients and/or

colleagues.

You will be expected to make connections between structural social work theory and your

practice in the placement, citing examples of both reading and every-day incidents in your

practice, as well as from your previous experience. You may also refer to other theories,

particularly those taught in your undergraduate program (if applicable) and those used by social

workers in your practice setting. You are encouraged to take a critical approach.

STYLE: Do not limit yourself to full and proper prose. Notes, drawings, diagrams, etc. are often creative

ways of expressing ideas but they need to be readily understandable to the reader. This is not a

private journal. You are expected to cite literature but may do so in any way that gives the reader

understanding of which piece of writing you are referring to.

NUMBER: During the placement you are expected to offer at least 5 entries for response and evaluation, at

intervals during the placement. It is helpful to agree on due dates for each entry at the beginning


of the practicum. You may wish to use the form at the bottom of this paper.

LENGTH: 15 pages minimum. For your own use, you may wish to make many and/or lengthy entries. If it

is much longer than 15 - 20 pages, then please select the entries for evaluation.

EVALUATOR: The student may select whether the practicum supervisor and/or the faculty liaison will be the

reader/evaluator. In exceptional circumstances, the practicum supervisor may decide not to

participate. The practicum supervisor should refer to the reflective journal assignment being

Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory in the final written evaluation of the student's learning (unless the

supervisor has not been the evaluator).

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION: You may change these by written agreement of all parties no later than the second liaison

meeting.

creativity

punctuality (getting them in on time)

quality of the above objectives

responsiveness to supervisory comments

GRADE: The evaluation is on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. A Satisfactory grade for this assignment

is required for the successful completion of the practicum.

AGREEMENT TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE START OF PLACEMENT

Student Name:

Reader/ Evaluator: STUDENT-DATES TO HAND IN READER/EVALUATOR DATES TO RETURN

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.


ASSIGNMENT - GUIDELINES FOR THE PRESENTATION OPTION

OBJECTIVES:

To improve presentation skills; offer to the placement setting some of the student's observations

of their organization and its services. (Some organizations ask for this).

DESCRIPTION:

Toward the end of the placement students will be required to do a one half hour public

presentation of a critical analysis of their experience of the organization. It is envisaged that

there will be another half-hour for questions and discussion. This will take place at the placement

setting. A written outline of the presentation (note form is acceptable) should be handed in to the

practicum supervisor and faculty liaison at/or immediately after the presentation. The outline

should include references (example: books, journal articles and documents) from the workplace.

If the placement setting is not available, another setting will have to be negotiated with the

faculty liaison.

It is often difficult when situated in a workplace to see it as would a new user or a new colleague.

Students are in a unique position to do this. The presentation should start from his/her own

experiences as a student in this placement. It is also expected that students research the context

of their placement. For example, they are required to understand sources of funding, the mission

statement, organizational structure, written policies and day-to-day practices. They will need to

link this organization to the larger societal structures and policies.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION:

Quality of research, organization of material, delivery (example: geared appropriately to the

audience), analysis, creativity, respect for differences, clarity, comprehensiveness and the degree

to which the accompanying notes reflect the actual presentation.

EVALUATOR/ GRADING:

The presentation will be graded Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory by the practicum supervisor

and/or by the faculty liaison. A Satisfactory grade in this assignment is required for the

successful completion of the practicum.


CARLETON UNIVERSITY LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE

To Whom It May Concern:

RE: Carleton University Liability Insurance Coverage for Students Attending Co-op and

Work Placements as Part of their University Studies

Carleton University carries liability insurance which covers its student while they are

participating in co-op or work placements as part of their academic studies. The Canadian

University Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (CURIE), who insures 42 Member Universities in

Canada, provides the University coverage.

Who is insured?

The University’s insurance policy provides coverage to physicians, surgeons, dentists, nurses,

technicians, pharmacists, students, interns, fellows, residents or other persons engaged in the

application of the "Health Sciences" as understood by the Named Insured (Carleton University)

while registered as a student, undergraduate or otherwise, at Carleton University, in respect of any

activity related to the discipline in which they are so registered, in furtherance of their education or

training in such discipline, whether conducted on or off the campus.

What are students insured against?

Students are insured against legal liability resulting in Bodily Injury, Personal Injury or Property

Damage arising out of malpractice or error or omission committed during the policy period in the

rendering of or the failure to render (1) medical, dental or other professional treatment or service

related to physical or mental health or (2) other professional services.

What is not covered?

Property owned or leased by the student (student‘s property is not covered by the University’s

policy and should be insured by the student themselves under their own policy of insurance).

Liability imposed upon or assumed by the insured (student) under any Workers’ Compensation

Statute, law or plan. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board provide this coverage, please

contact the program coordinator to confirm coverage in this area.

This letter is a brief summary of Carleton University’s liability insurance and is for general

information only. The actual policy of liability insurance issued by CURIE takes precedence over

any statements made in this letter.

Should your organisation require a Certificate of Insurance to confirm the existence of the

insurance policy described in this letter, please make a formal request to the program coordinator at

Carleton. The coordinator will arrange for a certificate of insurance to be issued and mailed to you.

If you have any further questions about Carleton University’s insurance coverage, please contact

Tony Lackey Risk Analyst at 613-520-2600 ext. 1473 or e-mail at [email protected]

Tony Lackey BA, FCIP, CRM

Risk Analyst

mailto:[email protected]


WORK/EDUCATION PLACEMENT AGREEMENT FORM


CARLETON UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

MASTERS OF SOCIAL WORK

Learning contracts should be prepared in collaboration with your supervisor, then sent to your faculty liaison one week prior to the first meeting with your faculty liaison and your supervisor at your placement.

MSW PRACTICUM LEARNING CONTRACT

STUDENT NAME

PLACEMENT SETTING

PLACEMENT ADDRESS

CITY POSTAL CODE

PLACEMENT TELEPHONE

(Work, incl. extension)

FAX


SUPERVISOR EMAIL

PRACTICUM SOWK 5606 SOWK 5607

PLACEMENT Full-time Part-time

PRACTICUM UNPAID PAID

START DATE

END DATE

Which assignment option have you chosen?

Agreement between the student and the practice setting regarding standards, policy rights and privileges:

Other agreements ( i.e.: if the agency will cover mileage related to work):


Students should complete this section on a separate sheet and attach it to the front page of the learning contract for easy revision.

OBJECTIVE What do you want to learn?

TASKS What will you do?

EVALUATION How will you measure whether objective has

been met?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Reviewed:

DATE STUDENT

PRACTICUM SUPERVISOR FACULTY LIAISON


CARLETON UNIVERSITY



Students must complete and return this agreement to 509 Dunton Tower by: December 1 for Winter Term April 1 for Spring Term August 1 for Fall Term

MSW PRACTICUM PLACEMENT AGREEMENT FORM

STUDENT NAME

PLACEMENT SETTING

PLACEMENT ADDRESS

CITY POSTAL CODE

PLACEMENT TELEPHONE

(Work, incl. extension)

FAX


SUPERVISOR EMAIL

PRACTICUM SOWK 5606 SOWK 5607

PLACEMENT Full-time Part-time

PRACTICUM UNPAID PAID

START DATE

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENT: To share with the Practicum supervisor information about previous work experience as

well as courses taken at the School.

To take responsibility for drawing up a learning contract in consultation with the

practicum supervisor, the practicum coordinator and/or the faculty liaison, to make

agreed upon changes from time to time and to ensure that all parties have copies.

To meet with the practicum supervisor on a regular basis, at least one and a half hours per

week, and for on-going help and supervision and to prepare the necessary materials for

discussion.


To meet with the faculty liaison at least twice during the practicum (and more if

necessary) with prepared material as per the guidelines for faculty liaison meetings.

To prepare for and attend practicum seminars.

To submit the special assignment by the due date(s) as per the guidelines.

To submit a written evaluation and the final written assignment by the due dates (as per

the guidelines) at the end of the placement. All materials must be handed in before the

grade of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory may be awarded by the faculty liaison.

To complete the required number of hours in the placement.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRACTICUM SUPERVISOR: To orient the student to the placement setting.

To select/ assign appropriate work to the student.

To be open to, interested in and to undertake to familiarize her/himself with the structural

approach to social work practice.

To meet with the student on a regular basis, at least one and a half hours per week, for

formal supervision, in addition to on-going supervision as needed. The supervision time

should include discussion about the day to day work as well as an opportunity for

reflection.

To meet with the student and faculty liaison at least twice during the placement (more if

necessary) to discuss the student's progress in meeting her/his learning objectives.

To provide the student with necessary resources and information to carry out assigned

tasks.

To evaluate the student’s chosen assignment, possibly with the faculty liaison

To attend practicum supervisors' meetings whenever possible.

To expose the student to other learning opportunities such as training workshops, staff

meetings, team conferences, agency visits, etc.

At the end of the placement to write and submit a final evaluation of the student’s

learning. (guidelines are provided)

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FACULTY LIAISON:

To meet with the student and the Practicum supervisor at least twice (more if necessary)

during the placement.

To prepare and promptly distribute reports to the student and the supervisor following each

meeting.

To review the learning contract.


To be available to the student and to the practicum supervisor for assistance as needed and

to inform the practicum coordinator if there are problems.

To ensure that the student is given sufficient supervision and guidance in the placement

setting

To provide the practicum supervisor with necessary material to familiarize her/himself with

the structural approach to social work practice.

In consultation with the practicum supervisor, to evaluate the student's written assignment.

After receiving the student’s written evaluation and written assignment, and in consultation

with the practicum supervisor, to assign the student a final Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

grade for the placement based upon the student’s performance during the practicum.

To ensure the required documents are in the student’s file and to return the file to the

coordinator.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PLACEMENT SETTING: To cover costs of the student as they relate to the delivery of service (example: mileage).

To provide an appropriate work space for the student.

SIGNATURES STUDENT DATE

PRACTICUM SUPERVISOR DATE

FACULTY LIAISON DATE


CARLETON UNIVERSITY



Students must complete and return this application to 509 Dunton Tower by: October 1 for Winter Term February 1 for Spring Term April 1 for Fall Term

MSW PRACTICUM APPLICATION (ATTACH A CURRENT RESUME)

Please hand this completed form in to signal your intention to register for the practicum.

STUDENT NAME

STUDENT NUMBER

ADDRESS

CITY POSTAL CODE

TELEPHONE (Work) TELEPHONE (Home)

EMAIL ADDRESS

ACADEMICS

STUDENT STATUS Full-time Part-time

PLACEMENT PLANS CHECK ONE

SOWK 5606 SOWK 5607

PLACEMENT FOR: FALL TERM WINTER TERM SPRING TERM

ARE YOU A TEACHING OR RESEARCH ASSISTANT?

YES

NO

IF YES, WILL THIS CONFLICT WITH PLACEMENT?

YES NO


ELECTIVE COURSES TAKEN AND PLANNED:

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES (POINT FORM):

Where were your BSW or other field placements? (if applicable)

What areas of work/life experience are relevant to what you wish to do on your placement?

Desired location of placement within the Ottawa-Carleton region?

EAST WEST NORTH SOUTH

DO YOU HAVE A VALID CANADIAN

DRIVER’S LICENSE?

YES NO


INDICATE MODE OF

TRANSPORTATION:

LANGUAGES

SPOKEN/WRITTEN:

SPECIAL NEEDS (I.E.

MEDICAL, ETC.)

The following will be incomplete at this early stage.

If you have already started discussions with the practicum coordinator please summarize

these discussion and/or decisions (point form).

Name potential settings that could provide you with an opportunity to meet your learning

objectives (in order of preference).

Do you have a particular Practicum Supervisor(s) in mind?

Please note that many social work settings now require students to have some of the following: an updated criminal reference check, specific immunizations, and specific courses such as SOWK 5701 for working in health care. Criminal references checks can take up to 6-10 weeks, therefore students are encouraged to apply at the police station well before the commencement of the practicum. All students will be assigned a practicum seminar and a faculty liaison. ________________________________ _________________________ Student’s Signature Date (dd/mm/yyyy)

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