FIFSW Field Education Plan during Community-Wide Disruption | April 23, 2020

In response to public health and safety concerns, FIFSW MSW practicum will take place through development of a Remote Learning Plan (RLP). The activities in the RLP are to be completed and evaluated remotely. Field Instructor(s) must be prepared to provide supervision remotely/off-site.

Like all learning activities in the Learning Contract, it is the shared responsibility of students and Field Instructor(s) to identify and prioritize areas for learning and development in the RLP. Practicum II students should also seek to include remote learning that aligns with their field of study.

The indirect learning competencies that are possible in RLPs remain essential to the profession of social work. For help with identifying more opportunities for direct and indirect activities that can be completed remotely, consult with your Faculty Field Liaison (FFL) and continue to check FIFSW communications and the FIFSW website. Below are some examples of remote learning activities.

Examples of Remote Learning Activities

The RLP and all its activities should be approved by the Field Instructor. Please document and keep your Field Instructor updated on progress with your RLP and the time assigned to each activity.

Competencies in Direct Practice

Learning and Growth

Supervision: Weekly supervision can occur using Skype, Zoom or other teleconferencing applications
Video reflection: identify and watch videos or listen to podcasts related to areas for professional knowledge and growth. Write a reflection that includes your personal reactions and how your learning in this area is developing.

Behaviour in the Organization

Organizational Policy Review: review agency policies with suggestions/recommendations where appropriate (ex- safety policies, diversity policies, use of social media, utilization of technology, etc.)
Trainings for Agency: identify and document resources and / or develop trainings that will benefit the agency (ex- self-care, ethics, etc)
Online trainings: research and complete relevant online trainings and write a short reflection, review or recommendation of its use at the agency

Conceptualizing Practice

Groups/Workshops for Clients: develop curriculum for future implementation with clients (ex- life skills, grief, trauma, domestic violence, etc.)
Complete online trainings: complete assigned trainings and provide a short written reflection and/or prepare a presentation to disseminate knowledge gained. Examples may include topics such as:
- Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs (Free, 1 hour): www.co.train.org
- Building Resiliency: Supporting Youth Affected by Trauma and Community Violence https://learn.nctsn.org/course/ind ex.php?categoryid=44 Each free recorded webinar presentation is 1.5 hrs.
- Identify and complete other relevant online trainings

Clinical Relationships

Meetings with individuals, families, and groups utilizing teleconferencing applications that can be accessed via computer, tablet, and/or telephone; provided teleconferencing applications meet any agency requirements regarding PIPPA and/or confidentiality.
Literature review: review literature related to culture and cultural sensitivity and write about how it impacts your work in the agency and how services are delivered.

Assessment and Intervention

Literature Review: conduct a literature review on a specific topic relevant to field placement (ex- effectiveness of an intervention, how interruption of services impacts mental health or economic stability, etc.)
Research assessment instruments: research assessment instruments used by agencies who offer similar services. Write an analysis of the instrument’s relevance to assessment in your current setting.
Case study: review a case study for strengths, challenges and systemic factors impacting the clients and/or client group.

Professional Communication

Written Materials for Clients or Community: develop handouts/flyers/brochures (ex- informed consent policies, etc.)

Confidentiality, Use of Technology and Intellectual Property

All students must comply with relevant laws, regulations, ethical standards, and organizational policies regarding the confidentiality of clients, use of technology and intellectual property. While each agency should develop their own protocols around the use of technology, intellectual property and confidentiality, the following best practices should be followed by all students:

Take reasonable steps to maintain appropriate boundaries when using personal phone numbers or other electronic communication. For example: promote the use of conference lines where personal numbers are not exposed.
Position web cameras so that others can only see your face- all visible confidential data should be removed from camera view.
Conduct all sensitive conversations in a private space. Be mindful of the potential for family members or bystanders to overhear any portion of your discussions.

Competencies in Indirect Practice

Learning and Growth

Supervision: Weekly supervision can occur using Skype, Zoom or other teleconferencing applications
Video reflection: identify and watch videos or listen to podcasts related to areas for professional knowledge and growth. Write a reflection that includes your personal reactions and how your learning in this area is developing.

Behaviour and Relationships in the Organization

Organizational Policy Review: review agency policies with suggestions/recommendations where appropriate (ex- safety policies, diversity policies, use of social media, utilization of technology, etc.)
Committees and Meetings: consider participation remotely; prepare and submit reflections of the meeting; increase responsibility for agenda and recording.
Trainings for Agency: develop trainings that will benefit the agency (ex- self-care, ethics, etc.)
Online trainings: research and complete relevant online trainings and write a short reflection, review or recommendation of its use at the agency

Leadership

Community Networking/Resource Development: teleconference with various service providers, participating in resource mapping, and develop a list of resources for clients with services offered, referral process, etc.
Grants: research potential funding and grant opportunities and/or prepare aspects of the grant writing.

Critical Thinking/Analysis, Planning and Implementation

Legislative Policy Review: review relevant laws and policies impacting the population students work with (ex- Child Welfare Act, Emergency Mental Health Holds, etc.) and provide a synopsis of key takeaways or prepare advocacy materials (letter to editor, develop key talking points, etc.)

Written and Verbal Communication

Written Materials for Clients or Community: develop handouts/flyers/brochures (ex- informed consent policies, etc.)
Literature review: Research literature on communication and negotiation skills

Values and Ethics

Ethics review: Learn about / contribute to an ethics protocol review for a research project at your agency.
Online trainings: research and complete relevant online trainings and write a short reflection, review or recommendation of its use at the agency.