Field Instruction Standards

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the 2020-21 academic year, FIFSW is waiving the requirement that Practicum I must have a direct practice component.

	Year 1	Year 2/Advanced Standing
Qualifications	Hold a BSW or an MSW degree from an accredited social work program, or be in a co-supervisory role with a colleague who holds a BSW or MSW degree.	Hold an MSW degree from an accredited social work program, or be in a co-supervisory role with a colleague who holds an MSW degree.
Experience	Have a minimum of 2 years social work practice experience, or be in a co-supervisory role with a colleague who has practiced in the field for at least 2 years.	Have a minimum of 2 years social work practice experience, or be in a co-supervisory role with a colleague who has practiced in the field for at least 2 years.
Learning Opportunities	Provide multiple opportunities for developing and refining a range of : direct practice competencies, including assessment/ intervention with individuals and/or groups, AND indirect practice skills (e.g. research, program evaluation, resource development, policy analysis).	Provide multiple opportunities for developing and refining a range of: *direct* practice skills (e.g. assessment/intervention with individuals and/or groups), and/or *indirect* practice skills (e.g. research, program evaluation, resource development, policy analysis). Indicate on the PAS which field most accurately reflects the practicum you are offering, and whether it is a direct, indirect, or mixed practice setting.
	*FIFSW students in the ITR field are not required to have a direct practice experience in their practicum.
	As of December 31, 2019, performance of the controlled act of psychotherapy is restricted under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) to members of six regulatory colleges. This includes members of the OCSWSSW. http://www.ocswssw.org/professional-practice/regulation-of-psychotherapy/ Students engaged in psychotherapy in their practicum must be under the supervision of someone holding an MSW or BSW and registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
Supervision	Provide a thorough orientation to the practicum setting, the student’s role, and safety policies/procedures. Be responsible for the practicum student at all times, or assign a designate when unavailable. Provide a minimum of 1 hour per week of protected time for student supervision (e.g. instructing, establishing learning objectives, integrating theory, debriefing, etc.). Provide regular opportunities to be observed by student. Regularly observe the student’s work and provide constructive feedback.
Administration	Provide a description of the learning opportunity and any special requirements on Practicum Administration System (PAS) database. E-mail a resume to the Practicum Office. Notify relevant personnel within the practicum setting (educational coordinator/supervisor/manager) of their intent to assume the field instructor role. Complete the online evaluation tool by the designated dates, with constructive comments for future development.