4.3 The Second Year Field Placement Process

The second year placement process is complex, involving approximately 100 students and over 350 agencies. Therefore, a clear standard placement process is established to assure fairness and to minimize confusion. In December, eligible agencies wanting to offer a second year placement in the next academic year receive a placement timetable and a request for updated placement information. In January, students participate in a mandatory orientation to the second year placement process provided by the Social Welfare MSW field program. At this time, information about all potential placements is made available through a password-protected, web-based database accessible to all eligible students. The database entry for each available placement provides contact information, the specialization area(s) for which the placement is approved, the identified Field Consultant faculty member, descriptions of placement requirements and opportunities, and a link to the agency’s website. Past student reviews of field placements may also be made available.  

After meeting with their assigned Field Consultant and searching the data, students may meet with other field faculty to refine their choices. Many second year placements are cross-listed for multiple specializations. Workshops are offered to assist students including an orientation to all available workforce development stipend programs, their eligibility criteria and terms, and workshops on revising resumes, writing cover letters, and interviewing effectively.

In February, students are permitted to self-apply for two to four placements that are preapproved for their specialization area by emailing a cover letter and resume to the agency contact person. In some instances, additional application materials such as essays or letters of reference are required. Depending upon the volume of applications received, some agencies conduct a “paper screen” where they only interview the students who appear most qualified; other agencies interview all applicants. When offered, the intent of the interview is to permit mutual exploration concerning the fit between the students' interests and learning goals and placement opportunities and demands. Students have about five to six weeks in which to complete their interviews. Students must complete all assigned interviews within the established interview timetable, without exception.  

To protect their exploration of a wide array of options, students are not allowed to accept offers of placement until they have completed all interviews. Upon completing their interviews, students are then allowed to receive offers of placement directly from agencies where they interviewed and may accept, pause, or decline offers. Once an offer is accepted, the student must complete an online link; a corollary link is then sent to the intended Field Instructor to confirm acceptances and commitments on both sides. During this time, students may receive consultation from their assigned Field Consultant. Once a student accepts an agency offer of placement, they are expected to demonstrate professional integrity and honor that commitment.

Similar to the first-year placement process, the placement time table, process, or available options for second-year placements may be different or restricted for students accepted into certain specialized program options with additional field requirements, such as stipend-based training programs (e.g., Child Welfare Scholars (Title IVE); Latinx Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health) or credentialing programs (e.g., Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work). Students always have the option of withdrawing from these specialized programs, but may be subject to consequences such as repayment of any disbursed stipend awards.

Students admitted to the MSW Program with advanced standing status will typically begin the process for their specialized field placement in May. A designated Field Consultant faculty member will guide the student in determining at least two potential placement options for interview and selection.