Frequently Asked Questions

by Agencies about Field Education

What types of tasks are appropriate for social work student interns?

The type of task appropriate for social work student interns differs based on the level of the internship.  All levels of social work interns must have at least half of their time spent in face-to-face client contact.

BSW students and MSW Generalist students need experiences in assessments and case management.  Sample tasks for these Generalist internships include: competing intakes, linking clients to resources at other community agencies, and conducting parent education classes. 

MSW Clinical students need community-based, clinically-oriented experiences allowing them to apply specific interventions from various models of treatment in their clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups.    Sample tasks appropriate for MSW Clinical students include: completing psychosocial assessments including a 5-axis diagnosis; establishing treatment plans with clients; conducting counseling with individuals, couples, and families; and facilitating psychoeducational or support groups.

What are the supervision requirements?

The supervision requirements for student interns are established by the Council on Social Work Education; therefore, the requirements are distinct from the supervision requirements for registered interns working toward their LCSW designation.

All social work student interns must meet at least one hour per week with a “Field Instructor.”  The Field Instructor for BSW students is defined as an agency supervisor with a BSW degree and five years post-grad work experience or with a MSW and two years post-grad work experience.  The Field Instructor for MSW interns is defined as an agency supervisor with an MSW degree and at least 2 years post-grad work experience; the individual does not need to be an LCSW.

Students may also have a Task Supervisor, defined as an agency staff member who oversees the day-to-day tasks of the student or supervises specific learning assignments given to the student.  The Task Supervisor will also provide the student with assistance in completing field assignments and provide ongoing feedback concerning the student’s performance in the field. 

How many hours per week would an intern be at our agency? and for how long?

Each intern must spend between 12 to 28 hours a week at the agency, depending on their status as a BSW or MSW student, and part or full-time.  BSW internships span one or two semesters, and MSW internships span two or three semesters.  For specific requirements pertaining to individual students, view the "At-A-Glance" handout.

What days and times are students available to intern at our agency?

Schedules vary depending on which program the student is in (BSW, MSW generalist or clinical, full or part time), the number of courses the student is taking and when, if the student works or has family obligations, etc.  However, a majority of a student’s hours must be completed during weekday working hours so that the student is exposed to a “normative agency experience” such as participating in staff meetings, rounds, etc. 

Agencies should let prospective interns know during the pre-placement interview if there are certain times students must be available, such as for weekly staffings or morning rounds.  The intern’s regular weekly schedule for internship is agreed upon by the agency and student, and the intern would need to request changes in that schedule the same way agency staff would request time off, etc.

How does School of Social Work choose the right student for my agency?

During the field education application process, the Field Office becomes familiar with the student’s expressed interest and future career plans.  Many other factors are also taken into consideration while selecting a student for an agency placement.  These factors include the student’s past work and volunteer experiences, specific educational needs as perceived by the Field Office, the student’s capacity to function in a particular agency setting and work with a particular Field Instructor, and the agency’s ability to work with the particular student. 

Are we obligated to accept the student sent to us?

The Field Office will refer students to your organization for a pre-placement interview.  A representative from the agency should conduct a personal interview with each student to determine if placement in that agency is appropriate.  The agency has no obligation to work with students who are initially considered to be, or are later found to be, unsuited to the agency.  Not accepting a particular student or requesting a student be withdrawn from placement with an agency does not preclude the agency from working with other social work student interns.

Can we have multiple students at our agency?

It is possible for an agency to have more than one student intern, depending on the amount of educationally-based tasks that an organization can offer students.  It is necessary that each student have the opportunity to be assigned and complete appropriate tasks and face-to-face client contact.  In addition, it is essential that the correct amount of supervision be granted to each student.  Generally, a first-time Field Instructor will be assigned only one student.  Once experience is gained, it is possible to increase the supervisory responsibility by adding additional students to his/her care. 

Are background checks conducted on your students?

Background checks are not conducted by the University or the Field Office upon acceptance into the social work programs.  Many agencies, however, require background checks of all employees, volunteers, and interns participating within the organization. Students are informed that background checks are often required by the agency.  Normally the cost of background checks is covered by the agency.  Agencies should discuss any requirements for background checks during the pre-placement interview.

Do we have to pay social work student interns?

Traditionally, field placements are educationally-focused, unpaid, supervised learning experiences.  It is not required that social work student interns receive payment for their field experiences; however, some agencies offer paid internships, either in the form of an hourly payment or a semester stipend.  This is an attractive benefit to the students and often allows the agency to attract and interview multiple students for their setting.  This payment or stipend will vary in amount according to the agency. 

What are the paperwork requirements for supervising a social work intern?

The Field Office has minimal paperwork requirements for the agency.  The agency Field Instructor (and Task Supervisor, when assigned) will be asked to complete an evaluation of the student’s performance at the mid-term of the first semester and near the completion of each semester of placement.  Students also complete a Learning Contract, time sheets, etc., with agency input.  It is encouraged that the agency supplement with their own paperwork in regards to the student. 

Do I evaluate the student's performance or does the University?

It is the responsibility of the agency Field Instructor (and Task Supervisor, when assigned) to develop a written evaluation of the student’s performance and submit the evaluation to the Faculty Field Liaison.  This evaluation will be performed at the mid-term and near the completion of each semester of placement.  However, the student’s grade in Field Education is assigned by the Field Office in consultation with the Liaison and agency supervisors.

Does the agency need to have liability coverage for the interns? What about workers’ compensation coverage?

When students are enrolled in a Field Education course, they are covered by the UCF College of Health and Public Affairs Liability insurance policy designed to protect students against malpractice issues.  However, the University does not provide health or auto coverage for student interns. Students are informed that not all agencies provide worker’s compensation coverage.  They are encouraged to have their own personal health and accident insurance coverage.    

What training and support does the Field Education Office offer to agencies?

The Field Office wants to support agencies and agency staff in providing appropriate learning experiences for students that also benefit the agencies.  The Field Education Office conducts an orientation for agency supervisors at the beginning of each semester as well as providing a 16-hour Field Instructor’s Training once a year.  In addition, if additional training and/or support is necessary, meetings and consultations can be scheduled with the agency’s Field Liaison and/or the Director of Field Education. 

What incentives are available to agency staff to supervise social work interns?

The Field Office offers various forms of incentives to agency staff willing to supervise interns.  The 16-hour training supervising student interns satisfies the State requirement to be a Qualified Supervisor of registered interns for licensure under the 491 Board.   There is no charge for this training, and CEUs are offered at low or no charge.  In addition, agency supervisors are eligible for a Certificate of Participation, which is a tuition waiver for up to six credit hours at any State university. 

Will I need to come to any meetings/trainings at the University?

Yes, agency Field Instructors and Task Supervisors are asked to attend an annual orientation meeting at the start of the student’s internship.  In addition, it is also necessary that either the Field Instructor or Task Supervisor attend the 16- hour Field Instructor’s Training provided by the Field Education Office.  Previous participation in comparable training provided by any of the other Schools of Social Work in Florida satisfies this requirement.

Can interns transport our clients in their cars?

Students should not use their personal vehicles to transport agency clients (with the exception of students who are also employed by the agency).  If a student intern agrees to transport clients in an agency vehicle, the agency must insure those vehicles used in transportation of clients by students. 

The University of Central Florida and the School of Social Work are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This information is available in alternate formats upon request.