Social Work Practicum and Field Seminars

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Social Work Practicum and Field Seminars (SWK491)

Synopsis

To articulate theory into practice, this 400 hour practicum provides the student with a placement at a social service agency where the students practices under the guidance and supervision of an experienced professional social worker. Besides attending to clients, the student also learns about the running of the organisation. The social work practicum is where the student puts into practice what has been learnt in the classroom. There will be a series of seminars in which the students will discuss issues relating to their practicum.

Level: 4
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY REGULAR SEMESTER

Topics

What does it mean to be a social worker?
What does it mean to be a professional?
How can I structure my learning during field placement?
What are the reality, expectations, and concerns during placement?
What can I expect from supervision?
How can I build a professional relationship with placement supervisors and agency staff?
How can I develop professional competencies over field placement?
Building resilience through good self-care and support systems
Helping the students to develop their potential
What to look out for in evaluating students’ learning
Termination of field placement: planning for the positive termination
Planning for the future: career plan and accreditation

Learning Outcome

Analyze the theoretical frameworks for understanding human behavior in the social environment for different field situation
Set up the problem-solving process with clients at micro, meso and macro levels of practice
Apply sensitivity to client's race, culture/ethnicity in applying helping skills in working with diverse individuals, families, groups and communities
Evaluate self in regard to personal values and biases as they relate to professional functioning
Improve the ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing
Examine and effectively respond to ethical issues in professional social work practice
Choose research processes and findings in social work family practice in assessment, intervention and evaluation of their own practice
Plan to effectively use supervision