What skills, theories, or values were you most aware of in your practice at your field agency over the last few weeks? How did they fit the needs of your clients? Identify and discuss at least one.
What were the easiest and most difficult moments at your field agency over the last few weeks? What were your greatest achievements and challenges? Why?
What did you learn about the population(s) you serve over the last few weeks? How do your clients perceive you as a helping professional, and can you serve this population more effectively?
What issues related to ethics or diversity have you encountered over the last few weeks and what have you learned?
MSW Field Practicum
ADVANCED PRACTICE YEAR
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING CONTRACT
Student Name: _____________________________________
Date: _______________
Agency: ____________________________________________ Agency Field Instructor: ___________________________________
This learning contract follows the nine specific Core Competencies identified by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) that
Social Work Practitioners should possess.
The student and field instructor should meet early in the student’s placement to identify specific agency learning activities that the
student will participate in to give the student an opportunity to practice and demonstrate competency in each area over the course
of the practicum.
Learning activities described in this contract should be specific, stated in measurable terms, and demonstrate meaningful and
robust activities or assignments in each individual behavior area to ensure development and practice in the competency categories
listed.
The learning contract should include opportunities for student practice in live or simulated situations and activities in individual,
group, family, organization and community contexts with subsequent feedback.
There should be at least one learning activity related to each practice behavior listed under each competency category for
competencies 1-5. For competencies 6-9 design a learning activity for each area (individuals, families, groups, organizations and
communities) that addresses one or more of the behaviors listed on the left.
Also, remember to identify assignments in the plan that you may want to use as evidence of competency in the final Field Portfolio.
The IWU Faculty Liaison should review and make additional recommendations for activities before approving the contract. The student
is responsible for obtaining all needed signatures and providing copies to the Field Instructor and to the Faculty Liaison.
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
Core Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior in Advanced Social Work Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis skillfully utilize the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as
well as relevant laws and regulations that impact advanced practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Advanced social work
practitioners with a clinical emphasis utilize ethical frameworks and knowledge in practice, research, and policy arenas. Advanced social
work practitioners with a clinical emphasis consider personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values in
working with diverse populations and application of theory in practice. They also evaluate their personal experiences and the influence of
cognitive and affective reactions on their professional judgment and behavior. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical
emphasis are grounded in the knowledge of the professions history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the profession and
seek to demonstrate Christ-like ethical integrity through character, scholarship, and leadership. Advanced social work practitioners with a
clinical emphasis also recognize and support the role of other professions when engaged in inter-professional teams. Advanced social
work practitioners with a clinical emphasis commit to life-long learning and to continually updating their skills to ensure they are
relevant and effective. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis responsibly manage emerging forms of technology
and use of technology ethically in social work practice.
Practice Behavior
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
Implements ethical decisions
The student will review and discuss the NASW Code of Ethics regarding three cases
by applying the standards of the on how ethical standards apply, as reflected in process recording.
NASW Code of Ethics,
relevant laws and regulations,
models for ethical decisionmaking, ethical conduct of
research, and additional codes
of ethics as appropriate to
context.
By when
Integrates reflection and selfregulation to manage personal
values and maintain
professionalism in practice
situations
Students will write a reflection/journal identifying how to overcome personal biases
that could potentially impact client growth.
August 15
Demonstrates professional
demeanor in written, oral, and
electronic communication
Students will write a professional memo, professional email correspondence, and or an
external letter example of a professional communication with a client.
March
31st
November
11th
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
Implements ethical use of
technology
Assesses feedback from
supervision and consultation to
guide professional judgment
and behavior
Students will review agency HIPPA and confidentiality policies. Students will practice
these policies at all times during the practicum. The student will critically analyze a
case scenario involving the ethical use of technology and will discuss the particular use
that should be made of technology and the rationale behind such use. The student will
submit a journal reflection reflecting respect of clients confidentiality.
Students will discuss professional judgment and behavior in scenario-based ethical
dilemmas or in sessions with clients respecting client confidentiality while using
technology. Student will complete a process recording.
Collaborates with
The student will provide supervisor a written summary of one interdisciplinary team
interdisciplinary teams to create collaboration.
ethically sound interventions
January
15th
Feb 20th
January
31st
Core Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Advanced Social Work Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis integrate their knowledge and understanding of how development, diversity,
and difference characterize and shape the human experience and influence the formation of identity. Advanced social work practitioners
with a clinical emphasis understand diversity in the context of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture,
disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality,
sexual orientation and geographic location. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis understand the interaction and
impact of social, economic and environmental justice on client systems, incorporating an ecological and whole person framework into
practice. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis are aware of and effectively manage cognitive and affective
processes as they engage diversity and difference in practice. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis skillfully
advocate for client systems on the micro, mezzo and macro levels to empower clients and advance human rights addressing issues
including oppression, poverty, and marginalization. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis ethical, apply Christ-like
attitudes, values, and worldview within social work practice.
Practice Behavior
Integrates the importance of
diversity and difference in
shaping life experiences into
clinical practice
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
The student will review current research journals and provide a summary to supervisor
of strategies to support non- English speaking patients accessing healthcare.
By when
December
15th
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
Able to describe the role
diversity and difference play in
shaping life experiences in a
particular clinical context
Student will critically analyze the benefits of collaboration with clients from different
ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Student will complete a journal reflection.
November
20th
Demonstrates ability to apply
self-awareness and selfregulation to manage the
influence of personal biases
and values in working with
diverse clients and
constituencies
Students will write a client experience in which personal biases or differences in
values from clients had influenced his/her work. Students will share their responses
to such influences and will critically analyze their behavior.
Students will write a reflection summary regarding the ethical choices that should be
made in such scenarios in a process recording.
December
31st
Core Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice in Advanced Social Work
Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis promote justice, freedom, equality, safety, privacy, physical, emotional and
spiritual wellness, an adequate standard of living, healthcare, and education for every person. Advanced social work practitioners with a
clinical emphasis are knolwedgeable of and use clinical and social work theory and social justice models to skillfully design and
implement strategies at the micro, mezzo and macro level to eliminate oppressive structural barriers and ensure that social goods, rights,
and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political, environmental, economic, cultural and social human rights are
protected. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of
Christian influences on social welfare and the importance of values in advancing social justice.
Practice Behavior
Analyzes issues of social,
economic, and environmental
justice as they relate to clinical
practice.
Advocates for and with
clients as they encounter
injustice
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
Students will critically analyze a case scenario involving an issue of social, economic,
or environmental justice. Student will write a journal reflection with case notes.
By When
January
7th
Students will share their work experience where they had advocated for a client that
needed social support with clients as they encounter injustice. Student will complete a
student record of supervision
August
29th
Creates a context for client
engagement that advances
human rights.
Student will identify strategies to engage clients in a manner that advances human
right, as reflected in student process recording.
January
1st
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
Appraises issues of
marginalization and oppression
within a particular clinical
context and addresses issues in
documentation and practice
where appropriate.
Student will identify an issue of marginalization and oppression in a particular case
scenario as reflected in a student process recording.
January
15th
Core Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice in Advanced Social Work Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis employ quantitative and qualitative research methods in promoting
evidence-based practice and in program evaluation. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis understand the purpose
and process of utilizing and applying logic, examining presuppositions, applying scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical
approaches to building knowledge. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis understand that evidence-based practice
comes from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing include ng cognitive and affective processes. Advanced social
work practitioners with a clinical emphasis utilize critical thinking, research skills and practice experience in translating research findings
into effective practice. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis demonstrate professional values and research
integrity inclusive of Character, scholarship, and Leadership in becoming world changers.
Practice Behavior
Critiques research findings
related to clinical practice
across the lifespan
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
Student will write a critique on a research paper focusing on analyzing the research
findings.
By When
June 7th
Synthesizes information from a
variety of sources to
purposefully plan and develop
a research practice focus
Analyzes research findings on
self and the profession to
clarify goodness of fit in
clinical practice
Student will identify evidence-based practice to support clients as reflected in a student
record of supervision.
October
17th
Students will analyze and present above or any research findings on self and the
profession to clarify goodness of fit in clinical practice to their supervisor for support
in a summary.
November
13th
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
Analyzes quantitative and
qualitative research methods
and findings
Student will analyze and present quantitative and qualitative research methods and
findings for improvements in policies to benefit the client population in a journal
reflection.
March
13th
Designs improvements for
practice, policy, and service
delivery based on research
findings
Student will write a discussion paper covering designs improvements for practice,
January
policy, and service delivery based on research findings and present it to their supervisor 31st
for review and support.
Assesses feedback from
consultants to guide
professional judgment in
research
Students will improve their assignments regarding research collaboration considering
feedbacks of their supervisor. Student will complete a student record of supervision,
November
1st
Core Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice in Advanced Social Work Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and
services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. Advanced social work practitioners with a
clinical emphasis have knowledge of the history and current structure of social policies and services, the role of policy in service
delivery, and the role of practice in policy development. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis understand their
leadership role in policy development and implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, actively
using their skills to engage in policy practice and examination of values to effect change within those settings. Advanced social work
practitioners with a clinical emphasis recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental,
and global influences that affect social policy. They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and
evaluation. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis provide leadership and support clients, families, and communitybased leaders in advocating for policies advantageous to them. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis demonstrate
the ability to ethically evaluate policies and their impact on client systems and the community.
Practice Behavior
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
By When
6|Page
M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
Evaluates social welfare and
economic policies that
impact the provision and
delivery of clinical services
Student will identify a case in which social welfare and economic policies had
September
influenced the provision and delivery of clinical services. Students will critically analyze 15th
the impact and results of such influence. Student will summarize the actions taken and
discuss with supervisor to sign off on.
Formulates policies that
advance human rights and
social, economic, and
environmental justice in the
practice environment.
Student will Formulates policies that advance human rights and social, economic,
and environmental justice in the practice environment for above scenario case.
Student will provide a journal reflection.
November
1st
Determines and plans for
effective program
development in meeting needs
of clients and constituencies
Student will make an effective program for implementation of above polices. These
interventions must tackle the needs of clients and constituencies. Student will complete
a journal reflection.
November
15th
Core Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities in Advanced Social Work
Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis use cultural knowledge and cognitive and affective skills to effectively
engage with individuals of culturally sensitive groups. They are equipped to skillfully engage with families in exploring the impact of
diversity and difference in shaping their lives in mezzo social work practice. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis
demonstrate the application of ecosystems, strengths, development, and empowerment perspectives in practice with client systems.
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis possess a high level of self-awareness and understand how their personal
experiences and reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies in practice settings.
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis value and demonstrate skills of relationship-building, empathy, authenticity,
the amplification of strengths, and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with clients, constituencies, and other
professionals as appropriate. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis apply ethical Christ-like attitudes, values, and
worldview appropriate to mezzo social work practice.
Practice Behavior
Applies knowledge of
human behavior and the
social environment,
person-in- environment,
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
Individuals
Student will formulate a plan for client engagement as reflection in a process recording.
Families
Student will complete a PowerPoint presentation on the results of this project and
present it to their agency team or to field supervisor
By When
November
20th
December11th
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
and other multidisciplinary
theoretical frameworks to
clinical engagement with
client systems
Groups
Student will discuss with supervisor strategies for engaging groups.
November
27th
Organizations
Student will discuss with supervisor strategies for assessing organizational systems.
January 8th
Communities
Student will discuss with supervisor on how to engage strategies for assessing
communities.
January 15th
Models empathy, reflection,
and interpersonal skills to
effectively engage diverse
client systems.
Selects best practices for
engaging clients in a variety
of situations.
Creates a context for client
engagement that advances
human rights.
Formulates a planned
change process that
demonstrates the
importance of diversity and
difference in clinical social
work practice
Core Competency 7: Assesses Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities in Advanced Social Work Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis approach assessment from a strengths-based perspective focusing on
resiliency and protective factors as a basis for interventions. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis create empathic
client engagement that leads to empowerment and growth and identify cultural values, traditions, and unique resources of clients by
recognizing and validating the clients contextual worldview. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis demonstrate
skill in structuring assessment as an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on
8|Page
M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Biopsychosociospiritual assessments are a critical
component of the overall assessment plan. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis critically evaluate and adapt
theories of human behavior and the social environment and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies,
including individuals, families, and groups. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis utilize professional values and
methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Advanced social work practitioners with
a clinical emphasis recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of interprofessional collaboration. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis consider how their personal experiences, faith,
presuppositions and affective reactions may impact their assessment and decision-making.
Practice Behavior
Selects relevant information to
create a holistic assessment of
client systems.
Applies knowledge of
human behavior and the
social environment,
person-in- environment,
and other
multidisciplinary
theoretical frameworks
in the analysis of
assessment data
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
Individuals
Student will select relevant information regarding human behavior and the social
environment. Student will complete a student record of supervision.
By When
February
12th
Families
Student will complete in person environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical
frameworks to create a holistic assessment of client systems from family sessions.
Student will complete a process recording from client engagement.
March 15th
Develops mutually agreed-on
intervention goals and objectives Groups
based on the critical assessment Student will discuss with supervisor components of assessing groups dynamics.
of strengths, needs, and
challenges within clients and
constituencies.
Selects and applies appropriate
intervention strategies based on
the assessment, research
knowledge, and values and
Organizations
Student will discuss with supervisor strategies for assessing organizational systems.
April 15th
April 9th
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
preferences of clients and
constituencies.
Communities
Student will discuss with supervisor on how to engage strategies for assessing
communities.
April 2nd
Core Competency 8: Intervenes with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities in Advanced Social Work
Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis intervene with client systems from a strengths-based perspective focusing on
resiliency and protective factors as a basis for interventions. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis create empathic
client engagement that leads to empowerment and growth and identify cultural values, differences, traditions, and unique resources of
clients by recognizing and acknowledging the clients contextual worldview. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis
use clinical skill to adapt evidence-informed interventions to achieve the goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals,
families, and groups. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis understand the importance of cognitive and affective
processes in clinical practice and critically evaluate and adapt theories of human behavior and the social environment and apply this
knowledge to effectively intervene with client systems. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis differentiate
methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence-informed interventions to achieve client goals. Advanced social work
practitioners with a clinical emphasis value the importance of inter-professional teamwork and communication in interventions,
recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary, inter-professional, and inter-organizational collaboration.
Practice Behavior
Implements
interventions to achieve
practice goals and
enhance capacities of
client systems
Applies knowledge of
human behavior and the
social environment, personin- environment, and other
multidisciplinary theoretical
frameworks in interventions
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
Student will propose a treatment plan for a min. of two clients and upload the treatment with
supervision support of the plan, as reflected in process recording.
By When
February
21st
Student will engage families and student will discuss with supervisor with appropriate
interventions for family-based therapy. Student will write a journal reflection.
March
21st
Groups
March 5th
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
with client systems
Collaborates with
interdisciplinary teams to
achieve beneficial clinical
practice outcomes
Negotiates, mediates, and
advocates with and on behalf of
diverse clients and
constituencies
Facilitates effective transitions
and endings that advance
mutually agreed-on goals
Student will discuss with supervisor appropriate group based interventions for growth
and change.
Organizations
Student will discuss with supervisor appropriate interventions for growth and change
at the macro /organizational level.
Communities
Student will discuss with supervisor appropriate interventions for growth and change
at the community level.
Feb 11th
March
11th
Core Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities in Advanced Social
Work Practice
Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and
interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Advanced
social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis recognize the importance of and skillfully evaluate processes and outcomes to advance
practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis synthesize theories of
human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Advanced social
work practitioners with a clinical emphasis integrate qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice
effectiveness. Advanced social work practitioners with a clinical emphasis act with integrity and use professional values to guide choice
of evaluation methods, processes and presentation of data.
Practice Behavior
Selects appropriate methods for
evaluation of outcomes.
Learning Activities: (Will demonstrate this competency as evidenced by
)
Student will review/evaluate how the agency follows up on outcome after patient is discharge.
Student will complete a student record of supervision.
By When
February
28th
Applies knowledge of
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
human behavior and the
social environment, personin- environment, and other
multidisciplinary theoretical
frameworks in the
evaluation of outcomes.
Evaluates intervention, program
processes and outcomes.
Student will make a proposal on how to evaluate familys perception of the program
effectiveness and provide written description proposal to supervisor.
March 5th
Student will complete a written assessment and diagnostic summary of three clients, including
diagnostic impressions and initial treatment recommendations and review with field
supervisor
April 28th
Groups
Student will discuss with supervisor on how to evaluate group level outcomes of
practice.
May 28th
Organizations
Student will discuss with supervisor on how to evaluate organization level outcomes
of practice.
June 28th
Applies evaluation findings to
improve effectiveness of clinical
practice
Communities
Student will discuss with supervisor on how to evaluate community level outcomes of
practice.
Initial Contract Submission
____________________________________________
Field Instructor
___________________
Date
____________________________________________
___________________
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
Student signature
Date
Review / Update
____________________________________________
Field Instructor
___________________
Date
____________________________________________
Student signature
___________________
Date
Review / Update
____________________________________________
Field Instructor
___________________
Date
____________________________________________
Student signature
___________________
Date
Review / Update
____________________________________________
Field Instructor
___________________
Date
____________________________________________
Student signature
___________________
Date
Review / Update
____________________________________________
Field Instructor
___________________
Date
____________________________________________
___________________
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
Student signature
Date
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M2.2.2, AS2.2.4, AS2.2.7, AS2.2.8
