Seattle University's Social Work Department is always seeking out new connections in the community. Our practicum sites and instructors are an integral part of our students' learning experience. If you are interested in becoming a Practicum Instructor, please fill out and submit both the Practicum Instructor Application and the Practicum Agency Profile.
Practicum Instructor Application Form
The Social Work Field Program is pleased you are interested in being a Practicum Instructor for our social justice focused social work students, both BSW and MSW. The Practicum Instructor is considered a mentor as well as an educator for students as they apply their generalist and clinical specialization classroom knowledge with work with clients in a community-based agency. It is mandatory that the Practicum Instructor spend a minimum of 1-hour weekly in supervision with student interns. BSW and Generalist MSW students’ learning experiences should provide the student with client contact hours working with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Students should also have opportunities to practice with diverse populations. A qualifying Practicum Instructor must possess a MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program and have worked for 2 years in social work: post-degree attainment. A BSW student can be supervised by a Practicum Instructor with a BSW degree and be 2 years post degree.
Please Note: This Practicum Agency Profile form is the primary source of information utilized by students when they are looking for placement preferences. This form will be copied and placed in Field Education Practicum Site resource binders and on the web based data field program: Tevera Software. The clearer your description of the actual role and learning activities the student will be able to be engaged in, the better the student can assess the potential “fit”.
The field education program links with agencies in the greater King county area that are willing and able to provide the student with an enriched and rigorous experience with diverse clients. The agency must also commit to providing a vetted MSW staff person to act as the student’s supervisor and mentor. Besides providing growth experiences, the supervisor must commit to spending a minimum of 1 hour/week in supervision with the student. See the MSW Field Practicum Manual 2022-2023 for more information.
Practicum instructors who work with the Seattle University MSW Program must hold a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and have at least 2 years post-master’s degree practice experience in social work. Practicum Instructors are considered adjunct field faculty and must abide by Seattle University’s confidentiality and FERPA restrictions.
There is a well-defined placement process for students described in the field manual. Students may not find their own placements and must follow established procedures. Both students and agencies will interview only the student matched by the Field Placement Committee.
Students rely on and look forward to their supervision sessions with the practicum instructor. If the practicum instructor is not able to make the scheduled supervision time, the student should be notified and a plan to reschedule made. If the supervisor is to be away from the office, it is the instructor’s responsibility to provide substitute supervisory support for the student. If the absence will be for a long period of time, the Field Director must be informed ahead of time.
Yes, but you must adhere to the application, orientation, training and approval policies for each social work program. Click here to navigate to the agency application.