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GREETINGS!
The long-anticipated time has arrived for you to begin your practicum. You are about to initiate a new exciting phase of your social work education! This is a time that can be the most nerve-wracking, but also the most exciting. This might be true even if you are about to start practicing foundation or advanced skills, or even if you have previous social work experience.
Practicum is reported by most, if not all, social work students as being their most exciting and significant educational experience. The practicum is the time when you, as an intern, put into practice all the knowledge and values learned through the social work education curriculum. Just as other professional practitioners, such as those in the medical and educational fields of study have an opportunity to practice their skills before graduating from their respective schools, the social work profession also requires this of all social work students. This expectation is especially true for all CSWE-accredited social work programs.
The School of Social Work at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Thus, certain requirements and standards, as outlined by CSWE indicating the type of educational development required of professional social workers, are found throughout the social work program curriculum. This includes professional behavior that reflects the values and ethics of the social work profession. This process sets in place a professional level of standard that lets the public in general, and client systems specifically, knowledge of the caliber of professional education and training you have completed.
So again, Student Interns, congratulations, and enjoy your practicum!
Director of Practicum Education
Process for Internship
Step
1
Practicum Preparation Meeting
Step
2
Purchase Software
Step
3
Practicum Placement Application
Complete the Application for Practicum Placement and meet with the assigned Faculty Advisor, who must sign the approval form for practicum placement. Upload your Resume. All of this will be completed in Tevera.
Step
4
Agency Fair Attendance
Attend the Agency Fair and visit with at least three agency representatives. Inquire about settings, services offered, work schedule, etc. Make arrangements for follow-up and/or interview appointments.
Step
5
Office of Practicum Education Interview
Schedule an appointment to meet with a faculty member from the Office of Practicum Education for an individual interview, if applicable. This is an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. To request to complete Practicum at the Place of Employment (approval needed by Dr. Martinez Rodriguez)
Step
6
Practicum Instructor Interview
Schedule and attend interviews with potential Practicum Instructors in agency settings. Finalize selection and placement site by having the Practicum Instructor complete and sign the Understanding of Practicum Placement Agreement form.
Step
7
Practicum Course Enrollment
Ms. Cynthia Cisneros will request your manual enrollment in the assigned practicum courses. After the request is completed, she will email you with the course details.
Step
8
Sign UPPA Form
Submit a signed Understanding of Practicum Placement Agreement form in PDF format via email to Ms. Cynthia Cisneros (Program Coordinator) and include Dr. Martinez Rodriguez (MSW Practicum Director).