Agency Field Supervisor (AFS) Role & Responsibilities

The Agency Field Supervisor (AFS) is a key mentor and guide during a student’s AMHW Field Placement. The AFS ensures students gain meaningful, hands-on learning experiences while meeting the program’s learning outcomes.

Placement Preparation & Orientation

• Provide a comprehensive agency orientation, covering policies, procedures, programs, and populations served.

• Prepare agency staff for the student’s arrival by:

  • Developing an orientation plan.

  • Ensuring a dedicated workspace with necessary resources (desk, phone, computer).

  • Introducing the student to staff members.

  • Planning work that enables active participation in agency responsibilities.

  • Scheduling weekly supervision time.

  • Allowing the student to observe the AFS and/or other staff members.

  • Clearly explaining expectations, responsibilities, and performance standards, including both short-term and long-term tasks.

• Encourage the student to participate in agency meetings, programs, and inter-agency activities.

• Facilitate job shadowing, co-facilitation of groups, and observation of professional tasks.

• Introduce students to other community agencies and relevant resources.

Safety

• Collaborate with the student on a safety plan to address any risks (e.g., evening hours, isolated locations).

• Immediately notify the College Field Supervisor if the student raises safety concerns.

Training & Learning Experiences

• Maintain the student’s status as a professional in training throughout the placement.

• Plan and provide meaningful learning experiences, which may include:

  • Participation in staff meetings, conferences, or seminars.

  • Engagement in community activities and initiatives.

  • Direct service to community members.

• Support students in developing S.M.A.R.T learning activities and achieving their Learning Contract goals.

Feedback & Supervision

• Review and approve the student’s Learning Contract, outlining specific learning expectations and tasks.

• Provide frequent, constructive feedback, both orally and in writing, to support growth and improvement.

• Accommodate student requests for regular check-ins and supervision.

• Offer strategies and resources to improve performance when needed.

• Collect and review information about the student’s progress and quality of work.

• Establish clear expectations for achieving learning outcomes.

Documentation & Evaluation

• Assist students with completing Time Logs, Learning Contracts, and Evaluations.

  • Important: Missing signatures may result in a 0 grade.

• Oversee completion of midterm and final evaluations.

• Discuss the agency structure, programs, services, and populations served with the student.

• Guide reflection on professional growth and learning achievements.

• Contribute to the final evaluation and recommend a grade to the College Field Supervisor.

• Ensure an alternative supervisor is available if temporarily unavailable, maintaining continuity of supervision.

Summary

The AFS is the primary mentor and guide, providing oversight, feedback, and support to ensure that learning activities are achievable, aligned with agency work, and contribute to the student’s professional development. Thei