Agency Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop a detailed description of the proposed student practicum that can be utilized by the Social Service Worker Program to inform and match students appropriately.
- Clearly inform potential students of agency requirements such as health and/or police clearances.
- Select and designate a qualified Field Placement Supervisor for the duration of the placement (a minimum of one-year experience in the current position and a SSW diploma or equivalent diploma or degree).
- Provide an atmosphere which will be optimally supportive of the supervisor-student relationship and compatible with other responsibilities of the agency supervisor. This includes planning for a regular supervision time between the supervisor and the student.
- Provide facilities for the student to carry out practicum tasks and responsibilities as appropriate (i.e. desk, phone, access to computer, clerical assistance and privacy).
- Reimburse the student for approved expenses incurred in the course of placement duties according to agency policy (e.g. mileage, parking, supplies, etc.).
- Integrate the student as a learning member of the staff team and to permit access to case files, documents, board meetings, minutes etc. that can substantially enhance the student field experience.
- Permit the student to share non-identifying information from the organization with the Seminar Instructor, Faculty and other Social Service Worker students for learning purposes only. The student is required to ensure and maintain confidentiality and to confine discussion to the classroom.
- Agree that in no circumstances shall students dispense over the counter medications, prescription medications, drugs, or alcohol regardless of the training provided by the agency. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in damages for which you agree to be legally liable. (See ‘Personal Safety’ under Supports for more information).
- Provide the student with the appropriate training to complete their assigned duties safely (e.g. attendant care, transferring of clients, etc.). Students should never be asked to complete duties that may put them at risk without first providing them with the appropriate training.