Social work students are required to complete field education to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. HWC 502 – Field Education III is the third course in the field education sequence for social work students. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to HWC 502 – Field Education III, covering the course objectives, requirements, and benefits of completing the course.
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HWC 502 – Field Education III is a course that provides social work students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting. This course is the third in a sequence of field education courses, following HWC 501 – Field Education I and HWC 502 – Field Education II. The course is typically taken during the final year of a social work program and is designed to prepare students for entry-level social work practice.
The course objectives of HWC 502 – Field Education III are to:
These objectives are achieved through the completion of a supervised field placement and the development of a learning agreement.
Before enrolling in HWC 502 – Field Education III, students must complete the pre-requisite courses, HWC 501 – Field Education I and HWC 502 – Field Education II. These courses provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a field placement.
In addition to the pre-requisite courses, students must also meet the requirements for placement, which include a criminal background check, immunization records, and liability insurance.
Placement
Students are responsible for securing their own field placement, with guidance and support from their field education coordinator. The placement must meet the requirements outlined by the program and the CSWE.
Field Hours
Students must complete a minimum of 450 hours in their field placement over the course of one academic year. This includes direct practice with clients, as well as other activities such as attending meetings and completing administrative tasks.
Learning Agreement
Students must develop a learning agreement in collaboration with their field instructor and field education coordinator. The learning agreement outlines the specific learning objectives and activities for the field placement and is reviewed and revised throughout the placement.
Supervision
Students receive regular supervision from a field instructor who is a licensed social worker. The field instructor provides feedback, guidance, and support to the student throughout the placement.
Completing HWC 502 – Field Education III provides social work students with numerous benefits, including:
Field education can present unique challenges for social work students, including:
To succeed in field education, social work students should:
Social work students should avoid the following common mistakes in field education:
HWC 502 – Field Education III is an essential component of social work education, providing students with the opportunity to gain hands -on experience, develop skills, and integrate theory and practice in a professional setting. While field education can present unique challenges, it also offers numerous benefits for social work students, including enhancing employability and meeting requirements for entry-level social work practice. To succeed in field education, students should be open to learning, practice self-care, build positive relationships, seek out feedback and support, and adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines.