MSW Generalist, Year 1

Step 1: Fill in and submit the worksheet placement

Link to Generalist Practicum Referral worksheet survey here.

Step 2: Read email from Field Director

Generalist Practicum – Quick Guide

Welcome! This guide has all the information you need to prepare for your Generalist Practicum Placement. Read carefully and keep it handy.

Practicum Overview

  • Total credits & hours: 10 credits / 400 field hours

  • Spring 2025: T SOCW 524 (1 credit) — introduces you to practicum, required trainings, interviews, and starting your learning plan

  • Hours credited: 40 hours from Spring course + 360 hours at your field site during Summer, Autumn, and Winter 2025–2026

  • Placement: Usually one continuous placement across these three quarters

Timeline & Weekly Hours

  • Start: Summer Quarter 2025 (no earlier than June 23)

  • End: March 2026

  • Weekly commitment: About 10–12 field hours

  • ⚠️ Evening and weekend placements are very limited — plan to make time during weekdays

Preparing for Your Practicum Meeting

  • Meeting: 30-minute individual session with the Director of Field Education (in-person or Zoom)

  • Meeting window: January 21 – February 10, 2025

  • Before your meeting:

    • Complete and submit the Generalist Practicum Placement Survey (required)

    • If requesting placement at your workplace, be ready to discuss:

      • Has management approved your placement?

      • How your practicum work differs from your regular job

      • Who will be your MSW supervisor

      • How you will schedule your practicum hours

Special Requirements

Domestic Violence Placements

  • Must complete a State-approved 30-hour training before meeting with clients

  • Training hours count toward the 360 field hours

  • Trainings offered by YWCA (twice a year) and other approved agencies — spots fill quickly

Immunizations

  • Must be current on all HSIP immunizations

  • Must get the 2025 flu shot before Autumn quarter

  • Placements may be delayed or paused if requirements are not met — applies even if placed at your workplace or as a CWTAP student

Autumn-Start Placements

  • Some placements (especially K–12 schools) start only in Autumn quarter

  • Impact on registration, financial aid, and schedule will be discussed if applicable

Need Help?

Step 3: Schedule meeting with Field Instructor

Schedule a meeting with a Field Coordinator.

MSW Specialist, Year 2

Step 1: Fill in and submit the worksheet placement.

Link to the Specialization Practicum Referral Worksheet placement survey here.

Step 2: Read email from Field Director

Specialist Practicum – Quick Guide

Welcome! This guide has all the information you need to prepare for your Specialist Practicum Placement. Read carefully and keep it handy.

Practicum Overview

1. Practicum Timeline & Hours

  • Most placements begin Summer 2025 and continue until June 2026.

  • You are required to complete 680 field hours (about 16 hours/week).

  • You cannot start before June 23, 2025 (first day of summer quarter).

  • All hours and final evaluation must be completed and submitted by June 5, 2026.

  • No extensions will be allowed.

2. Individual Appointment

  • Schedule a 30-minute meeting with me (in-person or Zoom) between January 13 – February 3, 2025.

3. Placement Procedures

  • Do not set up your own placement before our meeting.

  • We follow strict procedures and agreements with community partners.

  • If you have ideas for a new placement, bring them to your meeting. Unauthorized placements will not be approved.

4. Placement at Your Current Agency

If you want to do your practicum at your current workplace, prepare a verbal outline including:

  • Has management discussed a practicum placement with you?

  • How will your practicum differ from your regular job?

  • Who will provide MSW supervision?

  • How will the schedule work?
    Other details can be discussed later.

5. Early Graduation Option

  • If doing 24+ hours/week starting Summer 2025, you may be eligible to graduate March 2026.

  • An MSW advisor will email you with details.

  • Let me know during your meeting if you’re considering this option; no commitment needed now.

6. CPR Certification (Medical Placements)

  • Required for placements in medical settings (including AED).

  • Get certified now or renew if expiring before June 2026.

  • Cannot start placement without certification.

7. Domestic Violence Placement Requirement

  • Required: State-approved 30-hour training before meeting clients.

  • YWCA offers the training twice a year; spots fill quickly.

  • Training hours count toward your total 680 hours.

8. Immunizations

  • Must be up to date on all immunizations.

  • Get your 2025 flu shot before Autumn quarter.

  • Placement will be suspended if you do not meet HSIP immunization requirements, even at your workplace.

9. Autumn-Start Placements

  • Some agencies (notably K-12) require Autumn start with a 3-day/week commitment.

  • We will discuss these options if they apply to your agency of interest or if you prefer to start in Autumn.

Need Help?

 

Step 3: Schedule meeting with Field Instructor

Schedule a meeting with a Field Coordinator.