Welcome to Social Work Theory and Practice I and II (SWRK 425 and 426) practicum placement. <\/span><\/p>\n The professional placement in this course, which occurs during the student’s senior year, focuses on social work intervention with micro systems (individuals, families and small groups). Students are assigned to a wide range of agencies in which social work is practiced. Sharing of experiences in class helps students to learn about practice in many settings. An in-depth examination of student practice, values and skills occurs during supervision. The student is expected to function as a beginning practitioner. The student is in the same placement for 200 hours for each of two semesters.<\/p>\n BSW Practicum Calendar 2025-2026<\/a><\/p>\n The 2025\u20132026 Practicum Education Manual is available on the Experiential Learning Cloud, where both students and Practicum Instructors can access it directly.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/span> Placement Procedure<\/p> Students will be assigned to their Theory and Practice I and II agency by the Practicum Education Department who will take your needs and thoughts into consideration after completion of a Practicum Application.\u00a0 After students complete the necessary tasks as instructed by the practicum education department, the student will be eligible to schedule a practicum placement interview. These tasks include the completion of a Practicum Placement Application. Students registered for SWRK 425 will be enrolled in an online placement monitoring platform. Students will be charged the fee for the platform directly on their bill with the college. This enrollment process will be facilitated by the practicum education department. Students may be asked to initiate the placement process prior to be being enrolled in the online platform to avoid delays.<\/p>\n In making the placement assignment during the practicum placement interview, we consider several points:<\/p>\n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/span> Time Expectation<\/p> The Theory and Practice I placement begins in September (Fall semester) in accordance with the date decided on with your practicum instructor. Students are expected to discuss time off for school related breaks early in the placement process, as the placement will continue throughout the Spring semester while in Theory and Practice II.<\/p>\n Each semester is 200 hours, totaling 400 hours for the year. This is approximately two 8 hour days, for 16 hours per week.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/span> Supervision<\/p> You will be assigned to a social work agency or host setting where social work is practiced. An experienced social worker, who holds a MSW (Masters in Social Work) Degree, will supervise you. That person is called a practicum instructor, as they will play an important role in your education. Some of you may have a second supervisor, a task supervisor, who is usually an experienced staff member who does not necessarily have a MSW. This person will mentor you and provide assignments, but will not be responsible for the educational component of your supervision.<\/p>\n The practicum instructor will meet with you for at least one hour a week. They will review your work, read your process recording, discuss your clients, and help you develop new skills. You are expected to go to supervisory sessions prepared to discuss your work. We suggest students prepare an agenda before they go into a supervisory session.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/span> Frequently Asked Questions<\/p> Students may also review BSW Frequently Asked Questions<\/a>\u00a0for BSW students already<\/em> in their placement.<\/p>\n Students are assigned a variety of tasks, depending upon the role of the social worker at the agency, and the level of skill of the student. In this placement, you are expected to conduct beginning social work activities. You are not there to be a clerical aide. At the beginning of the placement, you might be asked to shadow a worker, or you may be assigned to a specific individual client or group. The expectations of your abilities will rise as the year continues. You will experience:<\/p>\n During the school year, the professor of your section of the practice course will follow your experiences in practicum In class, all students are expected to discuss their practicum experiences in relation to the course topics. Your practicum liaison will maintain contact with the agency to monitor performance and progress.<\/p>\n An individual Learning Contract<\/em> will also serve as a guide to ensure that you are completing tasks that align with the learning competencies outlined by the program’s accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education<\/em>.<\/p>\n After the interview, you will be notified if any further requirements are necessary prior to moving forward. Once all requirements are met, placement letters will be sent to both students and agencies via the online platform. In the student placement letter, students will be provided contact information for the agency discussed during the placement interview. Students will be instructed to reach out to the agency to schedule an interview to secure the placement. Review the BSW Interview Preparation<\/a> document prior to contacting the agency. Please attend that interview as soon as possible to confirm the placement. Unless you or the practicum instructor find a major reason why that placement is not appropriate, it is considered confirmed. Agencies also receive a letter notifying them of the potential match. Students should know that this involves receiving the student\u2019s resume. Students should make every effort to have an adequate and updated resume using the Social Work Resume Writing Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Please be aware that an increasing number of social agencies now require criminal background checks and\/or fingerprints. These might be at either the agency or student expense.<\/p>\n Students may be sent to agencies that also accept students from other schools. Students are not placed in competition with other Ramapo students for a placement, but may compete with other schools. Students are sent to one agency at a time for an interview. Please do not ask to interview at several agencies and then expect to pick one. Student are encouraged to complete all requirements in a timely manner as placements are coordinated on a first come first serve basis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some students may be eligible for an Employment Based Placement. There are specific criteria that must be met in order for this type of placement to be successful. Students who may be interested in an Employment Based Placement will be required to fill out a proposal to be reviewed during an individual practicum placement interview.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/span> Student Check List<\/p> <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/span> Important Student Documents and Resources<\/p> Ramapo BSW students have access to a central location for resources and an electronic calendar that is made accessible via email and the program’s online platform. All official submissions must be completed on the platform according to specific submission processes. To access practicum resources<\/em>, log into the cloud and navigate to the Learning Space using the menu on the left. Then, select your program (BSW or MSW) to view all relevant materials. Students and their Practicum Instructors will find support resources for the practicum experience in this space.<\/p>\n For any questions or specific support, please contact the Practicum Department directly. Further details provided to students during Practicum Readiness Training<\/em>.<\/p>\n Information for Practicum Instructors ><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n For more information about the Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program (BCWEP) program at Ramapo College, contact Professor Cardacia Davis, cdavis3@ramapo.edu<\/a> Ramapo College BCWEP Academic Coordinator and Director of Practicum Education.<\/p>\n Cardacia Davis<\/strong>\n
What will I do there?<\/h4>\n
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How will I know that I am doing the right things at the agency?<\/h4>\n
When will I know my placement?<\/h4>\n
Can I be employed by my agency?<\/h4>\n
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Practicum Resources<\/h4>\n
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Director \/ Practicum Education Experience
E-mail: cdavis3@ramapo.edu<\/a>
Phone: (201) 684-7297
Office: G-203A<\/p><\/div>\n