On behalf of our field education faculty, I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to Case Western Reserve University’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. We look forward to you joining our community and getting to know more about you as you begin securing a field placement setting for the upcoming academic year.
About Field Education
Field education is a critical aspect of our Master of Social Work curriculum—representing more than 20% of degree requirements—that many students regard as one of the most transformative, impactful components of their education. Through your field internship, you will integrate and apply the theories, skills and concepts taught in the classroom into organizational practice settings.
The Mandel School’s well-established network of partnerships provides field internships in community and direct practice, child welfare, research, healthcare, community development, behavioral health, schools, government and more. Additionally, the field education department works closely with placement sites to develop increased opportunities for virtual interviews in response to COVID-19 and to accommodate students outside of Ohio or the U.S.
We are here to support your success, and our field faculty will make every effort to help you obtain a placement that is conducive to your academic and professional development goals.
Placement Process
You are required to participate in the summer field placement process to secure a field placement and begin field education by August 26, 2024. Failure to do so may significantly decrease the availability of field placement options and could result in a delay in beginning field education requirements.
On-campus students typically have a first-year “generalist” placement and a second-year “specialized” placement. Those with advanced standing complete two semesters of field work beginning in the fall in the context of one placement setting. The Intensive Weekend format features a one-placement model, in which students may elect to complete field education requirements in an approved place of employment.
By June 1
- You will be assigned a field placement advisor who will reach out to you directly via your CWRU email. Please make sure to activate and begin monitoring your CWRU email as soon as possible if you have not yet done so.
- Please prepare a current resume to provide to prospective field placement sites as part of the interview process.
- You will work with your placement advisor to identify areas of interest and potential field placement settings for the upcoming academic year. This will be completed through a combination of in-person and virtual Zoom meetings.
- After the initial meeting, your advisor will provide contact information for you to schedule interviews at potential field placement organizations. Sites may choose to interview by phone, in person or virtually.
- You will be responsible for contacting potential placement sites and initiating the interview process.
From June to August
- You will engage in the placement interview process and be sure to communicate your progress with your field placement advisor.
- You should be successfully matched with a field placement by August 26, 2024.
Requirements
Field placement sites may require pre-placement screenings, including health screenings (such as tuberculosis testing or a drug screening) or a background check. If required by the placement site, you will be responsible for the cost of the required screenings.
Many sites require an Ohio Social Work Trainee (SWT) credential issued by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Your field placement advisor will help you determine if the SWT is required at your potential placement sites. You must be registered for field education prior to applying for the SWT, and a background check is required. Visit the board’s website for more information.
Again, welcome and congratulations on your acceptance to the Mandel School. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. We look forward to meeting you as you begin the first part of your journey as a Change Leader!
Sincerely,
Nicole Parker, MSW, LSW, MNO
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Field Education and External Relations
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Case Western Reserve University