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The field education program is a central component of the BSW program. It contributes to the attainment of the program goals by developing, implementing, and monitoring generalist practice opportunities for students to demonstrate core social work competencies.

At the BSW or Foundation level, the field placement is structured so that students have an opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to perform core social work practice behaviors and attain the skills of a competent generalist practitioner.

In the Foundation year, students spend a great deal of time focusing on what it means to be a professional social worker: that is, identifying the skills, roles, and boundaries associated with assisting clients and behaving ethically. Students also are challenged to practice self-awareness and reflection, and remain open to career-long learning by effectively utilizing supervision and consultation.

The understanding and recognition of the impact that structural oppression has on clients is paramount, and students must gain the skills necessary to take on the role of advocate, in both micro level (person-centered) situations, and with macro level (policy and systems) issues. In the Foundation year, the student also begins to master the use of practice experience to inform scientific inquiry, and research evidence to inform practice. Finally, the Foundation student becomes fluent in their ability to conduct an assessment and accordingly select, critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate prevention and intervention strategies to address the issue at hand.

To learn more about the BSW Field Program, please contact the field office at swfield@unr.edu.