Practicum Education

• BBS Prelicensure Requirements
• BBS Prelicensure Requirements-2
• BSW Student Self-Assessment 2023
• BSW Foundation Sample Learning Contract
• Developing the Learning Contract
• Employment Based Field Practice Form
• Ethical Guidelines Template
• MSW Concentration Sample Learning Contract
• MSW Concentration Student Self-Assessment 2023
• Safety Orientation Checklist Template
• Safety Procedures
• Sample Learning Contract Title IV-E
• Student Learning Contract Template
• Student Midterm Evaluation-Revised
• Student Midterm Evaluation

• Agency Orientation Quiz
• Comfort Scale
• Conceptual Model of Generalist and Advanced Generalist Social Work
• Constructivist Self Development Theory
• Critical Thinking
• Effective Conflict and Confrontation
• Elements of Effective Supervision
• Factors that Sustain and Deplete the Professional Self
• Guidelines for Asking and Giving Feedback
• Interpersonal Skills Inventory
• Learning Contract
• Learning Style Quiz
• Legal Aspects of Field Instruction
• Motiviation Interviewing: Supervisory Approach
• Practicum Supervision Agenda example
• Solution Focused Supervision Approach
• Student Orientation to Placement Agency
• Suggestions for Macro-assignments in Field Placements
• Supervision Notes
• Supervision Styles
• The Developmental Stage of an Internship
• Tips for Supervisors
• Trauma Informed Supervisory Approach

• Identifying Internship Goals
• Practicum Performance Contract

• 2025-2026 Practicum Handbook
• BHP Competencies 2024-2025

• BHS-TAY Integration Competencies
• BHS-TAY Advanced Social Work Practice Competencies in Mental Health Recovery Learning Activities

BSW and MSW Foundation year students will attend a Practicum Introduction meeting early in the spring semester prior to starting a placement. Students will be notified of the date, time, and location of the meeting via email. This is a mandatory meeting for all students and will provide an opportunity to learn about the Practicum Education Program and outline the placement process, requirements, and expectations.

An email notification from the Practicum Coordinator will be sent to students to get set up in our online practicum placement system CalState S4. Students will use this system to begin to research placement sites and learn about the different areas of social work practice, populations, and learning opportunities available.

Current BSW juniors and MSW students, including MSW program applicants, are invited to and strongly encouraged to attend the Practicum Fair that takes place mid-February. The Practicum Fair provides an opportunity for students to interact with community agencies on an informal basis and inquire information about the population(s) served, services offered, and learning opportunities available to a student intern.

BSW students will receive a Google link to sign up for a small group placement meeting (5–6 students per group). MSW students will also receive a link to sign up for individual placement meetings with the Practicum Education Director/Practicum Coordinator.

What happens: Overview of practicum expectations, placement timelines, required paperwork, and an introduction to CalState S4.

• Before the meeting: Check your campus email for the meeting announcement and save the date.
• Bring: a current draft of your resume (PDF or Word), a list of 2–3 practice areas you are interested in, and any special requests or accommodations.
• Take notes on: deadlines, how to use CalState S4, and instructions for signing up for placement meetings.
• Immediate next step: follow the Practicum Coordinator email to create your CalState S4 account and complete your profile as soon as possible.

Goal: Identify agencies that match your learning goals, preferred populations, and scheduling constraints.

• Use CalState S4 to read site descriptions, required hours, and any current intern notes.
• Visit agency websites to confirm services offered, hours, location, and transportation options.
• Check the Student Forms & Resources page for resume and interview templates.
• Quick checklist when evaluating a site:
  • Population served (youth, adults, families, seniors, etc.)
  • Types of services (case management, therapy, outreach, education)
  • Supervision structure—who would be your onsite supervisor?
  • Required time commitment and schedule flexibility

Why attend: The Fair allows you to network with agency staff, ask about learning opportunities, and quickly determine whether an agency is a good fit before scheduling interviews.

• Before the Fair: prepare an “elevator” introduction (30–60 seconds) that includes your name, program year, practice interests, and one question for agencies.
• At the Fair: take brief notes on each agency you speak with—who you met, what you learned, and whether you want to interview there.
• Sample questions to ask agency reps:
  • What populations do interns primarily work with?
  • What kinds of tasks and responsibilities would I have as an intern?
  • How is student supervision structured and how often does it occur?
  • Are there opportunities to participate in specific programs or special projects?
• After the Fair: update your CalState S4 notes and prepare to discuss top choices at your placement meeting.

What to expect: Small-group (BSW) or individual (MSW) placement meetings where you review your resume and collaboratively identify two agencies to interview with.

• Before your meeting: complete the CalState S4 practicum application and upload a current resume draft.
• Bring to the meeting: your CalState S4 application confirmation, your resume, a short list of preferred sites (from your research and Fair), and any scheduling restrictions.
• During the meeting: the Practicum Director/Coordinator will review your application, give resume feedback, and help you finalize two agencies to contact for interviews.
• After the meeting: contact the agencies to schedule interviews and prepare using the interview checklist and resources (see links below).

• Interview preparation guide (Career Center)
• Resume resources (Career Center)
• Prepare for field placement interview
• Annual Practicum Fair
• Practicum calendar & handbook

BSW and MSW foundation year students are required to complete 16 hours per week. MSW concentration year students complete 16–24 hours per week. Students generally begin practicum hours late August/early September and finish their hours in early May.

We ask that agencies provide social work students with learning activities that help them develop skills in the nine competency areas set by the Council on Social Work Education. See:

• CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards
• Social Work Practicum Learning Activities

Agencies are asked to identify a staff member that can serve as the student's Practicum Instructor.

• BSW students may be supervised by someone with a BSW or MSW degree and at least 2 years of post-graduation experience.
• MSW students must be supervised by someone with an MSW degree and at least 2 years of post-graduation experience.
• Practicum Instructors are required to attend the practicum orientation at the start of the fall semester (virtual orientation available).

The Practicum Instructor meets weekly with each student for one hour of supervision, works with the student to develop the Learning Contract, completes end-of-semester student evaluations, and meets with the student and their faculty liaison once per semester for a site visit.

If your organization does not have a degreed social worker on staff or is unable to identify one, the Practicum Education Program can help identify an off-site Practicum Instructor. In this case, the agency must provide a Task Supervisor to oversee the student's day-to-day learning activities.

When a Practicum Instructor has been identified, they will be asked to complete:

• Practicum Instructor Application

Every social work student is assigned to a Faculty Liaison. The Faculty Liaison serves as the bridge between the university and the agency, offering consultation and support should questions or concerns arise.

The first step is to download and complete the Agency Profile form:

• Agency Profile

The Agency Profile should include a description of the programs or services your agency offers that can accept practicum placements. You may attach your program mission, goals, and descriptions to the form.

After submitting the Agency Profile, the Director of Practicum Education or a Practicum Coordinator will contact you to arrange a meeting to discuss placement opportunities in more detail, review requirements, and answer questions.

A Student Placement Agreement (SPA) must be in place before a student can begin practicum hours. The SPA is sent directly to the agency contact by Chico State Contract Services. A preview template is available upon request.

Students who are already employed by a social service agency often inquire about using their employment as a practicum site. School of Social Work policy requires that all practicum placements maintain a primary focus on the education and development of the student as a professional social worker. To ensure this, an employment-based practicum placement must be designed to provide opportunities for students to pursue and achieve the specific learning objectives of practicum at each level (BSW, MSW foundation, MSW concentration).

1. Same work – Student keeps their current employment role and tasks and counts work hours towards 100% of practicum hours (only approved if the student is a new employee or in a new role within the agency).
2. Combo work – Student counts some current employment tasks towards their practicum hours (70%) and also completes tasks in a different role/department (30%).
3. Different work – Student completes 100% of their practicum hours in a different role/department doing tasks other than their current employment role (most common when current employment tasks are not directly linked to social work competencies).

*Students pursuing combo or different work must discuss with their employment supervisor whether these tasks can be done during normal work hours or require additional hours. Clear communication with the supervisor is essential to ensure the employer supports the practicum plan.

The agency must be willing to provide an educationally focused experience for the required hours. Ideally, the student is placed in a department other than their current one. If current roles align with social work competencies, up to 70% of practicum hours may overlap with job duties, but at least 30% must involve new tasks or responsibilities.

All students must receive one hour per week of supervision with a qualified social worker. BSW students may be supervised by someone with a BSW or MSW degree and 2+ years of experience. MSW students must be supervised by someone with an MSW degree and 2+ years of experience. If the agency lacks a qualified supervisor, the Practicum Education Program will arrange for an off-site instructor.

The student must submit an Employment-Based Practicum Proposal clearly distinguishing practicum roles from job duties. This proposal must be signed by the student, employment supervisor, practicum instructor, and agency director/program manager. No hours can be counted until the proposal is approved by the Practicum Education Director/Coordinator.

Placements must take place within one of the 18 Northern California counties. Refer to the Service Region for details.

1. Review the Policy on Employment-Based Placements in the Practicum Education Handbook.
2. Indicate interest in an employment-based practicum on the Practicum Application.
3. Meet with the Practicum Coordinator to discuss the option.
4. Participate in a formal meeting with the employment supervisor and Practicum Coordinator to review opportunities.
5. If appropriate, develop and submit the Employment-Based Practicum Proposal before the semester begins.
6. The Practicum Coordinator reviews the proposal and issues approval or denial.
7. If approved, the Practicum Education Program initiates the Student Placement Agreement process with the agency.
8. Once the Agreement is finalized, the student receives clearance.
9. Attend required Practicum Orientation during the first week of fall semester.
10. Begin practicum hours (per Practicum Education Calendars).

• Students must secure and maintain employment in a social service agency; the program does not assist in job placement.
• If employment ends, a new placement is not guaranteed.
• No employment-based practicum approvals are given before admission to the BSW/MSW program.
• Approval is not automatic; proposals are reviewed case by case.

A fully executed Student Placement Agreement between the agency and the University is required before practicum hours can begin. This process may take several months depending on agency requirements. In rare cases, an agreement may not be reached, and the student would need to pursue a different placement.

• Employment-Based Practicum Proposal
• Employment-Based Practicum Information for Agencies