Potential Field Practicum Agency Partnerships

Selection of Agencies

In determining the suitability of an agency for field placement, the San Jose State University, School of Social Work assesses not only the immediate interest but also the long term commitment of the Agency administration. During preliminary discussions with the Agency, the following areas are considered: auspices; size of social work staff; ratio of trained to untrained workers; extent of community involvement; standards of practice; agencies’ mission and values; availability of qualified staff for field instruction; facilities for students (space, recording facilities, etc.); and the willingness of the Agency to permit the Field Instructor sufficient time for student instruction. These criteria are reviewed with the Agency periodically to assure that they continue to apply.

• Learn more about the criteria used in evaluating agencies as to their suitability for use as field instruction settings.
  • 1. The Agency's philosophy of service and practice should be compatible with the educational objectives of social work which embody the values and ethics of the profession;
    2. The Agency provides service delivery to spanish-speaking, other ethnic minorities, high-risk or vulnerable populations in support of the MSW Program's mission and curricular goals;
    3. Agencies and centers selected for field practice by the MSW Program should be in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of the School of Social Work that in the delivery of services, no person shall be excluded from participation or denied benefits, or is otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of that agency or center on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, pregnancy, disability, Vietnam Veteran’s status, or sexual orientation;
    4. The Agency should maintain a working and learning environment free from sexual harassment of its students, employees and those who apply for student or employee status (see Sexual Harassment Policy);
    5. The Agency has earned qualified standing by the community and in the profession, and should qualify for membership in those local, state or national accrediting organizations appropriate to its field of service.
    6. The administration and staff should be committed to a field work instruction program in social work as a significant function and responsibility of the Agency;
    7. The social work staff should be of such size as to maintain and to develop the basic program of the Agency without reliance on students;
    8. The Agency program should be broad enough to allow for a variety of learning experiences for students;
    9. The Agency staff should have an understanding of and commitment to the MSW Program's objectives for students. This should include transcultural perspective and services to family, groups and community;
    10. The Agency agrees to sign an agreement with the School of Social Work and the San José State University system to define mutual purpose and responsibilities in field instruction;
    11. The Agency is willing to educate students at the BASW and/or MSW level, and is willing whenever possible to take a minimum of 2 students;
    12. The Agency should demonstrate an active interest in research through its willingness to provide opportunities for students to engage in research projects that are required by the MSW Program;
    13. The Agency should make available whatever appropriate instrumental means are necessary for the students to perform effectively the tasks assigned; and
    14. The Agency agrees that the student will be able to use and share agency case materials and learning experiences. Client confidentiality will be protected.

Explore Becoming an Agency Partner

If an agency is interested in exploring partnering with the School of Social Work to become a practicum site, please read the Recruitment Letter. 

If the agency can meet the criteria based on the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)’s mandates, the agency may reach back out to us in September 2023 to begin the process of formalizing the partnership.

Email us at (socialworkfieldeducation@sjsu.edu) for questions.