Academic Catalogs

SWHS G121: Fieldwork in Social Work and Human Services

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 11/16/2021
Top Code 210400 - Human Services
Units 2 Total Units 
Hours 108 Total Hours (Other Hours 108)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

This course is designed to facilitate a supervised field experience within a human services community organization, agency, or institution. Students will be able to connect theory-to-practice through observation and practical experience, as well as develop new skills outside of the classroom environment in preparation for gaining employment in the human services field. The student will be required to document 108 hours of supervised field experience within a human services environment. PREREQUISITE: SWHS G110. COREQUISITE: SWHS G120. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Course Outcomes
  2. Apply theory and ethical standards to practical situations identified learning objectives within social work / human service profession at the fieldwork site.
  3. Perform program related work tasks and responsibilities.
  4. Illustrate compassion, active listening, rapport building, and diversity awareness when working with clients.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Apply core competencies of professional roles and standards while incorporating social justice and equitable principles within the fieldwork environment.
  • 2. Explain legal/ethical rules and guidelines according to national professional standards as it relates to students scope of practice and fieldwork experience.
  • 3. Incorporate cultural awareness and empathy when working with diverse client populations.
  • 4. Develop measurable learning objectives that relate to workplace success skills.
  • 5. Relate knowledge of the major components of social work and human services to an agencys procedures and practices.

Lecture Content

Fieldwork Placement Create learning objectives with the assistance of the instructor and supervisor The agency organizational chart Identify and follow fieldwork sites mission and vision statements Follow employers rules, policies, and regulations Understand and exercise informed consent and confidentiality Supervisor and self evaluation Codes of ethics Confidentiality policies Ethical standards and challenges Mandated reporting Legal policies and procedures Core competencies and Employability Skills Develop employable and transferable skills Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, time management, communication skills, organizational and record-keeping skills, and accountability in all settings Develop and maintain working relationships with community health, welfare and social agencies, and other partnerships Explore options on professional development and association membership Application of practices appropriate to the individual client Build trust and rapport Knowledge of local programs and services Assist clients/families with obtaining community assistance by referral to proper resources Understand the importance of referring when unable to assist a client Creating authentic assessments and documentation for all clients Recognizing prejudice and bias Writing effective case notes Self-Reflection

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Field Experience (90)

Instructional Techniques

Supervisor instruction regarding fieldwork placement, process, and expectations. Case studies to critically examine issues within the profession. Reflective writing to explore professional roles and expectations. Supplemental recources may also be utilized.

Reading Assignments

Students will read from assigned textbook, handouts, and online content. Additional readings may come from academic journals and case studies related to their fieldwork client population and/or organizations.

Writing Assignments

Each student will identify problems or obstacles that are found within their fieldwork site and address methods for serving clients within that setting using professional standards of practice.

Out-of-class Assignments

Completion of 108 hours in social work or human services setting. Weekly written journals documenting fieldwork experiences, including daily on-the-job duties, new expereinces or skilsl gained, and reflection of professional roles.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will analyze theory-to-practice, ethical issues, and propose solutions to common issues faced by clients in helping professions.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will be required to problem solve and demonstrate effective skills necessary for employment within the human services field: Effectively prioritization time Demonstrate positive interactions with clients Show unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy with clients Create authentic assessements and document case notes.

Eligible Disciplines

Counseling: Masters degree in counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, guidance counseling, educational counseling, social work, or career development, marriage and family therapy, or marriage, family and child counseling, OR the equivalent. (NOTE: A bachelors degree in one of the above listed degrees and a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is an alternative qualification for this discipline.) Masters degree required. Title 5, section 53410.1 Psychology: Masters degree in psychology OR bachelors degree in psychology AND masters degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience, or social work OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. Sociology: Masters degree in sociology OR bachelors degree in sociology AND masters degree in anthropology, any ethnic studies, social work, or psychology OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Cournoyer, Barry R.. The Social Work Skills Workbook (latest), 8th ed. Cengage, 2016 Rationale: Listed in CID course. 2. Required Myers, P. The Human Services Internship: Getting the Most from Your Experience (latest), 4th ed. Cengage, 2016 Rationale: Listed as text in CID course.

Other Resources

1. NASW Code of Ethics, www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English 2. NOHS Code of Ethics, www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals