The Field Training of Social Workers: A Survey

Field training is crucial for social work students to learn practical skills and gain experience in working with clients. It is typically conducted in colleges and social agencies, with partnership between social workers and academic staff. The goal is to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to become effective social workers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1966, the original blurb read:

Learning with the help of skilled practitioners is as essential in training for social work as for medicine and teaching. Where do students of social work go for field training and why? What is it hoped that they will learn through their experience? What responsibilities are they given and who guides their learning? Partnership between social workers and academic staff in working out these questions is considered at a critical time in the changing perspectives and expansion of social services. The staff of colleges and social agencies, students, and professional organizations have helped to produce the facts and views on which this survey is based.

The importance of field training for social work students cannot be overstated. It is a crucial component of their education, providing them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired in the classroom to real-world situations. Field training allows students to develop practical skills, such as interviewing, counseling, and case management, and to gain a deeper understanding of the social work profession and the communities they serve.

One of the primary goals of field training is to provide students with a sense of empathy and compassion for the people they work with. Social workers must be able to understand the challenges and struggles of their clients and to provide support and guidance that is tailored to their individual needs. Field training provides students with the opportunity to interact with clients in a variety of settings, including homes, hospitals, shelters, and community centers. This allows them to witness the impact of social work on individuals and families and to develop a sense of commitment to the profession.

Another goal of field training is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social work profession. Social workers must be able to work effectively with a diverse range of clients, including those who have experienced trauma, abuse, and poverty. Field training allows students to learn about the various social work theories and models and to apply them to real-world situations. This helps them to develop a critical perspective on social work and to become more effective practitioners.

Field training also provides students with the opportunity to develop professional relationships with social workers and other professionals in the field. These relationships can be valuable for future career opportunities and can provide students with mentorship and guidance.

There are several different types of field training programs available to social work students. These include internships, practicums, and field placements. Internships are typically offered by social work agencies and provide students with a structured learning environment and the opportunity to work with experienced social workers. Practicums are typically offered by social work schools.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032048109