Social Work Practicum Education

Bringing Academic Learning to Life

The Practicum is the signature pedagogy of social work education, offering students a vital opportunity to apply classroom learning, integrate theory and practice, and develop their professional identity as social workers.

Through practicum experiences, students gain hands-on skills, confidence, and ethical grounding needed to become competent and compassionate social workers.

A Collaborative Partnership

The Practicum Education process from the onset of finding placement to completing one is a fully collaborative effort among:

Practicum Education Department
Social Work Program
Social Work Faculty and Staff
Community Partners
Practicum Instructors (Agency Specific Supervisors)
Social Work Students

Together, these partners create a supportive network that bridges academic study with real-world practice.

Practicum Schedule

Students are expected to complete practicum hours during weekday daytime hours (typically Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.), depending on agency schedules and learning opportunities.

Students may also apply to complete practicum at their place of employment, which will be reviewed to ensure it meets program and learning requirements.

Practicum Placement and Learning Opportunities

Students are matched with partner agencies based on their individual learning goals and availability year to year. Practicum placements are available in a wide range of settings, including:

Child welfare
Healthcare and medical settings
Educational institutions
Criminal justice systems
Mental health and addiction services
Family services
Aging and elder services
Forensic social work
Substance use and recovery services
Community and governmental organizations

Students gain hands-on experience working with individuals, families, groups, and communities from diverse backgrounds, applying what they learn in both generalist and advanced clinical practice.

Generalist vs Advanced

Generalist Social Work is the Foundation first practicum experience. Per the Council on Social Work Education, this area of practice focuses on…

Person-In-Environment
Human & Social Well-Being
Ethical Practice
Research-Informed Practice
Advocacy
Anti-Racist, Diverse, Inclusive, & Equitable Practice
Resilience

Advanced Social Work is the Advanced second practicum experience. Because Westfield State is a clinical program, the focus of this placement is clinical integration of the engagement, assessment, intervention, and diagnostic process.

Seminars and Practicum Support

Each student participates in a weekly seminar led by a Practicum Faculty Liaison. These seminars help students:

Integrate academic learning with practical experience
Reflect on professional growth
Receive guidance and mentorship
Learn from each other’s placement experiences

Practicum placements are supported by the School of Social Work’s faculty and practicum education staff, in collaboration with agency-based supervisors, ensuring students receive continuous feedback and supervision.

Ethics and Professional Development

Through practicum, students learn to apply the NASW Code of Ethics across all areas of social work practice. Placements also support:

Development of professional skills
Growth of ethical decision-making
Preparation for generalist and clinical practice

The program partners with organizations that:

Align with the
Offer a variety of learning experiences
Demonstrate a strong commitment to student education
Provide time, skills, and mentorship of professional staff

These partnerships ensure every placement is educational, meaningful, and ethically guided.

Resources and Support

We provide materials and guidance for:

Students applying for practicum placement
Students currently in practicum
Practicum Instructors

Contact the Practicum Education Program with any questions, suggestions, or feedback: swpracticumed@westfield.ma.edu. We are committed to continuously strengthening the practicum experience at Westfield State University.

IPT ACCESS:

IPT and Troubleshooting Resource

BSW and MSW Foundation Learning Agreement Guide

MSW Advanced Learning Agreement Guide