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    Human Services Delivery & Administration Field Placement Manual

    Field education is a key component of the Human Services Delivery & Administration (HSDA) program at the University of North Georgia (UNG) and is achieved through a cooperative relationship between students, community partners, and HSDA faculty.

    The HSDA field practicum curriculum is guided by the goals of the HSDA program, the standards outlined by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE), and the needs of students. This manual is meant to serve as a resource and guide for field practicum students, community partners, and HSDA faculty. It contains an overview of field practicum education for the HSDA program, including an overview of the goals, objectives, expectations, and policies of the HSDA program and field practicum education.

    Students, HSDA faculty supervisors, and the Field Coordinator work together to place students in practicum settings that make sense for the student’s learning and career objectives. Students may choose from a wide variety of existing opportunities gathered from the HSDA programs’ large network of community partners or they may work with their HSDA faculty supervisor and Field Coordinator to locate an opportunity more suited to their interests.

    • Field Practicum Learning Goals & Objectives
    • Commitment to a Diverse and Multicultural Learning Experience
    • Student Responsibilities & Expectations
    • Responsibilities for Agencies & HSDA Faculty Supervisors
    • Equal Opportunity and Rights of Those with Disabilities
    • Field Placement Documentation
    • Departmental Contacts

    Field Practicum Learning Goals & Objectives

    • Overview of Field Practicum Education

      Field instruction and experience are a required component of the HSDA curriculum at the undergraduate level and a signature experience of the HSDA program. Graduate student may with extensive applied experience may choose between an applied track (includes field practicum) and an applied research track.

      Field practicum courses provide opportunities for the student to test, integrate, and incorporate into their own practice the knowledge, skills, and values learned in the classroom. Students develop and refine their conceptualizations and ways of thinking analytically about human behavior, societal structure, and social policies.

      Human Services Delivery and Administration (B.S.)

      Undergraduate students take three (3) supervised field practicum classes:

      • HSDA 3201: Field Practicum I (prerequisite HSDA 2200)
      • HSDA 4200: Field Practicum II (prerequisite HSDA 3201)
      • HSDA 4201: Field Practicum III (prerequisite HSDA 4200)

      Students are required to complete 150 field hours per semester (450 total) at the undergraduate level. HSDA 2200, Introduction to Field Practicum & Case Management, provides an orientation to the field and case management, is a pre-requisite for HSDA 3201. Field practicum courses are taken sequentially and draw on classroom learning; therefore, the sequence should start in a student’s first or second semester of HSDA course work. Undergraduate field practicum courses are offered in fall, spring, and summer (full session) semesters.

      Human Services Delivery & Administration (M.S.)

      Graduate students take one field practicum course (HSDA 5200) and complete 120 hours at a single agency. HSDA 5200 is only offered in the spring and is typically taken in the first year of the program if a student is attending school full-time.

    • Expected Learning Outcomes

      The following skills and tasks are emphasized in field practicum courses:

      • Attention to ethical considerations
      • Problem-solving/Communicating effectively in speech and writing
      • Case management/Multi-dimensional assessment
      • Identifying strengths/Empowerment of the client
      • Education/Development of resources
      • Interviewing/Referral
      • Advocacy/Modeling and coaching
      • Documentation/Evaluation and research
      • Planning/Organization/Prioritization of tasks
      • Supportive peer counseling
      • Negotiation/Working collaboratively
      • Mediation/Developing positive relationships
      • Self-awareness/Effective use of supervision
      • Evaluation of practice

      Activities in which students may be involved include:

      • Reviewing case records
      • Reviewing policies and procedures
      • Interviewing staff within agency
      • Observing an interview or client interaction
      • Shadowing agency staff
      • Completing an intake interview
      • Completing an assessment
      • Constructing a genogram or eco-map
      • Completing a literature review
      • Completing a process recording
      • Attending staff meetings
      • Attending pertinent training sessions
      • Attending committee or board meetings
      • Participating in reviews by funding or licensing agencies
      • Visiting related community agencies
      • Developing and/or updating a resource directory
      • Completing referrals for community resources
      • Developing goals with clients
      • Developing a treatment plan
      • Documenting client interactions
      • Collecting data for agency outcome studies
      • Completing an evaluation of practice
      • Developing and completing a research project
      • Processing ethical concerns with field supervisor
      • Develop and present a psychosocial assessment
      • Develop and present a case study
      • Develop a professional portfolio
    • Field Placement Hours
      • No less than 150 per practicum level or with the approval of field coordinator 2 semesters (300 hours) completed at a single agency/organization (undergraduate only)
      • Students are expected to pace their placement hours throughout the semester which averages around 10 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and 17 hours per week during the summer semester for undergraduates and around 8 for graduate students.
      • Travel time to and from the agency is not counted.
      • If a student leaves their agency and, on the way, home makes a home visit, time from the agency to the visit counts, but not the time after leaving the agency task to continue
      • Any assignments or workshops that require the student to leave the agency’s physical location, after reporting for duty, counts as hours worked, as well as travel time for such events.
      • No homework, readings, or assignments for other classes allowed during field internship
      • Agency reading, orientation, and training activities can count toward hours at the discretion of the field supervisor and the faculty supervisor.
      • Attendance at professional conferences and meetings falling on field time may count as field hours at the discretion of the field supervisor and the faculty supervisor. The decision based on the field supervisor’s judgment of program learning opportunities for students. As a professional learning experience, the field supervisor may expect documentation and discussion of that exper
      • Daily logs and time records done at the agency count toward agency
      • If students experience "down time, students should immediately bring it to their field supervisor's attention

       

    • Course Grading and Evaluation

      Student performance and growth is supervised by both the faculty and field supervisor throughout the semester.  The course grading criteria is either satisfactory or unsatisfactory (U/S) and is based on the quality of the work submitted, completion of required documents, professional competency demonstrated in the field placement, and the field supervisor evaluation. The final grade is determined by the faculty supervisor.

    • Additional Field Placement Information
      • There are no exemptions from fieldwork based on prior experience at the undergraduate level.
      • Paid field placements are not permissible at the undergraduate level.
      • The field placement schedule follows the college calendar. The University does not require students to do fieldwork during holidays or exam  However, the student and the field supervisor, in consultation with the HSDA Faculty Supervisor, may jointly determine that she/he needs to be present during the holiday periods. The nature of fieldwork will determine the student’s responsibility to the clients during these periods. (Some students may need the additional hours in order  to  complete  placement;  others  may  be  in agencies where their responsibilities to clients require that they continue working during seasonal breaks). A student must have the approval of their faculty supervisor to complete hours while the university is closed or outside of the dates of the semester.
      • Students are responsible for informing their field supervisor of their class schedule.
      • If a student is unable to complete the requirement for the class within the semester, an incomplete with the approval of the faculty supervisor may be considered. Incompletes are only appropriate when the number of hours to be completed is relatively small (<20 hours).

    Commitment to a Diverse and Multicultural Learning Experience

    Human Services field experience give students foundation in the awareness, knowledge, understanding, and skills required to carry out effective multicultural Human Services practice with populations who are culturally diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability status, and national origin. Students will gain skills in recognizing cultural misunderstandings and oppressive dynamics. Each field experience’s content includes social identity group development; understanding prejudice and stereotyping and their effects on groups; recognizing difference and dominance and the nature of social oppression and exploring our personal and interpersonal connections to power, privilege, and oppression.

    Human Services classes will foster a learning environment where each student can reflect critically on their beliefs and perspectives and include content on cultural diversity and social justice. Such knowledge, awareness, and skills are critical for human service professionals to possess to work in a multicultural society. Field experiences will provide a forum to examine how our multiple identities shape our beliefs, assumptions, behaviors, and life experiences. Special attention to how our multiple identities and different experiences with oppression can enhance or hinder our work with diverse populations is given.

    Upon successful completion of each field experience, students will be better able to:

    • Demonstrate personal dialoguing skills around issues of multiculturalism and oppression.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of multiple identities and the diversity within identities.
    • Understand the interconnections between forms of oppression.
    • Understand dynamics of difference and dominance.
    • Demonstrate skills for multicultural Human Services practice in relationship to Human Services Ethics and Values.

    Student Responsibilities & Expectations

    • National Organization for Human Services Code of Ethics

      Students in the HSDA program are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the Code of Ethics established by the National Organization for Human Services. Failure to do so may be grounds for dismissal from the program. These ethical standards are addressed throughout the HSDA curriculum but will be applied most directly through field practicum work.

    • Fitness for the Profession

      The human services degree at the University of North Georgia strives to educate human services professionals prepared for community, state, and global service through the development of professional competencies. Entry into the profession of human services is more than initiating a new career path or beginning a new job. It is like starting a lifelong journey.

      As with many other professional fields, there is an intensive and rigorous training program to complete, which has academic and field placement requirements attached. However, because human services is a helping profession that deals with human living and a way of living in its own right, there are particular professional and personal challenges that students will encounter that are unique to the field. The challenges extend beyond the classroom and traditional academic standards and therefore require a different kind of development and assessment. 

      The Fitness for the Profession policy is a guide for students and faculty to assess professional growth and development. Growth as a human service professional demands evaluation of one’s values, beliefs, attitudes and behavior patterns as defined in the Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals. The 44 standards outlined in the code of ethics covers the human service professional’s responsibility to clients, colleagues, the profession, the public and society, employers, and self.  

      Adherence to these standards is imperative for success in the field. Students in the Human Services Delivery and Administration (HSDA) program evaluated each semester with reference to these professional and personal attributes as well as to their academic performance as it relates to their growing professional skills. Students who fail to meet standards may be placed on a performance improvement plan and in some extreme cases students may be asked to leave the program.

    • Academic Standing & Field Practicum

      Participation in the HSDA Field Practicum program requires a demonstrated mastery of course content. If any of the following applies to a student, they may be ask to take a semester off from field placement so that they can focus on academic progression: 

      • HSDA GPA is below 2.5 or an overall GPA below 2.0
      • The student has been placed on a performance improvement per the Fitness for the Profession policy.
      • Received a D in any required HSDA course  (C for graduate students)
      • Multiple Incompletes 
    • Student Professional Liability Insurance

      Students are required to purchase a one-million-dollar ($1,000,000) policy coverage of liability insurance through any insurance agency of the students choosing, for direct service and administrative field placement covering duties performed as part of academic curriculum and field experience.

      Students must provide an electronic copy of their insurance certificate to their field practicum instructor prior to the start of field placement. Field hours completed in advance of purchase of liability insurance cannot be counted towards the required hours for the practicum course.

    • Background Checks

      Student background checks and fingerprinting may be required depending on the agency or organization. Students are responsible for covering any costs related to required background checks. Some agencies require finger printing, while other agencies may require standardized psychological assessments. Students are strongly encouraged to follow agency procedure as instructed. Please contact the agency field supervisor if you have concerns about these requirements.

    • UNG Student Transportation Restriction

      UNG policy prohibits students from transporting clients/consumers/participants during their Field Placement activities. Students should avoid placing themselves or clients at risk of bodily harm or injury while engaging in Field Placement activities. Students should immediately consult their field supervisor or the HSDA field coordinator if situation arise that raises any safety issues.

    • Student Misconduct

      HSDA students must abide by the standards required of a UNG student as outlined in the UNG Student Handbook.

    • Sexual Harassment Policy

      The HSDA program is committed to providing a learning environment free of sexual harassment. The HSDA program adheres to current UNG policies should situations involving sexual harassment arise. If a student experiences discomfort or believes that they are a target of sexual discrimination or harassment in the field, they should notify the HSDA Program Coordinator immediately.

      The HSDA Program Coordinator, in coordination with the department Head, will take appropriate steps to ensure UNG and agency procedures to address the issue enforced. Complete reporting guidelines for sexual harassment found in the UNG Policy.

    • Removal from Field Placement

      Students not meeting NOHS ethical and HSDA academic standards may be removed from field experience per the Fitness for the Profession policy. The HSDA Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Department Head, has the authority to take immediate corrective action with regard to student misconduct and unethical or unprofessional performance.

      In the event a student is found to be in violation of the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals, the student is subject to disciplinary action and possibly dismissal from the HSDA program per the Fitness for the Profession policy. Students removed from their placement for cause will receive a “U” or unsatisfactory grade for the course and will have to repeat the course. Completed hours from the course will be voided. Students have the right to appeal a grade in accordance with UNG policies and procedures.

    • Handling Problem Situations

      On occasion, students may have conflicts with supervisors or other staff members. Students may encounter problems in the working environment or may lack assignments or direction. If such problems occur, the following suggestions may be helpful:

      • Discuss the situation with your supervisor; if the problem is with your supervisor, discuss the situation with your faculty supervisor.
      • If your supervisor is not helpful, schedule an appointment with your faculty supervisor to discuss the situation.
      • The faculty supervisor will meet with the field supervisor and the student to explore resolution to the

    Responsibilities for Agencies & HSDA Faculty Supervisors

    • Responsibilities of HSDA Faculty Supervisor
      1. Provide the agencies with a field manual stating objectives, policies, and content of field
      2. Provide the agency with necessary information about the student’s professional experience. This excludes information protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
      3. Assist the agency in planning an educational program for the student and will be available for consultation whenever problems
      4. Evaluate the over-all achievement of the student and will assign grades, with input from the Field Supervisor.
      5. Complete a meeting with the field agency supervisor to assess the student’s progress at least once during the semester.
    • Responsibilities of the Field Agency
      1. The agency provides a field supervisor with no less than the same degree as the student. It is preferred that the field supervisor has earned at least one degree level above the level awarded by the program. When this is not possible within the agency, and the setting has sufficient merit for the student’s goals and learning, the supervision shall be with one of the HSDA faculty members.
      2. The agency should grant the field supervisor necessary time to fulfill responsibilities to the student as defined in the field manual and the Field Practicum Learning Agreement.
    • Responsibilities of the Field Supervisor
      1. Provide a safe learning environment, supervision, and educational experience in Human Services practice.
      2. Plan, in consultation with the faculty supervisor and the student, a field experience suitable to the student's needs. Documented in the Field Practicum Learning Agreement completed at the beginning of the semester.
      3. Provide a plan for the student’s involvement in the agency, including regular supervision, or no less than one hours per week.
      4. Meet with the HSDA faculty supervisor for a brief check-in at least once during the semester.
      5. Complete an evaluation (provided by UNG) of the student(s) at the end of each semester; however, they should contact the faculty supervisor or the HSDA Field Coordinator immediately if there are any issue or concerns with a student’s performance that are hindering the student’s ability to complete their work, including if a student will be terminated by the field site.
      6. Notify the HSDA Faculty Supervisor and Field Coordinator as soon as possible, as to the reasons why a student will not be able to complete the field experience/hours or reasons why the above agreement cannot be

    Equal Opportunity and Rights of Those with Disabilities

    The HSDA program is committed to upholding equal opportunities for all, to promoting cultural diversity, and to ensuring that all aspects of the program is carried out without discrimination on basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran. Students with disabilities receive protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and may need to request accommodations. The HSDA program will make every effort to assist students with disabilities, so they participate fully in the program.

    Students who have a disability that may prevent fully demonstrating their abilities should meet with an advisor in the UNG Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible to initiate disability verification and discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation in the successful completion of course requirements. Students should also inform the HSDA fieldwork coordinator of any accommodations that may be necessary during field placement or at the field site. Students believing they have been discriminated against are encouraged to consult and follow the student grievance policy as outlined in the UNG Student Handbook (PDF), as well as, consult with the HSDA Program Coordinator.

    Field Placement Documentation

    Field Experience Agreements and Assurances

    • UNG HSDA Program Policies and Procedures Assurance
    • Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals
    • Commitment to a Diverse and Multicultural Learning Experience
    • Student Field Experience Learning Agreement

    Timesheet

    • Bi-weekly Time Sheet

    Field Experience Student Tracking and Evaluation

    • Field Placement Information
    • Field Supervisor Resume Form
      • For new placements only or at the request of faculty
    • Field Supervisor Evaluation of Student Performance 
    • UNG HSDA Alumni Contact Information

    Departmental Contact Information

    Sara Mason
    Sara Mason, Ph.D.Profile page

    Department Head, Sociology & Human Services

    Phone678-717-3878

    Office locationStrickland Academic, 185 A, Gainesville

    Carly Redding
    Carly Redding, Ph.D., HS-BCPProfile page

    Associate Professor

    HSDA Program Coordinator

    Phone678-717-3577

    Office locationStrickland Academic, 151, Gainesville

    Logan Cline
    Logan Cline

    Lecturer

    Field Placement Coordinator

    Office location Gainesville

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