Social Work Field Placement

University Counseling Services (UCS) provides both generalist and specialization field placements in collaboration with the Department of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. See below for details, emphases, and training components of these field placements.

1st Year MSW Generalist Field Placement

University Counseling Services (UCS) provides clinical training for first-year MSW students in the Department of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. This is a competitive process, and placement is not guaranteed. The major emphasis of this training is in the area of case management services. UCS provides training on case management and referral coordination for individual students from diverse backgrounds with various clinical presentations. Trainees are also involved in gathering information about various resources and engaging with community providers. UCS also provides training and experience in crisis intervention, consultation, and outreach. Social Work Interns make a commitment for two consecutive semesters at UCS (Fall and Spring) and typically begin the position one week prior to the start of semester courses. Interns are expected to participate in UCS Training Orientation, bimonthly Social Work seminars, and monthly Staff Meetings.

Average Activity per Week

Direct Services

Case Management appointments: 6 - 8 hours
RAM (initial contact) and crisis coverage: 1 - 2 hours in the Spring semester
Outreach: 3 required activities for the year

Administrative Time

Staff meeting: 1.5 hours (once per month)

Supervision

Individual supervision: 1.5 hours

Training

Social work seminar: 1 hour (twice per month)

It should be noted that these numbers represent weekly averages. Actual time spent in many activities varies with the ebb and flow of clinical demands during the academic year.

Evaluation of Social Work Interns involves completion of the evaluation forms utilized by UCS and the department of Social Work. Social Work Interns are provided verbal feedback about their progress at mid-semester and written feedback at the end of each semester. A copy of the UCS written evaluation will be provided to the department. All evaluation forms will be placed in the Social Work Intern's file.

To avoid ethical issues due to dual relationships, UCS does not accept individuals for UCS graduate clinical training in our Social Work internship program who have received clinical services at UCS.

2nd Year MSW Specialization Placement

University Counseling Services (UCS) provides clinical training for second-year MSW students in the Department of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. This is a competitive process, and placement is not guaranteed. The major emphasis of this training is in the area of clinical services. UCS provides intermediate and advanced training on counseling individual students from diverse backgrounds with various clinical presentations. Trainees are also involved in group therapy by serving as group process observers for one semester and as a speaking co-leader during the second semester. UCS also provides training and experience in crisis intervention, consultation, and outreach. Social Work Interns make a commitment for two consecutive semesters at UCS (Fall and Spring) and typically begin the position one week prior to the start of semester courses. Interns are expected to participate in various weekly activities, such as Training Seminar meetings, Clinical Disposition Team meetings, and Friday Clinical Consultations, in addition to UCS Training Orientation, bimonthly Social Work seminars, monthly Full Staff Meetings, and Multicultural Labs.