Field Instruction Manual Salient Points

Field instruction manual indicates all the guidelines, procedures, instructions, and other
information that are important to be followed and exercised by all FI students, School supervisors,
Agency supervisors and other participants to the field instruction. It’s also indicate here the assign duties
and responsibilities of all the participants that need to fulfill under this Field Instruction .Through this
field instruction, participants are expected to acquire new set of experience, attitudes, values and learn
new knowledge in the field of social work profession where in they will be able to attain and embodied
the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the College of the Social Work and University of Northern
Philippines and this are as follows:

VISION, MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES

VISION:
A global recognized university in a Heritage city by 2030.
MISSION:
To produce globally skilled and morally upright professionals instilled with rich cultural values.

GOAL AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK

GOAL:
The goal of the College of Social Work is to produce world-class professionals in community
service.
OBJECTIVES:
 To train generalist social work practitioners by creating an environment that offers value-
oriented learning emphasizing self-assessment, service to community, self-determination,
social justice, and respect for diversity.
 To meet the demands of the government and the private sector for competent social workers
to manage their social and civic oriented programs and services.
 To develop proficiency in the use of social work tools, skills, strategies, and techniques
among social workers.
 To deploy field work students to agencies which can provide opportunities for them to
critically analyze problems or issues and apply the knowledge in problem solving which they
learned in the classroom.
 To train students in documentation such as case recording, case management, an oral and
written communication.
 To prepare future social workers in advocacy work along the prevention and reporting of any
kinds of abuses, safeguarding of human rights, promotion of social justice and respect for
human worth and dignity.

HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK

Social Work became a full degree program in the late 1970s with the establishment of the then
Institute of Social Work and Community Development (ISWCD). On March 2012, the College of Social
Work (CSW) was merged with the College of Criminology due to its decreasing enrolment and became
one of the three programs offered under the College of Criminal Justice Education and Social Work
(CCJESW). The program was headed by Mrs. Melody T. Gacita under the deanship of Prof. Trinidad P.
Rojo. . On June 17, 2015, the Board of Regents passed a resolution (BOR no. 60, s. 2015) granting Social
Work an independent status, hence the College of Social Work
Social Work Program
Under Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) curriculum there is a Social Work Program
under the respective College of Social Work. This program aims to provide training and facilitate the
development of students towards becoming generalist practitioners, and with proficiency in the
integration of theory and practice. The curriculum has four areas of study, namely, Human Behavior and
Social Environment, Social Welfare Policies, Programs, and Services, Social Work Practice, and Field
Instruction.
 The minimum standards for the BSSW program are expressed in the following minimum set of
learning outcomes:
 Demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes in engaging in a generalist helping process and
planned change process for therapeutic, protective, preventive and transformative purposes.
 Analyze critically the origin, development, and purposes of social work in the Philippines.
 Critique the impacts of global and national socio-structural inadequacies, discrimination,
and oppression on quality of life.
 Apply knowledge of human behavior and social environment with emphasis on person-in-
situation dynamic for social work assessment and intervention.
 Critique social welfare policies, programs and services of the locality, country, and/or
region in terms of relevance, responsiveness, accessibility and availability to target
populations.
 Engage in advocacy work to promote socio-economic and cultural rights and well-being.
 Generate resources and develop networks and partnerships.
 Identify with the social work profession and conduct oneself in accordance with social
work values and ethical principles.
 Engage in social work practices that promote diversity and difference in client systems.
 Produce a portfolio of recordings, case studies and other social work documentation to
reflect the quality and progress of practice.
 Use of supervision to develop critical self-reflective practice for personal and professional
growth.

THE FIELD INSTRUCTION PROGRAM

 One of the most significant components of social work education is Field Instruction. This is
the opportunity given to the student to put into practice, with supervision, all the knowledge
and skills learned, and the attitudes and values developed during the first three years’ stay of
the student in the program.
 As required by the Social Work Law (RA 4373), students can only complete BSSW if they are
able to obtain a minimum of 1,000 hours field practicum. A certification that a BSSW graduate
has completed 1,000 hours practicum is also required by the Professional Regulatory
Commission before she/he is allowed to take the Social Work Licensure Examination.

Field instruction aims to provide the students meaningful and purposive experiences as they can be
trained to:
 Perform generalist social work practice in working with individuals, groups and communities.
 Demonstrate the appropriate application of social work values and principles and practice
framework in the helping process within a multi-sectoral, multi-cultural setting.
 Exhibit beginning skills in the social work helping process.
 Perform the various roles of a generalist social work practitioner.
 Apply appropriate analytical/assessment skills necessary for effective intervention into the
client’s situation.
 Select appropriate assessment and evaluation instruments to monitor and evaluate client’s
progress.
 Apply tools to evaluate own professional progress and agency effectiveness.
 Select appropriate tool/s and for analysis for understanding social problems and social policy.
 Assess impact of diversity and other forms of social exclusion on client’s social functioning.
Demonstrate appropriate use of strategies for individual and social.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND UNIT CREDITS
(As provided in CMO No. 11, s. 2010)
 The Field Instruction program is composed of two (2) courses, namely, Field Instruction I and
Field Instruction II.
 These courses are completed during the final year of the student. During the first semester, the
student is placed in a social welfare agency and should render 500 hours of supervised field
 practicum and with six (6) units credited. On the second semester, the student is expected to
complete 500 hours of fieldwork in a community, also with six (6) units credited for a total of
1,000 hours.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
 This course introduces students to the actual social work practice in the Philippines specifically in
working with individuals, families, and small groups in a social welfare institution and in a rural
or urban community with required documentation of the placement experience.

 COURSE TITLE: FI I
 COURSE NUMBER: SW 115
 DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: Field Instruction I
 SEMESTER AND YEAR OFFERED: 1st semester, 4th Year
 CREDIT UNITS AND STUDENT LEARNING TIME: 6 units, 500 hours
 PRE-REQUISITE: All general education and major courses offered from 1st to 3rd year.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
 A minimum of three (3) case study reports on cases of individuals and families managed.
 Case study report on group work
 Attendance to supervisory sessions
 Case presentation
 Documentation (process documentation, progress report, etc.)
 Integrative paper
 Midterm and final self-evaluation
 Summary of Activities Sheet
 Weekly and Monthly plans
 Weekly and Monthly report
 Transfer summary of casework and group work caseload
 COURSE TITLE: FI II
 COURSE NUMBER: SW 116
 DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: Field Instruction II
 SEMESTER AND YEAR OFFERED: 2nd semester, 4th Year
 CREDIT UNITS AND STUDENT LEARNING TIME: 6 units, 500 hours
 PRE-REQUISITE: FI I
 COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces students to the actual social work practice in
the Philippines specifically in working with individuals, families, and small groups in a social
welfare institution and in a rural or urban community with required documentation of the
placement experience. The students are given ample opportunities observe, assess, test, and apply
the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values learned from the previous 3-year academic exposures
and trainings.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
 A minimum of three (3) case study reports on cases of individuals and families managed.
 Case study report on group work
 Attendance to supervisory sessions
 Case presentation
 Documentation (process documentation, progress report, etc.)
 Integrative paper
 Midterm and final self-evaluation
 Summary of Activities Sheet
  Weekly and Monthly plans
 Weekly and Monthly report
 Transfer summary of casework and group work caseloads

GENERAL LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are three categories under general outcomes in the Field
Practicum I and II the cognitive, effective, and Psychomotor. These three categories are expected to attain
by the participants after they finish the two-course subject .

REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT

1. A student must have completed all academic requirements from the three major subject areas
which include Social Welfare Policies, Programs, and Services, Human Behavior and the Social
Environment, and Social Work Practice - except thesis-writing, and must be enrolled in the Field
Instruction subjects.
2. A student must be psychologically, physically, and emotionally prepared in order to be able to
handle the pressures, demands and responsibilities attached to field placement.
3. A student shall pay an affiliation fee every semester implemented in accordance to CMO 03, s.
2012.
4. Before the start of agency placement, the following shall be submitted to the field instruction
coordinator:
 application letter to the agency;
 notarized parent’s permit;
 medical certificate;
 psychological examination report; and
 insurance.

FIELD INSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. Selection of Field Placement
Field placement shall be discussed and agreed upon by the school supervisor, field supervisor,
and the student concerned. The student will be placed in two different agencies in the whole duration or in
just one agency for both FI I and II based on certain criteria that include the following:
a. Choice of the student as he/she judges could help in the maximization of his/her abilities.
b. Learning opportunities offered by the agency and its willingness to provide institutional
support to the students during the whole duration of the Field Instruction course including
provision of materials and access to relevant records.
c. Availability of a qualified agency field instructor. In the absence of a qualified agency
supervisor, the agency should delegate an agency representative, preferably its administrator,
or a social worker if one is available, with whom the student can consult regarding agency
policies, clientele, programs and services, and other administrative matters. The Agency Field
Supervisor must be a registered social worker and must have experiences in working with
individuals, groups and communities.
d. Security of student especially when placed in open community setting.
e. Financial capability of student to avoid disruption of the continuity of placement which may
be due to economic reason.
2. Final Evaluation and Grading System
 a. Evaluation and grading shall be:
30% - Requirements such as recordings, journals and case studies
20% - Midterm and Final Examination
20% - Agency Evaluation
15% - Case conference
15% - Classroom activities, quizzes and exams
b. Final grade is the responsibility of the School Supervisor.
c. Since Field Instruction is conducted in the agency and community, the school field supervisor
meets the students once a week in school to monitor their progress and conduct supervisory
session where the agency could not provide technical and supportive supervision. It is,
therefore, important to consider during the evaluation goals that have been achieved and
learning gains, both personal and professional, to sum up the totality of the students’ learning
experiences.
d. A Memorandum of Agreement or Terms of Reference shall be drawn between the school and
the social agency with regards to conditions of field placement of students.
e. Ratio of school supervisor to students is one (1) faculty for every ten (10) students. On the
other hand, ratio for agency supervisor to students is one (1) supervisor to five (5) students.

DUTIES OF THE STUDENT

I
 Every student is expected to perform similar to the standard set at the beginning of field
placement based on the intended learning outcome of his/her fieldwork level.
 S/he should observe agency policies and standard operating procedures as a demonstration of
discipline and professional conduct.
 In displaying professional conduct, it is likewise expected that proper decorum is observed which
include the manner of dressing. Students are required to wear their uniforms when appropriate or
when it is required by the agency.
 The student must be on time in keeping appointments with his/her agency supervisor, other
agency personnel, client system and other agencies.
 The student shall give paramount attention to the needs of the client system he/she is working
with.
 Every student is expected to keep a folder of his/her recordings of daily activities and
experiences. S/he must observe the confidential nature of records in all its components –
preparing, submitting, and dispensing with reports and records.
 Folders should be kept in the agency. Records belong to the agency, as such, they should not be
taken home
 Folders should be submitted at least a day before the scheduled individual supervision.
 Students are allowed to be absent from fieldwork only for valid reasons and with provisions for
make-up. In line with this, the School Supervisor shall be informed ahead of time through a letter
or a call. Only ten (10) excused absences in one semester will be allowed. Absences for three (3)
or more days due to medical reasons should be supported with medical certificate issued by a
physician.
 Students should be articulate in expressing the problems they encounter in their field placement
or any other problem which they feel is hampering their learning for purposes of removing these
blocks toward maximum learning outcome.
 The students should participate in the beginning of semester trialogue, midterm evaluation and
final evaluation conducted between and among the School Supervisor, the Agency Supervisor,
and the students themselves. Transfer, closing summary, case study reports, and other
requirements should be submitted by the students one week before the final examination. NO
extension or make-up after this period is allowed unless for justified reasons.
  A written self-evaluation is expected from each student together with the grade the student thinks
s/he deserves prior to discussion with the Agency Field Instructor.
 The individual student should sit down with the Agency Field Instructor and the School
Supervisor for final evaluation and grading.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS OF THE AGENCY SUPERVISOR

(CMO 39, s. 2017)
A. Provide the students orientation regarding the following field placement set-up:
1. Vision, mission, goals, policies, programs, and services of the agency/organization.
2. Organizational set-up and mechanisms, staff of the agency/ organization.
3. Essential forms to use and flow of communication in the agency.
4. Procedures and protocols of the helping processes.
B. Other necessary information that are essential to the accomplishment of the students learning goals.
1. Ensure that the students' expectations and the expectations of the agency/organizations jibe
through the conduct of a trialogue - a session attended by the field instructor, the agency
supervisor and the students.
2. Conduct weekly supervision to monitor students' progress in relation to Fl learning goals and
plan, and to provide timely and appropriate administrative and other forms of support.
3. Attend regular sharing sessions and other activities as may be necessary for the fulfillment of the
learning goals.
4. Evaluate and provide feedback on students' performance during trialogues at the middle and
end of the semester.
5. Coordinate with the faculty supervisor at least twice a month on students’ progress.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS OF THE FIELD COORDINATOR

(CMO 39, s. 2017)
A. Scout for potential partner agencies or organizations and visit them to assess their capacities
to provide the students a conducive learning environment.
B. Make initial arrangements with prospective agencies that meet the criteria set by the Field
Instruction Unit.
C. Determine psychological, physical, emotional and economic fitness of the student to go on Field
Instruction.
D. Assess and match students and agency/field site by ensuring congruence of interests, needs, and
preferences.
E. Prepare and finalize the list of students and corresponding faculty supervisors in consultation with
the head of the Field Instruction Unit.
F. Formalize the partnership between the school and the Fl agency/community through a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
G. Prepare a separate folder for each Fl student which will contain the following:
1. Autobiography
2. Fl application form
3. Student information sheet
4. Medical certificate
5. Parents'/guardians' consent form
6. Waiver of school and agency accountability signed by parents/ guardians:
a. Ensure students' enrolment in a group life annual insurance; and
b. Endorse Fl enrollees' folders to the agency and faculty supervisors.
 RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS OF THE SCHOOL SUPERVISOR
(CMO 39, s. 2017)
A. Conduct weekly supervision to monitor students' progress in relation to Fl learning goals and
plan, and to provide timely and appropriate administrative and other forms of support.
B. Initiate trialogue with students and agency supervisor at the beginning, middle and end of the
semester/term.
C. Conduct monthly field visits to observe and monitor actual performance of students.
D. Orient students on the qualitative and quantitative standards for documentation and evaluation.
E. Attend regular sharing sessions of field instruction students