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Field Education

Field education is central to the development of competent, humane, knowledgeable, skilled, and effective social workers. The UWSP Social Work practicum helps students connect the theoretical and conceptual contribution of the classroom with the practical world of the practice setting.

All social work students must complete at least 400 hours of internship in an approved agency. We simplify the process for students, working directly through our established partnerships; your field coordinator assists you in a placement that meets student preferences.

Gain field experience working with diverse client populations. Develop confidence and hone skills in a quality learning environment.

Student Benefits of Social Work Field Placements:

Student in field work at the Portage County Public Library.
Student in field work at the Portage County Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Students in field work for the ECDC at a client home.

Field Placement Process

Students will observe and practice social work under the guidance of cooperating field placement supervisors in an approved social service agency. The Department connects students with agencies in their areas of interest.
Learn about the steps in the placement process!

 

  1. Students should plan to attend a Social Work Internship Informational meeting prior to submitting the application. These are held every semester, and all majors receive email announcement from the field coordinator at the start of the semester.
  2. When should students apply for their social work internship? Social work students complete internships as seniors in their final two semesters in our program. Students will apply the semester before they intend to start. Academic advisors and the Field Coordinator can help you determine the semester you will apply.
  3. Students will complete the internship application by using the following link: … Students should apply by the announced deadline, and only students planning to start their internship the following semester should apply. (Please see your academic advisor if you are not sure when to apply.)
  4. What is needed for the Internship application?
    1. Resume and Cover Letter
    2. Degree Progress Report
    3. National and State of WI caregiver background check
    4. Placement preferences

All potential field education students will undergo a background check prior to placement, as required by the Wisconsin State Department of Justice.

The Department of Sociology and Social Work field coordinator will review each student’s placement preferences. We want to ensure a great fit between our students and agency needs. The field coordinator will reach out to potential field sites on behalf of the student and will be in touch with students once an agency is interested in an interview. No need to go it alone!

Internship options by Area of Practice 

  1. We want you to be successful in your match!  The field coordinator will provide resources for the interview process, so students will be prepared to successfully secure an internship placement.
    1. Internship Preparation checklist
    2. UWSP Career and advising website

In the state of Wisconsin people with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW) are able to pursue certification and/or licensure. While certification/licensure is not a requirement for certain types of jobs, it is required for any position titled ‘Social Worker’ and to refer to yourself as a Social Worker in professional settings.

Certification as a Social Worker (“CSW” or “Basic-Level Social Worker”) requires a Bachelor’s or higher degree in social work, passage of Open-Book Statutes and Administrative Code Examination, and passage of the basic level national exam (ASWB Bachelor’s Examination).

 

a. How to Apply: Go to https://license.wi.gov/. If you don’t have an account, register for an account. If you do have an account, sign in.
b. Click Apply for a License.
c. Select ‘Social Worker’ from the ‘License Type’ drop-down menu.
d. On the next page, if you are a first-time applicant, you should select ‘Licensure by Examination’ (or other appliable option).
e. Next, you will complete the application. Be sure to complete each page fully and accurately. On the ‘Supporting Documents’ page you, as the applicant will be expected to upload the following documents: Convictions and Pending Charges (Form #2252), if applicable, If requesting equivalency of your military training and experience, Veteran Request Application Addendum(Form #2996), certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, Malpractice Suits or Claims (Form #2829) and WI Dept of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Voucher Code.
f. NOTE: For all forms being submitted by a third party be sure to provide them with your Application Number so that they can submit document(s) on your behalf.
g. You will pay the application fee on the Payment page by clicking on the ‘Pay and Submit’ button. This will take you to the ‘e-Payment Services’ page where you’ll be able to pay using a debit/credit card or using a checking or savings account.
h. Additional Resources

It’s Not your Job to Worry or Contact Agencies!

Don’t Hesitate to Contact Your Field Supervisor with Any Concerns

Variety of Community Placements

Field education is central to the development of competent, humane, knowledgeable, skilled, and effective social workers. Our student interns contribute across a host of partnering human services agencies. Areas of practice include:

Field Handbook

Much of the UW-Stevens Point Social Work Field Placement experience is covered in our Field Education Handbook.

Click to view handbook