Glossary/Terminology

CSWE - The Council on Social Work Education, which is the accrediting body and national association representing social work education in the United States

Field Education Advisory Council - A group composed of the Directors of Field Education, social work faculty members, Field Instructors, and student representatives who meet monthly to advise the Field Education office and academic programs on matters such as policies and procedures, planning of special programs, awards, and events for Field Instructors and Task Supervisors

Field Instructor - A social worker who possesses a BSW or MSW (requirement dependent on the level of the intern supervised) and has at least two years post-graduate experience who supports the intern in their integration of field practice and classroom learning. The Field Instructor supports the intern in developing the learning contract, navigating ethical dilemmas, integrating theory, values, and practice, and when possible, also supervises the day-to-day activities of the intern. The Field Instructor is either onsite at the field agency or an off-site partner supporting the student virtually.

Field Liaison - The seminar faculty member for the internship course and the primary linkage between the Garland School of Social Work and the Field agency. The Liaison contributes to the development of the student’s learning contract; focuses on monitoring the student's educational progress and performance; facilitates the weekly seminar course; consistently maintains a working relationship between the student, School, and the Field agency; and is responsible for the final Field grade.

Intern - A BSW or MSW student completing the Field Education component of their degree plan and level while meeting CSWE core competencies as practice milestones.

Internship - Placement within a Field agency site for two consecutive terms/semesters for social work learning, skill practice, and growth toward the core competencies set forth by CSWE. Internships are secured with affiliated agencies through the student placement process and work with the assigned Field Director.

Placement Specialist - An extended part of the Online Campus Field team who works to cultivate new agency partnerships and ensure student internship placements.

Task Supervisor - An identified employee within the agency placement who provides day-to-day supervision of a social work intern. Task Supervisors are often assigned when the agency does not have a BSW or MSW staff to provide supervision of the social work intern, or when the agency has many units or divisions where interns practice apart from a more centralized Field Instructor.