What makes a good Practicum objective?
All practica should be based on 2 – 5 objectives linked to the student’s academic program competencies. The preceptor and the student should meet, construct and discuss objectives at the beginning of the practicum. It is recommended to use the 'SMART' guidelines in order to assure that each objective is:
- Specific - A specific objective has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one. To make an objective specific, make sure to include the Who, What, When, Where and Why (e.g. A general objective would be "Get in shape." A specific objective would be "I will join and attend a health club at least three times per week for three months in order to lose 15 pounds.")
- Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each objective. Ask yourself "How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?” In the objective above, the 15 pounds is what makes it measurable.
- Attainable -Objectives should be achievable given the resources and time available.
- Realistic - Objectives are realistic when the skills needed to reach the objective are available and the goal fits with the overall strategy and goals of the organization.
- Timely - When setting objectives, you should ensure that there is an understanding of a begin date, end date, and how much time it will take to reach the objective within the timeframe. In the objective above, the 3 months is the time frame for achieving the goal.
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| Organization | SC Thrive |
| Department | Administration |
| Website | |
| Street Address | 120 Research Drive |
| City | Columbia |
| State | South Carolina |
| Specify the experiences to be undertaken (including strategy, methods, resources, settings). | The MSW Student Intern will work under the guidance and supervision of an LISW-CP at Prisma Health. This internship provides an opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world practice, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to the organization's mission. The intern will be exposed to a range of social work practices, methods, and settings, and will actively engage in activities that promote professional growth and skill development. |
| Specify the criteria for assessment of learning results and work performances. | Student will provide: o Client Assessments: Conduct assessments of clients' needs, strengths, and challenges using appropriate social work assessment tools. o Individual Counseling: Provide one-on-one counseling to clients under the supervision of a licensed social worker or therapist. o Group Counseling: Co-facilitate or lead group therapy sessions or support groups, as appropriate. o Case Management: Assist with case management tasks, including resource referrals, documentation, and progress monitoring. o Treatment Planning: Participate in the development and implementation of treatment plans for clients, taking into consideration their unique needs and circumstances. o Advocacy: Advocate for clients' rights and access to services within legal and ethical guidelines. o Crisis Intervention: Participate in crisis intervention activities, providing immediate support to clients in crisis. o Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with other professionals within and outside the organization, such as psychologists, medical staff, and caseworkers, to provide comprehensive care. o Research and Program Evaluation: Contribute to program evaluations, including data collection, analysis, and reporting. o Supervision and Training: Participate in regular supervision meetings and engage in ongoing training opportunities. o Community Outreach: Engage in community outreach and awareness activities, which may include participating in community events, workshops, or educational programs |
| Describe in detail any special conditions, arrangements, or restrictions. | Student will adhere to the following: o Confidentiality: Interns are expected to adhere to strict confidentiality standards. Hospitals often require interns to sign confidentiality agreements and receive training on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other relevant privacy regulations. o Background Checks and Immunizations: Must undergo background checks and provide proof of up-to-date immunizations, including those for common infectious diseases like influenza, as they work in healthcare environments. o Training: Student may need to complete specific training programs related to safety, infection control, emergency response, and cultural sensitivity, in addition to any general social work training requirements. o HIPAA Compliance: Specific HIPAA compliance training requirements for anyone who has access to patient information, and MSW interns must complete this training. o Scheduling and Availability: Specific scheduling requirements, such as weekend or evening shifts, to ensure coverage during busy times. Interns may need to be flexible in their availability. |
| Give time sequence for achieving the desired results and how progress will be monitored. | How progress will be monitored: o Set Clear Objectives and Expectations: Establish clear, measurable learning objectives and expectations, i.e., what specific skills or knowledge should the student gain by the end of the internship? o Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings. These can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on the length of the internship. During these meetings, discuss their progress, challenges, and accomplishments. o Feedback and Evaluation: Provide constructive feedback on the student’s work. Discuss what they are doing well and where they can improve. Be specific to help them understand what to focus on. o Goal Setting: Collaboratively set goals with the student for specific projects or skills they need to develop. Regularly revisit these goals to assess progress. o Performance Metrics: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the student’s role and objectives. Track their performance against these metrics. For example, measure the number of successful tasks completed, client satisfaction ratings, or project deadlines met. |
| What are the specific deliverables associated with this opportunity (e.g. a needs assessment, a policy analysis, production of public health brochures and handouts)? | Needs Assessment, Program analysis, Distribution and storage reporting, impact monitoring. |
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