The process for placing students in the pre-professional placement, associated with SWRK 329 Social Work in Agencies and Communities, begins as students receive the letter advising them of their acceptance into the social work program. The acceptance letter contains specific instructions on how to initiate the placement process with the Practicum Education Department, including the completion of a Practicum Placement Application. Students must be accepted to the BSW program and registered for the course in order to begin the placement process.

The application for practicum asks students to describe previous social service internship and employment experiences. Their interests for client populations for practicum placement are elicited.

In making the placement assignment, we consider several points:

• What types of clients interest you? (i.e. children, elderly, young adults…)
• What problem areas interest you? (i.e. domestic violence, substance abuse, developmental disabilities)
• Location (we try for the same county – we cannot aim for your specific town)
• Your current level of skill and learning needs
• The presence of appropriate assignments at a given agency
• The presence of adequate supervision – and a good match between student and practicum instructor

At Ramapo College, the Agencies and Communities placement is 100 hours during the student’s junior year, or approximately 8 hours per week. 

You will be assigned to a social work agency or host setting where social work, community organizing, and/or advocacy are practiced. An experienced macro practitioner or administrator will supervise you and provide oversight. This person will mentor you, give you your assignments, and is responsible for the educational component of your supervision. They will review your work, read any written work, discuss your work and help you develop new skills. 

What will I do there?

Students will complete tasks designed to develop your advocacy and organizational skills, as well as increase your understanding of the power structure of the organization and of the community. You may work behind the scenes to sustain the organization and/or participate in direct outreach activities. Your tasks will vary according to the agency’s purposes and needs. Review Macro Practicum Tasks for more information. 

How will I know that I am doing the right things at the agency?

During the school year, the professor of your section of the course will follow your experiences in practicum. In class, all students are expected to discuss practicum in relation to the course topics. Practicum liaisons will maintain contact with the agency to monitor student performance and progress.

When will I know my placement?

After carefully reviewing your application, students can schedule an individual pracitcum placement interview.

When such an agency is identified, students will be requested to contact the agency and arrange for an interview. Students should refer to the Macro Interview Preparation document prior to contacting the agency. Please attend that interview as soon as possible to confirm the placement. Unless you or the practicum instructor find a major reason why that placement is not appropriate, it is considered confirmed.

Please be aware that an increasing number of social agencies now require criminal background checks and/or fingerprints. These might be at either the agency or student expense.

Students may be sent to agencies that also accept students from other schools. Students are not placed in competition with other Ramapo students for a placement, but may compete with other schools. Students are sent to one agency at a time for an interview. Please do not ask to interview at several agencies and then expect to pick one. Student are encouraged to complete all requirements in a timely manner as placements are coordinated on a first come first serve basis. 

Can I be employed by my agency?

Some students may be eligible for an Employment Based Placement. There are specific criteria that must be met in order for this type of placement to be successful. Students who may be interested in an Employment Based Placement will be required to fill out a request form to be reviewed during an individual practicum placement interview.

• Apply to the BSW Program.
• Register for SWRK 329.
• Update your resume using the Social Work Resume Writing Guide and complete the Practicum Application as instructed in your BSW acceptance letter OR in a direct email from the program.
• Check your email for notifications from the Practicum Education Department to book a practicum placement interview.
• Review Macro Practicum Tasks prior to your placement interview.
• Review the list of practicum sites.
  • The list of social agencies is an inventory of most of the agencies that have been practicum placement sites in the past, though we do not presently use all of the agencies. Use it as a general guide. Students can also be placed in agencies not on this list. If you have an agency in mind that you would like us to consider, please complete an Agency Information Form and submit it to the Practicum Education Department prior to your interview. 
• Read the NASW Code of Ethics and the BSW Practicum Manual.
• Review the Macro Interview Preparation document after a potential agency has been identified. Students should reach out to their proposed agencies as soon as possible after receiving a placement letter. Report the outcome of your interview with the agency to the Practicum Education Department.
• Attend the Practicum Orientation held during class time.

Students may use the Timesheet template to help in keeping track of hours throughout the semester. Official timesheets are submitted electronically.

Practicum Resources

• Social Work Program Mission and Competencies
• Council on Social Work Education
• Social Media and the Profession of Social Work
• Student Orientation to Practicum Placement
• Needs and Anxieties of Practicum Instructors and Students
• Practicum Responsibilities
• Ten Tips
• Safety
• Learning and Teaching Styles
• Sexual Harassment