It is impossible to overestimate the importance of field education experiences in social work. This initiative is directly connected to the improvement of one’s skills, allowing one to cope with practical situations, which is an excellent complement to the previously received theoretical knowledge. It is clear that professional growth and overall success in social work implies the required degree of confidence deriving from the efficient implementation of a specialist’s abilities. In other words, the information learned in the courses will be tested in real-life cases, and this task will help to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of each social worker participating in the process. As a result, everyone will be aware not only of a theoretical approach and the practice of finding solutions for complicated situations but also of the personal factors affecting the outcome of interventions.
The role of an intern in the social work field education experience is related to the necessity to practice specified above. During this time, I will be working with the Geriatric population via telehealth for my field placement agency. My responsibilities will include the provision of support for elderly clients, case management at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, and coordination of their needs while respecting the adopted policies and procedures. The internship also implies the inclusion in the work of multidisciplinary teams, and this task will help me test the theoretical knowledge from the class. As part of the MSW Concentration Student Learning Contract, I will actively participate in the meetings.