3.5: FAQs for Supervisors
How much time will the student spend at my agency?
Answer
The student is required to spend a minimum of 125 hours per semester at your agency. In the fall (August-December) and spring (January-May) semesters, which are 14 weeks in length, this equates to approximately 8-10 hours/week. In the 12-week summer semester, this equates to 10-11 hours/week.
What will the student do while she/he is here?
Answer
You will work with the student to develop an Educational Plan which will outline what the student will be doing during the experience. The goals and objectives written will focus on the agency’s needs and the student’s identified areas for growth. Please see the sample Educational Plan located in this handbook.
What should I expect a student to know?
Answer
Students will have taken courses addressing content areas such as: self-awareness, values, biases, ethics, relevant laws, policies, interviewing skills, case management functions, documentation, group work, basic counseling skills, principles of psychology and sociology, use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, and other courses depending upon their program.
Do students get paid? Does my agency incur any expenses?
Answer
Students often are not paid for their time at their practicum site. However, some students may be paid if they are employed by the site, or if they are eligible for work/study funds and the site is eligible to participate in the federal work study program. The only expenses would be the cost of your staff to provide supervision of the student.
What are the requirements to supervise the student?
Answer
The site supervisor must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field. This person will be expected to provide regular supervision and support for the student, and specific responsibilities of the student, site supervisor, and HACC faculty are outlined in the Learning Contract.
Will there be a site visit?
Answer
Yes, there will be at least one site visit by the faculty member at the midpoint of the semester. This visit may be done at the agency site or through the use of video-conferencing technology. This is to ensure that the placement is running smoothly and offers an opportunity to discuss any concerns or successes. Of course, there is no need to wait if you have a concern. The faculty member is available to provide support at any time.
How is the student to be graded?
Answer
There will be various assignments throughout the semester that are graded. In addition, the site supervisor will provide a formal written evaluation at the conclusion of the practicum. The site supervisor will review this feedback with the student prior to sending it to the faculty member. This evaluation is approximately 1/3 of the overall course grade and is combined with the grades from the course assignments.
What if problems arise during the semester?
Answer
First, discuss your concern with the student. If the issue is not resolved, or is something serious, you would notify the practicum faculty. The practicum faculty will work with you to resolve the issue. If the problem cannot be resolved, the agency has the right to terminate the student.
What about confidentiality?
Answer
Students do discuss their experiences with other students and the faculty in the seminar class, but all identifying data is changed. Please discuss confidentiality policies of the agency with your student early in the practicum experience.
What about liability?
Answer
Each student is covered by professional liability insurance policy purchased through HACC which begins on the first day of the semester. The certificate of liability will be provided upon request.
Can a student provide consumers/clients/individuals with transportation?
Answer
No, students are not to drive individuals receiving services unless the student is employed by the agency.