Special Considerations in the Placement Process

Some agencies will require students to undergo additional screening or require certain medical protection if the student desires placement. Agencies, especially those dealing with young children, may require a police check. Other agencies may require a drug screen. Some agencies that serve vulnerable clients with specific health problems may require a TB test or hepatitis vaccine. Information about hepatitis vaccine and TB tests is given during personal safety training. Students are alerted to the fact that some placement agencies may require a criminal background check before accepting the student for placement. The results of criminal background checks and drug screens may exclude students from specific field placements.

• Placement in an Employment Setting

Some students may be working in social service agencies and request a field practicum in their place of employment or former employment. The UT College of Social Work may grant approval for students to complete the practicum in their place of employment only under special circumstances and careful consideration. The social service agency and the field instructor must meet the criteria for field agencies and field instructor as outlined in the field manual. The practicum assignment must be clearly educational rather than work related. The general principle is that the student's practicum assignments cannot replicate current or past work assignments.