Guidelines for Online Student Field Placements

The first steps to applying for field placement is to tell us about yourself and select your geographic preference for field.

You will receive a confirmation email with next steps after the acknowledgement and application.

Log in to Sonia to apply for field placement for the upcoming cycle. If your status is not correct, please contact sw-field@buffalo.edu immediately.

1. You will receive your coordinator's name and contact information.
2. You will be instructed to make a virtual appointment with your assigned coordinator.
3. During your appointment, you will be provided the following:

• A list of agencies that we have established relationships within your region (if applicable).
• The support and tools you need to ensure your success.
• Consultation regarding the process of securing an interview

  4. How to prepare for your appointment:

• Have you considered an employment-based placement?
  • If so, please review the 2 options for employment-based field
  • If not, please proceed
• Do you have agencies in mind that you may want to pursue for placement?  
  • If so, bring the list to the meeting and or start the Field Placement Site Recommendation form in Sonia
  • If not, please begin to research online (see step 3 below)

• Search the internet for social service agencies including such places are schools, clinics, community centers, and departments of social services (ie: 211)
• Network with professional contacts 

Initial outreach to the agency:

• Your goal when reaching out to agencies is to secure an interview.
• When calling an agency, introduce yourself as an MSW student from University at Buffalo SSW. State that you are interested in learning about possible MSW internship opportunities and would like to connect with the person who coordinates social work field placements for the agency.

Talking points:

• Important questions to ask:
  • Does the agency accept MSW interns?
  • Does the agency have an LMSW, LCSW, or someone with the equivalent MSW licensure in their state who can provide field supervision?
  • What type of activities might an MSW student have the opportunity to have in this setting?
  • Would they consider an affiliation with the University at Buffalo School of Social Work?
  • What do they need from you and from the School in order to consider interviewing you for a MSW internship?
• Inform the agency of your field education requirements.
  • At some point, the student should explain that they are working with a Field Coordinator at the UB School of Social Work who would follow up with them regarding the details and to answer questions, etc. Agency can feel free to contact your Field Coordinator.
  • 15 hours per week over the course of two semesters.
  • Which semester you expect to begin your field placement.
  • Total required field placement hours (420 hours for foundation and 480 hours for advanced year).

• The student provides biweekly updates through the the Site Recommendation form in Sonia with details on contact information and progress towards securing a placement.
• Field Coordinator would then reach out to agency to determine if the placement meets necessary criteria.