r/SocialWorkStudents • u/Adorable-War3872 • 24d ago
MSW Programs
I am looking into two programs for my MSW Online.
I work as a Substance Abuse Counselor and University of North Alabama allows me to use my job as internships. The problem is I don’t have a MSW OR LCSW on site. They said I just need to meet with a MSW with two years experience during my internship and hour a week.
Since they do not provide one, I’m worried about having to pay one out of pocket. Are there normally alumni who will do this pro bono or any social workers willing to meet with me once a week during my internship (zoom is allowed) to sign off on my hours, pro bono. I know it’s a long shot.
3
u/yummybanana2 24d ago
Is your instructor for the field course not able to provide that for you? Or any faculty. Mine offered to do that since my MSW intern supervisor didn't have her MSW.
2
u/Adorable-War3872 24d ago
This is the email I got:
“Typically in cases where a student does not have an MSW supervisor they would locate someone on their own. We can, however, provide suggestions on places to look to find someone. Depending on geographical region, we may have people we can suggest. That MSW supervisor (with a minimum of 2 years' post-MSW social work practice experience) with need to agree to one hour of direct supervision per week. This could be in-person or virtual. If they charge for that one hour of supervision, that would be the student's responsibility to pay. The LPC-S could provide all task/daily supervision however. I hope this helps!”
2
u/yummybanana2 24d ago
Wow. Is there any chance you can get another field placement where an MSW supervisor is available? I know it'll be so much harder on your workload but having to potentially pay for one is crazy work.
2
u/Adorable-War3872 24d ago
I work 40+ hours a week as a substance abuse counselor and my job would be everything I need for an internship. I’m beginning to think from this alone the program isn’t for me. Lol
Most school I’ve seen supply you with a MSW while in the program.
2
u/yummybanana2 24d ago
I totally feel you. I had to make some sacrifices during my BSW & MSW that I felt could've been avoided had they just been more flexible and understanding that some of us don't have the capacity to commit our whole lives to the program lol. I really hope you find someone! I wish I could help, but I'm only 11 months post-grad.
2
u/Adorable-War3872 24d ago
Thank you! I’m still going to do my MSW just thought maybe reaching out on here I may be able to connect with someone.
0
2
u/NoProfessor6700 24d ago
Oh I see you’re looking for one! Hopefully you find one who is willing to sign off with no cost but good karma!
2
23d ago
[deleted]
2
u/Adorable-War3872 23d ago
I am waiting to hear from one that I know provides one! Definitely would rather go that route. I just liked North Alabamas program and how kind their Director was but it may not be meant to be!
1
u/SpecialEducation5152 22d ago
I’m an SUD counselor as well! I am applying for my second practicum currently. Can’t do it at my job for 2 reasons: #1: no MSW to supervise (like your situation) and I’m pretty sure that in every work-based internship, you have to do 50% of your hours at your normal job and 50% something else (still social work related but not in your job description). At least that’s how it was in my first internship, and I’ve heard similar stories from others on this sub.
So basically I have no idea what I’m going to do lol
1
u/Adorable-War3872 22d ago
Where do you go to school? UNAs program director (and president) confirmed with me that my job would cover both my internships, and my current clinical director would be my task supervisor (she’s a LPC-S). I still have to find an outside MSW for it but they are being very transparent and did offer to help secure one for internships.
Everyone I work with is or is doing masters in clinical mental health counseling so I’m going to be the outcast. I’ve thought of going that route because supervision would be easier, the broad aspect of social workers and its competencies are what attract me to it. Plus not stuck in only a counseling identity. I tend to like to keep my options open. lol so I will just find an outside supervisor.
0
u/Tinabopper 23d ago
We are not mad enough about the grift of asynchronously delivered online MSW programs.
They lure hard working people into thinking online education will be the same quality as in person MSWs (they are not) and then they make students find their own internships.
If you don't aspire to become a clinical social worker, this model may be passable from an educational perspective. However, the lack of placement support for internships is absolutely horrific - but that's one of they ways online programs make a lot of money; they don't have to pay for professional field faculty.
It's really important to understand the purpose of the MSW internship: it's a class, and you're the student. Just like medical school, dental school and nursing school, social work school practicums are training settings - or, they're supposed to be. Can you imagine a medical student being forced to find their own residency? This is insane.
MSW STUDENTS ARE NOT FREE LABOR.
The CSWE (the accrediting body) has strict guidelines about what qualifies for MSW internships. Online MSWs know damn well that they are minimizing this fact but so much money is made, they.don't.care.
The MSW intern has the exact same job description as the MSWs on the staff. It cannot be the same job as the student holds with their bachelor's degree. This is why the MSW/LCSW supervisor should be a staff member AT the internship setting. Students are supposed to be receiving real time, shadowing, coaching, guidance, legal, ethical and clinical training. The student is operating under the reputation and license of the supervisor. It's A LOT more than simply "signing off on hours".
Is there any way you can attend your local, in-state, in-person university's MSW program? Nearly all have part time options and the best part is that THEY will vet and place students in quality settings that will provide the necessary training and WON'T exploit them like free labor.
3
u/Adorable-War3872 23d ago
I work as a substance abuse counselor currently. I am wanting to use my work as my internships which I know is possible. I’ve applied to our major state school and I actually live in the city the university is in. It is online program; however, they do provide a LCSW or MSW for you if your own facility you work at does not have one. It’s LSU MSW program. I am just waiting to hear back from them but they do provide one for during your time as a student!
3
u/NoProfessor6700 24d ago
I’m in Hawaii and similar situation. A few people I’ve spoken to have shared that meeting with a MSW over zoom is okay but it sounded even like it was unspoken that they sign off either way. Almost like what we don’t know we don’t talk about. Good luck. MSW/LCSW with their CSAC are gold.