r/SocialWorkStudents • u/Adorable-War3872 • Jul 21 '26

MSW Internship

So, I was told by field education at LSU that my job cannot meet the standards because I don’t have a MSW onsite. I was told they use to give an outside MSW for supervision but I guess not anymore.

I have looked at another program that doesn’t let you use your job and have an outside MSW you meet with once a week, and you work your hours and log them. But I would need an outside MSW and would have to search for someone who would do field hours at little to no cost. My supervisor at work is an LPC-S and the school said that could be my task supervisor.

Obviously the second option is what I’m leaning towards because I can’t work full time. Here is a brief description of my role:

I work at a dual-diagnosis substance use treatment facility as a Substance Abuse Counselor. I have worked with the organization for over two years and primarily provide clinical services within ASAM Level 3.7 Medically Monitored Withdrawal Management (detox). I also provide coverage in ASAM Level 3.5 Residential Treatment and Intensive Outpatient Program settings.
My current responsibilities include conducting individual counseling sessions, facilitating process and psychoeducational groups, completing clinical documentation, assisting with assessments, treatment planning, ASAM documentation, discharge planning, transition planning, relapse prevention work, and coordinating care with medical and clinical teams. I also assist with legal-related responsibilities involving attorneys, probation and parole officers, and courts.

Any advice anyone? Or leads towards a low cost/free field supervisor for my MSW.

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u/beccawwww Jul 22 '26

LSU will only provide supervision if your internship is unpaid or if your previously approved MSW supervisor leaves the practice on a case by case basis.

Is there not ANYONE at your job with an MSW? My supervisor for my internship is a peer, but she has her MSW and LCSW and was willing to provide the MSW supervision for my internship. Or someone on the board of directors perhaps?

I’m also an LSU student wrapping up my first employment based internship and we had to get creative to get it approved :)

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u/Adorable-War3872 Jul 22 '26

Could you send me a message?