SWPF 2021-2022

Social Work Practice Fellows (SWPF) is a premier tuition-based professional development program for MSW supervisors from community-based agencies. The educational model, which has been proven effective, calls for face-to-face interactive workshops taught by academic and practice-based experts utilizing brief didactic presentations, group learning activities, discussions of cases and supervision experiences, and the provision of extensive educational materials. SWPF is delivered by the continuing education departments of participating schools of social work and its workshops are led by expert social work practitioners and faculty scholars. Cohorts of 20-25 MSW supervisors convene for scheduled learning sessions to receive 36 hours of training on supervisory best practices and are awarded 36 continuing education units to apply toward their state licensure for practice. SWPF also facilitates the creation of much-needed peer support for participating supervisors who are known to experience professional isolation and to benefit from peer networking. SWPF is offered in multiple communities and each new cohort of graduates will join a growing professional network of alumni with whom they can connect for mutual support. The curriculum will be covered through 12 convenient learning sessions of three hours apiece, on a once-weekly basis over two periods of six consecutive weekly sessions (see program schedule below). Completion of all 12 sessions is required for earning the SWPF post graduate certificate and 36 CE credits. The program’s absenteeism policy explains what to do if a session is missed due to an emergency. Virtual sessions will be hosted online via Zoom, with both the full group and smaller breakout groups. Learners can expect interactive presentations and conversational engagement with peers and instructors. They will therefore need computers or tablets with reliable webcams, mics, and internet connectivity. Learners will be provided with an online learning readiness self-assessment as well as ongoing support in preparing for and utilizing online instruction.