Field instructors are the backbone of social work education. By
hosting a UMBC Social Work student, you help shape the next generation
of professional social workers while contributing directly to the
growth of the field in Maryland and the greater Baltimore-Washington
region. We welcome experienced social work practitioners to partner
with us.
What Is a Field Instructor?
A field instructor is a licensed social work professional employed
by a human service agency who supervises a UMBC Social Work student
during their senior-year field placement. Field instructors provide
direct supervision, professional mentorship, and structured learning
experiences that help students develop the competencies required for
generalist social work practice.
Field instructors work in partnership with the student’s assigned
faculty field liaison, who serves as the link between the agency, the
student, and the UMBC Social Work Program.
Eligibility Requirements
To serve as a field instructor for the UMBC BSW Program, you must
meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited
program - Have at least two years of post-MSW professional social work
experience - Be currently employed at a human service agency in a position
that allows for regular student supervision - Be willing to provide one hour of formal individual supervision
per week to your student - Be willing to complete required documentation in the IPT
(Intern Placement Tracking) system, including mid-year and
end-of-year evaluations
What to Expect During the Placement Year
BSW field placements run for the full academic year — fall and
spring semesters. Students complete 16 hours (two days) per
week at their placement agency, for a total of 240 hours each
semester. As field instructor, you will:
- Orient the student to your agency, its clients, and its
policies - Assign meaningful social work tasks aligned with EPAS
competencies - Provide one hour of individual supervision each week
- Complete a mid-year and end-of-year evaluation in IPT
- Collaborate with the student’s faculty field liaison, who will
be in contact throughout the year and will conduct at least one
site visit
Students attend a two-hour field seminar once per month led by
their faculty liaison — this occurs on one of the student’s regularly
scheduled placement days and does not require your involvement.
Getting Started With IPT
The UMBC Social Work Program uses IPT (Intern Placement Tracking)
to manage all placement documentation, including evaluations and
learning agreements. New field instructors will receive access
instructions when a student is matched with your agency. The tutorial
below walks you through the system step by step.
Express Interest in Hosting a Student
If you are interested in hosting a UMBC Social Work student at your
agency, please complete the form below. A member of the field
education team will follow up with you to discuss the next steps,
confirm eligibility, and answer any questions you may have.
For immediate questions, contact Dr. Adrienne Ekas, Assistant Dean
of Field Instruction, at 410-455-2008 or
email Dr. Adrienne Ekas.