A National Study of the Field Liaison Role in Social Work Education Programs in the United States and Puerto Rico

Abstract

This study investigates the liaison role in social work field education from the perspective of those presently working in that capacity at both the undergraduate and graduate levels from the United States and Puerto Rico (N = 408). On average, undergraduate liaisons have more years of liaison experience, are more likely to be full‐time status, spend less time driving to sites, and devote more overall time to the role. Undergraduate program liaisons spend less time on problems and rate the quality of sites, field instructors, and overall levels of learning higher than graduate programs. Undergraduate liaisons report more institutional support, a higher level of value for field education in the curriculum, and a higher level of satisfaction with their liaison roles than graduate program liaisons.

Keywords:

• Field Education
• Field Instruction

Notes

Jim Ward, MSW, is Director of Field Instruction, University of South Carolina, College of Social Work, Columbia, SC, USA.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jim Ward

Jim Ward, MSW, is Director of Field Instruction, University of South Carolina, College of Social Work, Columbia, SC, USA.