MSW Field Manual - School of Social Work at the University of Georgia

Professional Liability and Health InsuranceUse of a CarSafetyPrior to the beginning of the practicum, students are required to provide evidence thatthey have purchased liability insurance that provides appropriate coverage of any claimsthat might be entered against them in the discharge of their professional responsibilitiesduring their student internship. NASW provides a reasonably priced policy for studentmembers; application forms for NASW membership and Professional Liability Insurancethrough NASW are available to students in the Field Education Office at the School ofSocial Work in Athens.UGA student fees provide for student treatment at the University Health Services oncampus. Students who are in field placements are advised to be sure their healthcoverage will provide for any injuries, accidents, or illness which may be incurred inthe practicum site.The UGA SSW Memorandum of Understanding (appendix H) specifies that healthand liability insurance coverage rests with the student not with the agency. Inaddition to obtaining health coverage, students are urged to discuss any concernsabout their potential health or safety hazards in the practicum site with their fieldinstructor and/or faculty liaison.Many agencies (e.g. healthcare, mental health, family services etc.) are becomingincreasingly community-based. This necessitates that students have transportation inorder to perform field assignments that involve outreach, home visits, and communitywork. Additionally, most placements are located outside the Athens area, so it is to thestudent’s advantage to have a vehicle, or be prepared to car pool with other students fortravel to and from the agency. Unfortunately, not having a car severely limits fieldplacement options. Students without cars may need to compromise their interests to beaccommodated locally, or near their homes. Many local agencies, however, also requirethe use of a vehicle which further limits choice of practicum sites for those studentswithout a vehicle.The safety of students in practicum is of prime importance to the School and to fieldagencies. It is imperative that students feel safe in order to carry out their responsibilitiesin the field. If safety concerns arise for a student, it is important that the student discussthese safety concerns with their field instructor. If, after gathering information torealistically assess the situation and to learn how to provide appropriate protection, thestudent still does not feel safe in order to carry out assignments, s/he is encouraged torenegotiate those assignments with the help of the field instructor. When appropriate,s/he should also consult the faculty liaison for assistance. Guidelines for personal safetyand risk reduction are provided on pages 14-17 and in Appendix D.21