ABSTRACT
This article will demonstrate how schools of social work can collaborate with community agencies to provide a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for both student interns and participating agencies. An innovative partnership of a state school of social work with community agencies leading to a cutting-edge geriatric field education program is described. Case examples are used to illustrate the benefits of these partnerships, as well as challenges partners overcame in forging and sustaining partnerships. Necessary components of partnership development are detailed.
Subject(s)
Cooperative Behavior , Geriatrics/education , Residence Characteristics , Social Work/education , Universities/organization & administration , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Leadership , Models, Educational , New York , Program Development , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
Social workers are being called upon to utilize a wide range of skills in practice including not only skills of working directly with clients, but also skills related to practice in organizations such as program management, inter-organizational cooperation, research and evaluation. This article describes an innovative geriatric field education program that prepares social workers with leadership skills in both direct service and management, and engages community agencies as both sites for student learning and as beneficiaries of their professional development projects. Case examples are provided and benefits and challenges to the model are discussed.
Subject(s)
Cooperative Behavior , Geriatrics/education , Leadership , Program Development , Program Evaluation , Residence Characteristics , Social Work/education , Universities/organization & administration , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Focus Groups , Geriatrics/organization & administration , Humans , Models, Educational , New York , Professional Practice , Social Work/organization & administrationABSTRACT
The Olmstead Decision of 1999 continues to have the potential to radically transform the long-term care system in the United States. This article will review the components of the decision and steps being taken by the federal and state governments to address its challenges and mandates. A number of key areas where social workers can play important roles will be described.