Practicum Learning Consent Form

Social work internships are key to professional development. Typically, these involve engagement in on-site, in-person training activities in a social service setting. While there may be some opportunities for engaging in an internship remotely, it will not be possible in all cases. Practicum learning participants should understand that any such participation is entirely voluntary. Students must make their own assessment of the risks and benefits of doing in-person training. A student may refuse a placement or withdraw from a placement due to COVID-related health concerns about in-person work. However, since such practicum learning is a requirement of training as a social worker, this may delay progress in your degree program and result in personal and financial costs. This should be part of your assessment of the risks and benefits of engaging in an on-site in-person internship.

There are risks inherent in participation in internships including driving to and from the practicum learning site, unpredictable or violent behavior of certain client populations served by the site, or exposure to infectious diseases, including airborne pathogens (e.g. COVID-19).

During the COVID-19 pandemic there is heightened concern and heightened risk with internships. These risks include potentially increased exposure to individuals who may be infectious. While steps can and should be taken to mitigate that risk (use of adequate protective equipment including, where appropriate, Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”), social distancing when possible, limited time in small, enclosed spaces with other individuals, symptom checks of visitors, including patients, disinfection protocols for shared spaces) none of these strategies can eliminate the risk of infection. You might become ill yourself, or you might unwittingly become an asymptomatic carrier and transmit COVID-19 to other people you interact with, including family and friends.

You are strongly encouraged to consult with a health care provider of your own choosing regarding your individual risk factors to determine whether it is unwise for you to participate in in-person work at this time. Please note: you are assuming the risk of participation in the internship. If you have health conditions that put you at greater risk it is your responsibility to take those into account when accepting an internship.

You are responsible for providing your basic supplies for protection against COVID e.g. mask and/or hand-sanitizer and the like. If your practicum learning site requires higher-grade protective equipment such as medical-grade PPE, the School will work with the site to try and provide such equipment but cannot make guarantees as to supplies.

The training site (whether an in-house clinic or an internship) is responsible with providing interns with all necessary information about its safety protocols prior to the intern beginning any activity on-site. This should include safety protocols to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for trainees, staff and patients. Equally importantly it is your obligation to follow all safety protocols and requirements put in place at each site, including any vaccination requirements. If you are not willing or able to adhere to your filed site’s vaccination requirement and your site will not grant you a waiver, the RU SSW cannot guarantee an alternative placement. You should also familiarize yourself with and follow CDC and State guidance on safe practice with regard to COVID-19.