Field Instruction

Apply your knowledge

Field experience offers you an opportunity to apply, refine, and integrate knowledge acquired in the classroom with experiences in social agencies. Theory and practice classes run concurrently with field practicum; our curriculum is designed so that experiences in the field and experiences in the classroom are mutually reinforcing.

Field instruction takes place in community agency settings on a weekly basis over both fall and spring semesters.

The generalist foundation field practicum places emphasis on the application of skills for social work practice in agency settings and prepares you for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, neighborhoods, communities and the society.

The goal of the specialization year is to develop and increase your skills in practice approaches, further the agency mission, examine relevant policies, integrate human and organizational behavior theories, and apply research knowledge. Your ability to select and use multiple approaches to social work with individuals, families, and groups is also promoted.

The St. Ambrose University School of Social Work field instruction program offers many different opportunities for both urban and rural placements with numerous agencies in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. To the extent possible, field placements are scheduled close to where you live. Each placement offers unique opportunities for learning, networking, and practical experience.

The faculty of the School of Social Work appreciate the contributions of our agency field instructors. Selected for their ability to provide quality instruction, commitment to collaborative participation in professional education, and commitment to client and community service, they are invaluable as mentors and delivering high-quality education.

MSW Field Education Manual (pdf) BSW Field Education Manual (pdf)

Field Agencies

Abbe Center for Community Mental Health - Cedar Rapids, IA
Area Substance Abuse Council - Cedar Rapids and Clinton, IA
Big Brothers & Big Sisters - Iowa and Illinois locations
Blackhawk Area Special Education District - East Moline, IL
Bridgeview Community Mental Health Center - Clinton, IA
Center for Youth and Family Solutions - Rock Island, IL
Child Abuse Council - Moline, IL
Department of Children & Family Services - Illinois Locations
East Moline School District - East Moline, IL
Family Resources, Inc. - Davenport, IA
Friendly House - Davenport, IA
Galena School District 120 - Galena, IL
Geneseo School District - Geneseo, IL
Genesis Health System - Davenport, IA
Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities - Davenport, IA
Grant Wood Area Education Agency - Cedar Rapids, IA
Great Prairie Area Education Agency - Burlington, IA
Great River Medical Center - Burlington, IA
Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities - Bettendorf, IA
Henry-Stark Special Education District - Kewanee, IL
Humility Homes & Services, Inc. - Davenport, IA
Keystone Area Education Agency - Various locations throughout Iowa
Knox-Warren Special Education Cooperative - Galesburg, IL
Mercy Medical Center - Dubuque, IA
Milestones Area Agency on Aging - Davenport, IA
Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency - Bettendorf, IA
Rock Island Arsenal Family Advocacy - Rock Island, IL
Rock Island/Milan Schools - Rock Island, IL
Tanager Place - Iowa City & Cedar Rapids, IA
Transitions Mental Health Services - Rock Island, IL
Trinity Regional Health System - Rock Island, IL
United Action for Youth - Iowa City, IA
United Way of East Central Iowa - Cedar Rapids, IA
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics - Iowa City, IA
Vera French Community MHC - Davenport, IA
World Relief - Moline, IL
Young House Family Services - Burlington, IA
Young Parents Network - Cedar Rapids, IA

Employment-based Placements

The School of Social Work now offers Employment Based Placements for students who are working in the social services field. Students can apply for an Employment Based Placement to complete their required field placement at their place of employment. If approved, the student is allowed to count field hours during work hours when tasks are directly linked to the nine social work competencies and level of practice.  

Contact


Jennifer Boedeker, Director of Field Education

Social Work
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-3912
BoedekerJenniferL@sau.edu

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