Supervisor for Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development

THANK YOU!

Thank you for becoming a Supervisor for our Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development (MACHD) program at Walsh University. The success of our program depends on the dedication of professionals such as yourself who are interested in contributing to our students’ educational process. 

This guide provides baseline information about the Practicum/Internship experience, as well as answers many frequently asked questions. However, please feel free to reach out to the following with any additional questions:

• Tiffany Peets (tpeets@walsh.edu) for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program or,
• Robyn Emde (remde@walsh.edu) for the School Counseling program.

SUPERVISOR AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Supervisor Responsibilities

As a Supervisor, you will also have several responsibilities:

• Provide orientation, supervision, and guidance for the student as the student assumes specific assignments, which will increase gradually in complexity and level of responsibility.
• Challenge the student to make learning a conscious process and support the student as primarily in the role of student in the agency.
• Hold weekly one-hour face-to-face supervision with the student to include but not limited to: case specific reflections/discussions, agency policy, agency procedures, NASW Code of Ethics, etc.
• Discuss, review and approve student timesheets.
• Provide the student with the opportunity to gain a broad identification with and understanding of the total agency to enable the student to relate the student’s functions within the agency to its total program of services to client systems.
• Help the student match the student’s interests and agency opportunities within the broad scope of the Practicum/Internship educational objectives.
• Help the student develop individual learning goals and strategies for learning specific to this placement.
• Work jointly with the Walsh Faculty to assist in structuring the optimum level of integration of Practicum/Internship experience and classroom instruction.
• Encourage critical analysis on the part of the student as the student views the learning opportunities involved in the experience: reflecting peace, social change, and justice lenses.
• Contact the Walsh Faculty immediately if any problems occur with the student's performance or carrying out of assigned tasks.
• Evaluate in writing the student's growth and performance each semester on forms provided by the school and participate in creating learning objectives, a mid-term evaluation conference and a final evaluation conference with the student and the Walsh Faculty.

Student Responsibilities

Students also have responsibilities to ensure a successful Practicum/Internship experience: 

• Arrive on time and take breaks at an appropriate time.
• Review personal goals for the Practicum/Internship experience with the Supervisor and revise if needed.
• Determine an appropriate work schedule and complete Practicum/Internship experience dates as scheduled.
• Dates and hours selected must not conflict with classes.
• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn.
• Establish rapport with clients and families.
• Work as a team member.
• Demonstrate effective communication with clients, staff members, and the Supervisor.
• Follow all site regulations and guidelines for practice.
• Immediately report any adverse events or outcomes to the Supervisor.
• Seek new learning experiences and request help when needed.
• Accept guidance and suggestions with a positive attitude.
• Improve in skills, knowledge, and understanding of the professional counseling role
• Notify the instructor or Supervisor of emergency changes in schedule.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE THE FIRST DAY

It is important to cover the following items with the student prior to the start of the Practicum/Internship experience or during your first meeting:

• Conduct a meet/greet with your student: tour of agency, introduction to agency staff, restrooms, etc.
• Discuss the student’s Practicum/Internship expectations and Practicum Instructor’s/agency’s Practicum expectations.
• Schedule a formal time each week for the required one hour per week MACHD supervision.
• Schedule required agency orientation and training.

PRACTICUM/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE PREPARATION

Orientation Process

Each organization may differ regarding the orientation process for counseling students. Please coordinate with the faculty and agency to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day of the Practicum/Internship experience, students need to be oriented by the Supervisor to the important site areas. 

Necessary Documentation

All documentation needed for Supervisor will be handled by either the site or administration office at Walsh University. We recommend Supervisors check their email frequently to ensure further documentation or information is not needed.

Setting Expectations, Goals and Objectives

Course and Practicum/Internship placement objectives will be provided by Walsh faculty and should guide the student’s experience.

At the beginning of the experience, the student and Supervisor should sit down and discuss the objectives. The Supervisor should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for their placement experience. This information helps the Supervisors plan and provide learning opportunities and student-specific instruction.

The Supervisors should also be aware of the student’s current skills and knowledge base as it pertains to a counseling setting. Using the program plan of study and previous objectives, the Supervisors can gain an understanding of the skills and experiences the students are already equipped with.

FORMATIVE EVALUATION PROCESS

A crucial role of the Supervisor is being an evaluator. On the first day of the Practicum/Internship experience, explain to the students that feedback will be provided often to assist students and Supervisors when completing a mid-term and final assessment on the student’s progression.