Program Information This placement is open to both BSW and MSW students.
Lucerne Elementary School District can provide a meaningful professional social work practicum experience focused on the unique role of school social work.
The student will have opportunities to work directly with students, families, and school staff while developing practical skills that support students’ academic, social-emotional, and mental health needs. Practicum students may gain experience facilitating social skills groups, providing individual and small-group student support, conducting family outreach, connecting families with community resources, and assisting students in accessing appropriate mental health and social-emotional supports. Students will also have opportunities to observe and participate in multidisciplinary collaboration with teachers, administrators, counselors, and other student support professionals. Through these experiences, the student can develop skills in professional communication, relationship building, student advocacy, confidentiality, documentation, crisis response, resource coordination, and identifying and addressing barriers that may impact student success.
The practicum will provide the student with an understanding of how social work principles and practices can be applied within a school setting to promote the overall well-being and success of children and families. Experience or training in trauma-informed practices would be particularly valuable in our school setting. A student who is open to learning, able to respond calmly to challenging situations, and willing to step in wherever support is needed would be well suited for a practicum experience at Lucerne Elementary School.