Program Information The agency can provide the student with a broad range of professional-level learning opportunities through direct involvement in the Healthy Families America (HFA) home visiting program and Family Resource Center. As an HFA Supervisor/Family Support Specialist, the student will have opportunities to apply social work knowledge and skills within an evidence-based, family-centered practice setting while completing practicum hours as part of their current employment. Learning opportunities will include developing and strengthening skills in **strengths-based and trauma-informed practice, engagement and rapport building, motivational interviewing, family assessment, goal setting, case management, resource navigation, and advocacy**.
The student will gain experience supporting families experiencing complex social and economic challenges while maintaining a nonjudgmental, culturally responsive, and family-centered approach. Through their HFA responsibilities, the student can further develop skills in **home visiting, child and family assessment, identifying family strengths and needs, developmental screening, safety assessment, documentation, service planning, referrals, and coordination of community resources**. They will also have opportunities to observe and participate in professional discussions related to family functioning, child development, parenting, protective factors, and barriers to family stability. As a supervisor, the student will also strengthen **leadership, consultation, reflective supervision, staff support, conflict resolution, professional communication, program coordination, quality assurance, and ethical decision-making** skills.
They will gain experience balancing direct service responsibilities with supervisory and program-level responsibilities, including reviewing documentation, supporting staff in case consultation, monitoring program requirements, and maintaining fidelity to the HFA model. The practicum will also provide opportunities to build skills in **interdisciplinary collaboration and community partnership**, including communication with behavioral health, public health, child welfare, early childhood, and other community service providers. The student will develop a stronger understanding of how social work practice operates within a larger community-based service system and how advocacy and systems navigation can improve outcomes for children and families.
Overall, the practicum will allow the student to integrate classroom learning with real-world social work practice while continuing to grow professionally in the areas of **direct practice, supervision, leadership, advocacy, case management, family engagement, ethical practice, and community-based social services**.