The agency should be large enough for the student to have the fieldwork requirement in a different department, with a different caseload and a different supervisor who meets Simmons qualifications. The placement hours and duties must be clearly defined and the agency must be invested in the student's learning needs. It can be difficult to manage two roles in the same setting without the support of the agency administration. Social work agencies rarely provide stipends and there are no paid placements. Small stipends are sometimes offered for special skills, like a second language, or in a new program.
Some agencies offer flexible hours but it is rare.
Students should plan on week day hours. Many excellent agencies are in surrounding towns that also require a car. Most agencies are in Boston but if a student plans to practice in Brockton or Providence or Lowell, for example, we will locate agencies in that area. If you are given advanced standing in Field Education you may have only one field placement while at Simmons. The Field Department will work with you to plan the best possible learning experience.