Bethany College Social Work Students Excel in Community-Focused Field Placements

Bethany, W.Va. (Jan. 10, 2025) – Senior students in Bethany College’s social work program are making a significant impact in local communities through their 500-hour field service placements.

These intensive internships are designed to immerse students in real-world environments, offering them the opportunity to work 36 hours a week with various community organizations. Each student develops a personalized learning contract in collaboration with their field agency and faculty, outlining specific goals and tasks to achieve during their placement.

“These 500-hour internships provide students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on social work activities across various agencies, working directly with community partners while applying what they’ve learned in the classroom,” states Melanee Sinclair, chair and program director of the social work department. “The experience is both practical and transformative, as students build meaningful connections, develop ethical practices, and gain a deeper understanding of the field.”

Bethany’s partnerships with organizations such as Harmony House, Youth Services Systems, and Brooke Place reflect the program’s focus on practical learning. Whether aiding with forensic interviewing programs, supporting residential treatment for teen girls, or providing care in acute psychiatric settings, students engage in work that helps the community while building their professional ability.

“Placement has pushed my skills to a new level, helping me grow both professionally and personally,” says Phoebe Phelps ‘25. “I have learned I can do so much more than I originally thought.”

Each placement involved the completion of a senior project tied to the field agency’s operations, where students collected data, developed programming, or contributed to service improvements as part of their professional growth.

“Through this experience, I have become confident in my work capabilities,” reflects Jordan Haslacker ‘25. “I was able to develop core competencies and a good work ethic that is going to help me in the future.”

Field instructors, many of whom are Bethany alumni or former colleagues of faculty members, play a vital role in mentoring students throughout the process.

The social work department’s commitment to experiential learning ensures that students graduate with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of professional expectations in the field.