Transcript Document
Building Successful Partnerships and Rotations:
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) HPPAE
Experience
Jennifer Husted, LCSW
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
November 20, 2014
History of VA/HPPAE Partnership
10 year partnership between University of
Pittsburgh HPPAE and the VA
25+ year relationship between University of
Pittsburgh School of Social Work and the VA
VA has committed to:
• At least 2 HPPAE students every academic
year since 2004
• VAPHS has between 7-9 MSW intern
stipends each academic year
VA Student Selection Process
Centralized Application Process
Applications Due June 1
Application packets:
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample
• Resume
VA Student Selection Process
Application packets of all potential
candidates reviewed by Student Program
Coordinator/Co-Coordinator
Interviews arranged
• In person
• Phone
Interviews format
• Opening questions
• PBI Questions
VA Student Selection Process
Review of student interviews, areas of interest, and
potential field instructors
Matching of students with potential field instructors
Second interviews with student and field instructors
Final selection of students
Communication with university for accepted and
declined students
HPPAE Selection Process
Anticipated that 2 HPPAE students are
accepted each year
More than 2 could be selected based on
overall applicants and available field
instructors and sites
Serving Older Veterans
Includes but not limited to:
• GRECC-Geriatric Research Education and
Clinical Centers
• Geriatric Evaluation and Management Clinic
• Inpatient Psychiatry
• Inpatient Acute Care (55% of Veterans
served are 60 years or older)
Serving Older Veterans
Community Living Center (CLC): 262 bed facility
o Dementia Specialty Care Unit- Secured Unit for Veterans with
dementia and wandering or exit seeking behaviors
o Hospice/ Palliative Care Unit
o Rehabilitation unit focuses on a shorter LOS with Short Stay
rehabilitation therapies (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy,
Speech Therapy) and resuming most independent functional
living setting
o Skilled nursing care
o Transitional Care Unit
o In House Respite Admissions
o Long Term Care program provides resident-centered care to
eligible Veterans who make the CLC their home
VA Placement Opportunities
Experienced Instructors:
• Strong primary placement with dedicated field instructor
• Field instructors must be VA employee for at least 2 years
and have at least a “fully successful” on performance
evaluation
• Utilization of task supervisors for additional assignments
• Educational events
• Shadowing at alternate sites
• Participation with field instructors on committee work
• MSW intern group meetings
• Case presentations
VA Placement Opportunities
Rotational Experience:
• Intra-rotational or
internal rotations fit
best with second year
students
• Ex: VAMC
opportunities; GRECC,
GEM, Community
Living Center, Spinal
Cord Clinic
Intra-Rotational Experience
Option 1: Switch Field Instructors
• Communication between Student Program
Coordinator and the assigned field instructors
• One field instructor each semester
• Field instructor for semester takes ownership of field
learning plan, evaluation, and school meetings
• Second semester field instructor will consider
feedback from first semester
• If there are student issues, will readdress the
placement plan
Intra-Rotational Experience
Continued
Example of rotations:
• 2 field instructors:
GEM Clinic/Inpatient Psychiatry
o One student rotating assignment based on
requested experiences ; 2 program areas
o New field instructor at each assignment
Community Living Center
o 2 students assigned each year to different
units
o 2 field instructors that switch at semester
Intra-Rotational Experience
Continued
Option 2: Maintain primary field instructor and
add a task supervisor
• Field instructor has primary responsibility
for student, including field learning plan,
evaluations and meetings with school of
social work
• Field instructor also provides formal weekly
supervision to the student
Intra-Rotational Experience
Continued
Example Rotations:
• One field instructor, task supervisor
Often in closely related areas
First semester–inpatient behavioral health unit
Second semester–inpatient behavioral health
and CTAD group work
Task supervisor provides supervision for all
work in CTAD
Field instructor maintains responsibility for
student
Challenges
Some students love
the rotational
options and the
opportunity to have
multiple
experiences.
Others find it
difficult to “switch
gears” mid stream.
Benefits
Our goal through the
rotational field model
is that all HPPAE
students gain
proficiency in the
CSWE geriatric
competencies.
Communication with the University
Ongoing communication with HPPAE program
directors
Processing past year with university staff
Setting goals for academic year with
university staff
Multi-Faceted Relationship Between
University of Pittsburgh and VA
MSW Internship Program
Field Instructors:
• University of Pittsburgh CE to field instructors (50%
discount)
• HPPAE special programs for field instructors
• Reduced college credit
• Attend leadership presentations
Formal Case Presentations
• All University of Pittsburgh VA MSW students
present
• VA and university staff attend the full-day
event
University of Pittsburgh/VA
Partnership Success
“The HPPAE students have presented to field
placement year after year with
determination and focus. There is intention
in their goal setting and a passion to make a
difference in the field of social work.”
–Jennifer Rochkind (Field Instructor and HPPAE Fellow)