How Flexible are Placement Days/Hours?

[Joy418]

I have a question about MSW placements--I know this is going to vary hugely by placement and program, but would love to hear from people currently in an MSW or who have completed a program. How flexible are placement days/hours? I am a wedding photographer (this is how I finance my life & education). I need to book weddings during the school year--I can't just not work for 4 semesters. But I would have to travel for all the weddings, meaning I might miss some Fridays. If I have my placement on Friday, how flexible do you think it would be for me to make up those hours on a different day?

[Lewi]

On 1/26/2016 at 6:36 PM, Joy418 said:

I have a question about MSW placements--I know this is going to vary hugely by placement and program, but would love to hear from people currently in an MSW or who have completed a program. How flexible are placement days/hours? I am a wedding photographer (this is how I finance my life & education). I need to book weddings during the school year--I can't just not work for 4 semesters. But I would have to travel for all the weddings, meaning I might miss some Fridays. If I have my placement on Friday, how flexible do you think it would be for me to make up those hours on a different day?

Based on my experience I think this will completely depend on the agency in question.  I think that most agencies do not afford that type of flexibility, but I am currently placed in outpatient substance abuse treatment and I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule (such as making up hours on different days).  The most important thing, i think, is to be very clear and upfront with your school regarding your placement needs.  This way they can let you know what is realistic while looking for a place that allows for flexibility.

[Joy418]

8 hours ago, Lewi said:

Based on my experience I think this will completely depend on the agency in question.  I think that most agencies do not afford that type of flexibility, but I am currently placed in outpatient substance abuse treatment and I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule (such as making up hours on different days).  The most important thing, i think, is to be very clear and upfront with your school regarding your placement needs.  This way they can let you know what is realistic while looking for a place that allows for flexibility.

Thanks so much Lewi! It's encouraging to know that there are some potential options for flexibility, and I'll be sure to be upfront with everything from the start.