Part One
Create a duo-tang or binder that lists 20 agencies in the community that employee support workers or other paraprofessional social service workers.
If you have a particular interest (e.g. you want to work with women, or youth or Aboriginals), your choice of agencies should reflect that preference.
Organize these resources under subtitles according to the service offered (addiction, mental health etc.)
The entry for each agency should include
• Agency or program name
• Addresses
• Phone and fax numbers
• Email address (if you can obtain one)
• Services offered
Part Two
From the above list, select at least six agencies that are of special interest to you
Include extra information (beyond what you included for the other 14) on each of the 6 you selected: This additional information should include:
• Mission statement
• Services offered
• Pamphlet of the agency
• Intake procedure
• Contact person
• Other pertinent information
Approach each of the 6 agencies for an information interview (this might be done over the phone, in person, or via email). The point of the informational interview is to find out about the agency or service in general, and also to explore potential practicum opportunities that may exist there for you. You may not be able to get informational interviews with all 6, you are graded for the attempt to arrange one, not whether or not you are successful. Be sure to document your attempt. Ask you instructor how he or she would prefer you do this (your method of approach may well depend on the culture of the agency in question).
Write a brief summary of the informational interview discussion, why the agency interests you, and the outcome of the contact. Indicate the name, job title and contact information of the person you contacted. Make sure that the agencies or services contacted are suitable for your practicum and are in line with the scope of the program and your abilities.
Part One
Create a duo-tang or binder that lists 20 agencies in the community that employee support workers or other paraprofessional social service workers.
If you have a particular interest (e.g. you want to work with women, or youth or Aboriginals), your choice of agencies should reflect that preference.
Organize these resources under subtitles according to the service offered (addiction, mental health etc.)
The entry for each agency should include
• Agency or program name
• Addresses
• Phone and fax numbers
• Email address (if you can obtain one)
• Services offered
Part Two
From the above list, select at least six agencies that are of special interest to you
Include extra information (beyond what you included for the other 14) on each of the 6 you selected: This additional information should include:
• Mission statement
• Services offered
• Pamphlet of the agency
• Intake procedure
• Contact person
• Other pertinent information
Approach each of the 6 agencies for an information interview (this might be done over the phone, in person, or via email). The point of the informational interview is to find out about the agency or service in general, and also to explore potential practicum opportunities that may exist there for you. You may not be able to get informational interviews with all 6, you are graded for the attempt to arrange one, not whether or not you are successful. Be sure to document your attempt. Ask you instructor how he or she would prefer you do this (your method of approach may well depend on the culture of the agency in question).
Write a brief summary of the informational interview discussion, why the agency interests you, and the outcome of the contact. Indicate the name, job title and contact information of the person you contacted. Make sure that the agencies or services contacted are suitable for your practicum and are in line with the scope of the program and your abilities.
