帝王会所

For senior social work student Olivia Muncy, field placement has been more than just a requirement. It has been a journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery.

Through hands-on experience, Muncy has developed both personally and professionally, gaining insight into the challenges individuals face and refining the skills necessary to support them.

Working directly with clients has been a defining aspect of Muncy鈥檚 field placement. She credits this experience with helping her build a stronger sense of empathy and understanding.

鈥淚鈥檝e had to step outside of my comfort zone and really listen to people鈥檚 stories, which has deepened my awareness of the challenges they face and how I can offer support,鈥� Muncy said. 鈥淢y field placement has given me hands-on experience in crisis intervention, case management, and therapeutic communication. I feel more confident in my ability to apply theory to real-world situations.鈥�

Beyond developing emotional intelligence, Muncy has gained practical skills essential to social work, balancing client needs with administrative responsibilities. This experience has given her valuable insight into the profession's day-to-day demands. In addition to learning how to maintain a therapeutic relationship with clients, she has also strengthened her ability to manage documentation, coordinate services and prioritize tasks effectively.

Muncy鈥檚 experience highlights the importance of strong partnerships between 帝王会所 and human services field placement agencies. These collaborations ensure that students receive valuable real-world training while agencies benefit from fresh perspectives and dedicated interns. By engaging in field placements, students can bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice, gaining firsthand experience in assessment, intervention strategies and ethical decision-making.

"The partnerships between OHIO Eastern and local human services agencies are essential in preparing the next generation of social workers," said Warren Galbreath, associate professor of social work. "These collaborations create meaningful learning opportunities for students while also strengthening the agencies that serve our communities. By working together, we ensure that students receive high-quality, real-world training while providing valuable support to local organizations. It鈥檚 a win-win that benefits both our students and the individuals they will go on to serve."

Muncy said that her field placement has provided her with essential learning opportunities.

鈥淭hese experiences give students the opportunity to apply theories, techniques and methods in a practical setting,鈥� Muncy said. 鈥淚t allows us to handle complex situations and navigate ethical dilemmas we may face in the field. It would be hard to grasp what the daily reality of social work involves without this hands-on experience.鈥�

Invaluable hands-on experience for OHIO students

"Field placements are a cornerstone of social work education because they provide students with invaluable hands-on experience that cannot be learned in a classroom alone," said Tracy Pritchard, professor of social work instruction. "Engaging directly with clients allows students to build empathy, refine critical skills and develop confidence in their ability to navigate complex situations. These experiences shape them into well-rounded professionals who are better prepared to serve their communities with compassion and competence."

Through her placement, Muncy has also made meaningful professional connections. Starting as an intern at Cedar Ridge Behavioral Health Solutions LLC, she now works as a case manager, a role that has allowed her to further immerse herself in the field. The support and mentorship she has received from colleagues have been invaluable in her career development. By working closely with seasoned professionals, she has expanded her knowledge base, gained confidence in her abilities and built relationships that will continue to guide her as she moves forward in her career.

Muncy鈥檚 time in her field placement has reinforced her passion for clinical social work, particularly in behavioral health. Working with clients facing mental health challenges has solidified her commitment to crisis intervention and trauma-informed care. She hopes to pursue additional certifications and advanced training in mental health counseling or substance abuse treatment to expand her expertise.

鈥淭his experience has truly confirmed that I鈥檓 on the right path,鈥� Muncy said. 鈥淪eeing the impact that social workers can have in helping people navigate their struggles has only strengthened my passion for this field.鈥�

As she prepares to graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, Muncy is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of others. With a strong foundation of practical experience, a growing professional network and a clear vision for her future, she is well on her way to a meaningful career in social work.