Guiding Future Social Workers: John Dalessandro on the Pitt MSW Practicum Experience

As director of practicum education at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown—a position he held for 15 years—John Dalessandro developed broad-ranging expertise in all aspects of the social work field experience. In 2021, he brought that proficiency to the university’s Pittsburgh campus as a practicum assistant professor, a role in which he oversees the day-to-day planning and implementation of field education and training for BASW and MSW students.

Throughout his time at Pitt, Dalessandro has appreciated the university’s unique approach to the practicum. “We individualize the practicum placement process,” he explains. “We really work to meet the students’ goals for success and make those a reality.” 

This Q&A captures Dalessandro’s insights and guidance for prospective students considering the University of Pittsburgh MSW, which offers both a face-to-face option and a part-time online option.

How does the Pitt MSW practicum experience integrate with the theoretical material students learn in class?

The curriculum is designed so that the knowledge and skills learned in class are concurrently transferable to the practicum experience. The Practicum Learning Plan, which outlines nine competencies students strive to master, enumerates tasks the practicum experience integrates from classroom learning. Students then demonstrate the knowledge and skills in their practicum. Students are strongly encouraged to share their coursework syllabi with their practicum instructor at the agency each term to maximize the integration of classroom and practicum experiences.

What are the nine key competencies?

They are:

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
• Advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice 
• Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (AEDI) in practice
• Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice 
• Engage in policy practice
• Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
• Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities 
• Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities 
• Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities 

Walk us through the practicum placement process for online MSW students. 

The practicum placement process for online students mirrors the face-to-face process. 

• Step 1: The student completes and submits the Request for Practicum Form to the SONIA system. 
• Step 2: The student and their practicum advisor meet over Zoom to discuss the student’s interests, program requirements and special circumstances. 
• Step 3: The practicum advisor reviews practicum options based on the student’s individual interests and needs, then sends up to three options for the student to review and decide on their level of interest. 
• Step 4: The practicum advisor sends out the student’s resume to up to three agencies. 
• Step 5: The student interviews; when the agency and student agree that they are a good fit, the student informs the practicum advisor that they would like to move forward and finalize the match. 
• Step 6: The practicum advisor sends a DocuSign form to the agency and the student for signature. This form, called the Confirmation of Placement form, is the final step in the matching process. During this process, the student discusses any required clearances before officially starting with the agency and establishes a start date.

What are some of the most common challenges students face in their practicum placements, and how do you help them navigate these challenges? 

Common challenges include time management, integrating into the agency’s culture, building confidence in their ability to perform the tasks and associated work, and completing the required paperwork and hours. No matter the challenge, open communication with their practicum advisor, liaison and instructor is key to navigating it.

Describe your role in implementing the Pitt MSW practicum. 

My role is to meet with the student as soon as possible after they submit their Request for Practicum Form in SONIA to discuss their interests, review the practicum requirements and address any special circumstances the student may have—such as limited availability to clock hours or specific interest areas. Although no requests can be guaranteed, I work with the student individually, collaborating to match them with the best possible option that meets the academic requirements of the MSW program and their interests and goals for the future to maximize success.

What qualities or mindset do you think make a student especially successful during their practicum? 

Students should approach the practicum with an open mind, be willing to learn and be culturally humble, empathetic and genuine. They should take stock of what they bring to the experience and be willing to ask for help and guidance when needed. Finally, they should maintain a day planner to stay organized and on target.

Also, successful students have a self-care plan in place, whatever that may look like for each individual student. It should include open communication with their practicum advisor, liaison and instructor, especially when they need support and feel overwhelmed. We are all here to help and provide assistance as needed.

Can you share some practicum success stories?

Yes, there are literally hundreds. Here are just a few:

• One student who sought a hospital placement not only got it but was hired there as an MSW after graduation. For her, it was a dream come true; all of her professional goals were achieved through the practicum.
• Another student always wanted to help foster children, as she was a foster child herself. We matched her with a foster agency. She, too, was hired by that agency after her practicum concluded and is still working there, helping the same population she was once part of.
• A third student was unsure what type of work they wanted to do post-graduation, so we cast a wide net regarding agencies. We eventually landed on a hospice and cancer patient counseling center. The student was initially unsure of this environment, as they were unsure whether they could handle end-of-life situations. As the internship continued, they found this area of great interest and fell in love with helping this population. They were hired by a hospice agency upon graduation.

Personalized Support and Real-World Experience Set Pitt’s MSW Apart

The University of Pittsburgh MSW program stands out for its individualized practicum placement process. Strong faculty support and deep integration of classroom learning with real-world practice also distinguish this renowned program. 

Whether you choose the face-to-face or part-time online option, you’ll benefit from hands-on experience, expert mentorship and a curriculum designed to help you grow into a confident and ethical social worker. Ready to take the next step? Start your online application today or connect with an enrollment advisor to learn how Pitt’s MSW program can help you achieve your goals in the field of social work.