Class Traineeship I and project

The course unit Traineeship I and Project aims to deepen and operationalize theoretical, scientific, methodological, practical, and ethical knowledge inherent to the social work profession through: (i) the integration of students into traineeship contexts, (ii) supervised practice to support traineeships, and (iii) theoretical-scientific sessions in the classroom. Framed within the field of social intervention and the domains of Social Work — such as social protection, health, education, housing, childhood and youth, older adults, among others — this course unit is particularly relevant within the study program, as it enables learning through practice, fostering the articulation between theory and practice. It thus contributes to the progressive consolidation of the professional profile, to the development of the future social worker’s identity, and to the construction of technical and relational skills that are fundamental for intervention in diverse social contexts.

Not applicable

1. Course Unit Framework 1.1. Objectives, functioning, and assessment system. 1.2. Placement opportunities and selection process. 1.3. Integration into traineeship contexts.   2. Traineeship Regulations 2.1. Rights and duties of the trainee. 2.2. Role of institutional and academic supervisors.   3. Role of the Trainee 3.1. Functions, limits, and responsibilities. 3.2. Personal and professional conduct.   4. Characterization of the Institution 4.1. Mission, objectives, and organizational chart. 4.2. Legal status and framework. 4.3. Target groups and intervention areas.   5. Professional Communication 5.1. Written: emails, reports, records, contact notes. 5.2. Oral: meetings and institutional contacts. 5.3. Confidentiality, secrecy, and data protection.   6. Traineeship Report I 6.1. Structure and formal requirements. 6.2. Referencing (APA 7th).   7. Supervision and Self-Reflection 7.1. Expectations vs. reality. 7.2. Self-assessment and feedback.

The course unit combines theoretical-scientific sessions, supervised practice, and institutional integration, promoting the articulation between theory and practice. It includes: expository and interactive classes (2h/week) for the presentation and discussion of contents, privileging participatory methodologies; pedagogical supervision in small groups (2h/fortnight) as a space for monitoring, analysis, and critical reflection on the traineeship experience, fostering self-reflection and the construction of professional identity; and practical traineeship in an institutional context (7h/week), involving observation, integration, and support of the social worker’s functions in coordination with supervisors.   Assessment is exclusively continuous: 1) Supervisor’s evaluation – 35%; 2) Report and oral presentation – 45%; 3) Participation in supervision – 20%. The final average must be ≥ 9.5/20. Attendance is mandatory in at least 70% of theoretical and supervision sessions.

Associação dos Profissionais de Serviço Social. (2018). Código deontológico do/a assistente social. APSS. Bottomley, J., Carteney, P, & Pryjmachuk, S. (2019). Communication skills for your social work degree. Critical Publishing. Fialho, J., & Casquilho-Martins, I. (Eds.). (2025). Serviço Social – Fundamentos, Metodologia e Contextos de Intervenção (1.ª ed.). Edições Sílabo. Glassman, U. (2016). Finding your way through field work: A social work student’s guide. SAGE Publications. Parker, J. (2014). Social Work Practice. SAGE Publications. Pinto, C., & de Carvalho, M. I. (2014). Serviço Social: Teorias e Práticas. Pactor. Rogers, M., Whitaker, D., Edmondson, D., & Peach, D. (2020). Developing skills and knowledge for social work practice (2ª ed.). SAGE Publications.