The Field Work Unit of the School of Social Work at the National Institute of Social Development (NISD) plays a vital role in providing practical training opportunities for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs. As an essential component of social work education, the unit ensures that students integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world practice through well-structured and supervised field practicums.

The Field Work Unit is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring all field practicum activities conducted under both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs. For the Bachelor of Social Work program, the unit organizes a series of field placements designed to develop students’ professional competencies in various methods of social work practice. These include the 1st Field Placement, which focuses on Working with Individuals and Families (Social Casework); the 2nd Field Placement, which emphasizes Working with Social Groups (Social Group Work); and the 3rd Field Placement, which concentrates on Working with Communities (Community Organizing). In addition, the unit coordinates the Field Study Tour for first-year students and the Rural Camp, which provides hands-on experience in Service Delivery in Human Settlements.

For the Master of Social Work program, the Field Work Unit conducts two major practicum components: the Foundation Field Placement, which combines Casework and Group Work, and the Advanced Field Placement, which focuses on Community Work. These placements enable postgraduate students to apply advanced social work theories, research, and intervention skills in professional settings.

The objectives of the Field Work Unit include conducting high-quality field practicums related to both the BSW and MSW programs, maintaining strong and collaborative relationships between field supervisors and faculty supervisors, organizing orientation programs to prepare students for field training, and providing continuous guidance and supervision throughout the practicum period.

The Field Work Unit functions under the dedicated leadership of three Field Coordinators, each responsible for a different medium of instruction: Mr. Janaka Bandara (English Medium), Mr. Indika Sanjeewa (Sinhala Medium), and Mr. T. Tharshan (Tamil Medium). Together, they ensure that all students, regardless of language medium, receive equitable learning opportunities and consistent support during their field training.

Through its comprehensive structure and commitment to excellence, the Field Work Unit serves as the bridge between classroom learning and professional social work practice, shaping competent, ethical, and socially responsible practitioners ready to serve in diverse social settings.