Advanced Practicum Placement:  The Washington State Senate will offer one MSW advanced practicum placement for an Administration/Policy Concentration student in the coming year.  Typically, practicum placements commence at the beginning of the fall quarter (September) and conclude at the end of the spring quarter (June).

Field Instructor:  Field Instructor is Senator Tina Orwall, who has a MSW degree and is fully qualified to serve as a Field Instructor.

Before and after the legislative session, the student will work on bill research, stakeholder convening, communications materials and constituent meetings. During the legislative session, responsibilities range from working on communications materials (bill talking points, policy descriptions, and constituent correspondence) bill tracking, attending public hearings, meeting with constituents, and supporting the Senator's legislative assistant with administrative tasks on a limited basis. Each practicum experience is unique and the overall work in which the student engages will be determined by the student and Field Instructor.

Hours / Location:  Student should expect to work the full 680 hours required of an advanced practicum placement.  The regular legislative session starts in January each year and alternates between a 60-day session in even-numbered years and a 105-day session in odd-numbered years.  (Special sessions which add on to the regular session are always possible.)  The student is expected to work more hours during the legislative session (winter quarter) and, because of this, often works fewer hours during the fall and spring quarters.  During the fall and spring quarters, students work remotely and at on-site meetings in Seattle and South King county.  During the winter quarter, when the Legislature is in session, the student will be expected to work out of the legislator’s Olympia office.  If possible, it is recommended that the student secure temporary housing in or near Olympia during the session to accommodate long work days and avoid lengthy commutes.  The specific work days and distribution of work hours throughout the placement are negotiated between the student and the Field Instructor.

Stipend:  At this time, the Senate anticipates paying a stipend of $1300/month for 40 hours of work each week during the regular legislative session, when students are expected to work in Olympia. The stipend is prorated according to session start and end dates and hours worked per week (previous students have typically worked 24-32 hours per week during session).  If the Senate incurs budget reductions, the stipend policy may be revisited.

Selection Process: The Senate uses a competitive selection process to fill practicum positions. Students interested in applying should complete the application form accessed by clicking this link or typing this URL: https://apply.workable.com/washington-state-senate/j/A79DC9B97E/. No later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday March 3, 2025.  Applications will be screened as they are received, until position is filled. Early application is encouraged. Any questions should be directed Janelle Rotondo at janelle.rotondo@leg.wa.gov.

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Before and after the legislative session, the student will work on bill research, stakeholder convening, communications materials and constituent meetings. During the legislative session, responsibilities range from working on communications materials (bill talking points, policy descriptions, and constituent correspondence), bill tracking, attending public hearings, meeting with constituents, and supporting the Representative’s legislative assistant with administrative tasks on a limited basis. Each practicum experience is unique and the overall work in which the student engages will be determined by the student and Field Instructor.

Please refer to Agency Description section for more information

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The Senate uses a competitive selection process to fill practicum positions. Students interested in applying should complete the application form accessed by clicking this link or typing this URL: https://apply.workable.com/washington-state-senate/j/A79DC9B97E/. No later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday March 3, 2025. Applications will be screened as they are received, until position is filled. Early application is encouraged. Any questions should be directed Janelle Rotondo at janelle.rotondo@leg.wa.gov.