2026 Advanced Practicum Placement - UW MSW
Location
Seattle, South King County, Olympia
Job Type
MSW Specialized
MSW Specialized (Admin & Policy Practice)
Agency
Senate
Agency Program
Advanced Practicum Placement Administration/Policy Concentration Students
City/State
Olympia, WA
How many positions are available?
1
Operations: Hybrid or Remote Activities?
No, all activities in person
Address
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 primarily out of the legislator's Olympia office.
State
WA
Zip Code
98504
Do you have a requirement for a set duration of practicum?
No, use UW Academic Calendar
Do you require students to sign a contract or agreement with your site?
Yes
Spring Start - EDP Only
Not Applicable
Summer Start
No
Fall Start
Yes
Work-study
No
Travel Required
Yes
Agency/State Vehicle Provided
No
Personal Vehicle
Yes
Mileage Reimbursement
No
Application Deadline
11:59 pm Sunday, April 12, 2026 or until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.
General Areas of Practice
Policy or (State, Local Government)
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 Noha Mahgoub, Sr. Staff Director for the Senate Democratic Caucus, who has a MSW degree and is fully qualified to serve as a Field Instructor.
Selection Process
The Senate uses a competitive selection process to fill practicum positions. Students interested in applying should complete the application form no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 12th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible. Any questions should be directed Janelle Rotondo at janelle.rotondo@leg.wa.gov.
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 Senate Democratic Caucus 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 Capital Campus in Olympia, WA. 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.
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.
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