School of Social Work Director of Field Education (Educational Program Manager 1)

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut School of Social Work is looking for applicants for the position of Director of Field Education.  With a commitment to the School of Social Work’s mission of advancing knowledge and community engagement to achieve human rights and social justice, the Director of Field Education will have a leadership role in the preparation of social work graduates for the state and the region.  Priority areas are excellence in social work field education, commitment to anti-racist social work practice, development of community partnerships, collaborations with other university programs and commitment to communities of color and marginalized populations.  The School has a focus on micro and macro social work practice, social justice and political advocacy. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Primary duties of this position center on overseeing all aspects of the field education program inclusive of BSW field education, MSW field education and SIFI instruction for new field instructors.
    • Responsible for managing administrative and field coordinator staff and faculty advisors of the field education department.  Hiring and mentoring adjunct faculty advisors and making student assignments to full-time faculty. 
    • Provide strategic educational and administrative leadership.
    • Review all agency, supervisor, and student evaluation data, making changes to policies and practices as needed. 
    • Responsible for the operation and working climate of the field department through supervision of professional and support staff, including identification of appropriate professional development needs and opportunities. 
    • Oversee and maintain relevant department data systems and ensuring coordination with the school’s larger information systems.
  • The Director of Field Education is expected to be visible in the community for the purpose of developing relationships with agencies and organizations as well as developing field placement sites and creating nontraditional sites. Ensure standards of quality are maintained for evaluation of field education sites, field instructors and adjunct faculty advisors.
  • The Director of Field Education is expected to stay abreast of research on best practices in social work field education. Responsible for identifying and pursuing federal and state training grant opportunities. 
  • Ensure the implementation of the SSW field curriculum is in accordance with the requirements of the CSWE educational policies, UConn, and UConn SSW policies.
    • Review and propose changes to UConn SSW field educational policies and practices. 
    • Work collaboratively with program directors, curriculum units and faculty committees.
    • Provide leadership in developing new field educational resources, including online resources for students, field instructors, full-time and adjunct faculty advisors.  
    • Support the richness of diversity and employ pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests related to field practice. 
  • In accordance with the UConn SSW’s Faculty Governance Document, serves on SSW committees as the field education representative (or identifies a designee).  Represents the SSW at relevant university committees, such as the Office of Clinical Placement Coordination Advisory Board.  Maintains contact with regional and national field education organizations and listservs.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

This position reports to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and works collaboratively with the MSW Program Director, BSW Program Director, and the Coordinator/Director of Student Academic Services.  This position is responsible for implementation of the field education program within the school’s budgetary guidelines. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • MSW from a CSWE accredited school of social work.
  • LCSW or equivalent level licensure from another state.
  • Minimum of 4 years of full-time post-graduate social work practice experience including 2 years of experience serving as an advanced or senior team member or working as a project lead. Experience should include administrative experience in social work education and/or leadership in a human service agency as well as student supervisory experience in social work setting(s).
  • Experience with databases for students, staff or clients.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • More than 2 years of administrative experience in social work education. and/or leadership in a human service agency.  
  • At least 2 years of full or part-time teaching experience in social work education.
  • Experience in creating and developing community partnerships. 
  • Experience preparing CSWE reaccreditation documents for field education.   
  • Online teaching experience in social work education.
  • Experience with data management programs for maintaining student field hours, field reports, field instructor evaluations, etc. 
  • Experience writing federal or state training grant opportunities.
  • PhD in social work or related area or DSW.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a 12-month 100% time position with benefits.  The expected start date is May 7, 2021.  Initial salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #495144 to upload a cover letter that 1) Describes the candidate’s micro and macro social work practice, field experience and supervisory experience, 2) Explains how the candidate’s experience aligns with the priorities of the school and qualifications of this position, and 3) Describes previous and potential contributions to promoting diversity through field education and/or service, current CV, names and contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without prior permission of the candidate. 

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. 

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 9, 2021. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.