POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Master of Social Work (MSW) Placement Manager works with and reports to the Assistant Director of Placement to recruit, develop, implement and monitor student field placements in accordance with Council on Social Work Education requirements, the school curriculum and the student's area of interest. This position is responsible for assisting with all aspects of the placement process including coordinating all placements, advising students, structuring and assisting with gathering data to evaluate aspects of field education. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Actively prepare students for community based field education practicum experiences. Discuss the framework and expectations for field education, practicum requirements, timelines, and expectations with an assigned workload of students. Review student application and field placement information for assigned students. Contact and meet with each student to recommend potential placement sites based on student interest, experience, learning objectives and proposed area of focus. Support assigned students with successfully interviewing for and obtaining both generalist and specialized field placement sites within the designated timeframes. Facilitate the process of re-placing students as indicated. Ensure the student's success and retention in the program by focusing on timely placement and providing quality, faculty-approved placements for each student. (40%)
2. Actively recruit, develop and orient field placement settings across the country while clearly communicating and reinforcing field education policies, procedures, and expectations. Using a strong service orientation, build new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships with placement sites, field instructors, and students through proactive and responsive outreach. Provide support in maximizing student learning opportunities in each required social work competency area within the placement setting for students residing in different communities with varying academic concentrations and learning needs. (35%)
3. Review field instructor, task supervisor and agency applications to ensure the overall suitability of the field placement setting. Assist in facilitating the field education affiliation agreement process with new and established placement sites. Provide ongoing support to field instructors and task supervisors. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Participate in the development and ongoing evaluation of field sites each year and make recommendations for strengthening learning opportunities and for continuation as an appropriate placement site. Input and maintain student, field instructor and organization information in the web-based field education data management system as required. (5%) 
2. Escalate conduct or concerns to the appropriate parties as required. Respond in a timely manner to student and field instructor questions or concerns. (5%) 
3. Participate in student recruitment events as needed. Attend campus or community functions as a representative for the Office of Field Education. Attend and participate in conferences and colloquia, as appropriate. (<1%)
4. Consult with the Assistant Director of Placement to develop and implement grants and contracts related to enhanced field education opportunities. (<1%)
5. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with the Field Education department. Regular contact with the Admissions Department and Student Services Department. Occasional contact with other Mandel School faculty to assure maximum integration and application of students¿ learning throughout the curriculum.

University: Frequent contact with the Office of General Counsel for the affiliation agreement process. Infrequent participation in school and university committees as deemed necessary.

External: Continuous contact with community organizations to represent the school and university when developing relationships with potential field instructors and community agencies as potential field sites.

Students: Continuous daily contact with students in the program to exchange information and support success.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 1 or more years of experience in the field of social work. Experience within campus-based and/or online learning environments is highly desirable.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree required, preferably in social work or other social science. Master's degree from an accredited CSWE School of Social Work is highly desirable. Licensed independent social worker (LISW) or equivalent highly desirable.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Understanding of cultural, racial, and social identities.
2. Infuse anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work concepts in development of placements and establishing students' practicum expectations
3. Extensive practice skills and knowledge of social service agencies and community resources.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Ability to facilitate sensitive conversations in highly sensitive environments. 
6. Excellent technology and computer skills (i.e., Zoom, electronic records, Learning Management Systems, online instruction).
7. High degree of organization and ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
8. Knowledge and experience in all general areas of social work practice.
9. Familiarity with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) program standards.
10. Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
11. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
12. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
13. Consistently support positive and productive working relationships and work environment through daily interactions with colleagues, students, and community partners

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment will be the Mandel School building and field agencies. The workplace will be an office setting. The position requires travel and access to a vehicle.