Assistant Professor / Director of Practicum Education, Department of Social Work
Mount Saint Mary's University
Application
Details
Posted: 20-Dec-24
Location: Los Angeles, California
Internal Number: 5887140
Assistant Professor / Director of Practicum Education, Department of Social Work
Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles, invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month, Contractually Limited Term (CLT) the Director of Practicum Education for the BSSW program in the Department of Social Work.
Director of Practicum Education (DPE)
The Director of Practicum Education serves as the statewide coordinator responsible for oversight of all field functions and aspects of field instruction.
The Director of Practicum Education provides administrative support for all aspects of practicum education within their specific program and/or assigned curriculum. The DPE will have primary responsibility for recruiting and assessing practicum placement agencies and Practicum Instructors, engaging students in the practicum planning process and assigning students to specific practicum placements. DPE's often act as consultants to Practicum Faculty Advisors, Practicum Instructors, agency directors, and students in resolving practicum difficulties.
This position also includes teaching responsibilities (9 units per year), such as instructing core curriculum, practicum-related courses and supporting the integration of field experiences into the broader academic curriculum.
A Social Work Director of Practicum Education is primarily responsible for overseeing the entire practicum placement process for social work students, including recruiting agencies, training Practicum Instructors, placing students in appropriate settings, monitoring student progress, and resolving any issues that may arise during their practicum experience; essentially acting as the bridge between the academic program and community agencies where students will gain practical experience.
Our Social Work program is currently in the early phases of pursuing accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). As the program progresses toward achieving CSWE accreditation, this role holds the exciting potential to expand field practicum opportunities to future Master of Social Work (MSW) students and contribute to the growth and development of a high-quality MSW program.
Position Annual Hiring Salary Range: $89,000 - $92,000
Hiring salary can be above the posted pay range if candidate's qualifications are determined to be above the minimum requirements of the position description.
Key Responsibilities:
Agency Recruitment and Development:
Identify and cultivate relationships with diverse community agencies suitable for social work fieldplacements.
Assess agency capacity to supervise students, align with curriculum, and uphold ethical standards.
Conduct thorough Practicum Education Orientation sessions for practicum placements regarding CSWEguidelines, curriculum expectation, MSMU policies, ethical guidelines, and expectations for fieldpractice.
Conduct site visits to evaluate potential practicum placements.
Negotiate agreements with agencies regarding student placements and learning objectives.
Practicum Instructor Training and Support
Recruit and screen qualified individuals to serve as Practicum Instructors.
Deliver comprehensive training sessions for Practicum Instructors on social work theory, practice skills,student supervision, and documentation requirements.
Provide ongoing support and consultation to Practicum Instructors throughout the placement period.
Student Placement and Orientation
Match students with appropriate practicum placements based on their learning goals and agency needs.
Conduct thorough Practicum Education Orientation sessions for students regarding agency policies,ethical guidelines, and expectations for field practice.
Develop individualized learning plans with students and Practicum Instructors to ensure specific learningobjectives are met.
Student Supervision and Evaluation
Regularly monitor student progress through site visits, communication with Practicum Instructors, andstudent self-assessments.
Address any concerns or challenges encountered by students during their practicum placement.
Provide feedback to students and Practicum Instructors on performance and areas for improvement.
Conduct formal evaluations of students' practicum experiences, including assessment of competencydevelopment.
Administrative Tasks
Maintain comprehensive records of student placements, Practicum Instructor information, and agencyagreements.
Coordinate with faculty liaisons to ensure alignment between classroom instruction and practicumexperiences.
Prepare reports on practicum activities and student outcomes for program review as well as departmentaland university assessment reports.
Send periodic announcements related to deadlines and policy issues.
Participate in and maintain an active presence at the Field Directors Forum on CSWE SPARK.
Engage with the Los Angeles Consortium for Accredited Social Work Programs.
Provide academic advisement.
Provide recommendations as it relates to practicum education to Department Chair.
Job Requirements: Required Skills and Qualifications:
Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE accredited university or college
A minimum of two years post-MSW social work experience
Experience in social work practice across diverse settings
Strong understanding of social work ethics and professional standards
Continuous knowledge of current NASW, ASWB, and CSWE EPAS standards
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
Ability to build relationships with community agencies and Practicum Instructors
Organizational skills and attention to detail for managing student placements and documentation
Recommended Skills:
Experience as a Practicum Education Faculty member and/or Practicum Instructor
Experience as an Instructor/Lecturer in a Social Work program
Maintain an active license in state of California (LCSW)
Knowledge of SWEAP software
Use of Canvas LMS platform
Knowledge of Microsoft technology
Additional Information: Work Location: Doheny Campus (Downtown Los Angeles) with some days at the Chalon Campus (West LA)
Start Date: July 1, 2024
Applications Deadline: Open until filled
Mount Saint Mary's University's commitment to equity, diversity and justice (EDJ) is steeped in the tradition and legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), our Catholic identity, mission and values. We are unwavering in our pursuit of inclusion, belonging and antiracism. We aspire to achieve our love of dear neighbor without distinction, which permeates all forms of social identities and human experiences.
We honor and celebrate our similarities and differences. We are committed to the full inclusion of the entire Mount community. Due to historical legacies of exclusion, we offer particular care for underrepresented populations. We define diversity in the broadest sense, including but not limited to, age, differences in culture, citizenship status, disability, family status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, generational history, genetic information, geographic origin, language, political perspectives, mental and physical ability, military service, national origin, race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, size and socioeconomic class.
Welcoming individuals from a variety of backgrounds improves and enriches our learning, living and working environments. Any breach of these values harms our community. Mount Saint Mary's University transforms its culture through the radical pursuit of institutionalized change. We strive for a campus where students, staff, faculty, alumnae and all whom we encounter feel welcomed, valued and are supported to reach their full potential.
As we pursue our never-ending journey toward a more equitable, inclusive and antiracist campus in our richly diverse community, we welcome you.
Mount Saint Mary's University is an independent, Catholic, liberal arts university which provides a values-based undergraduate education for women, as well as innovative programs for professional men and women on two historic campuses in Los Angeles. The Mount is the only Catholic university primarily for women in the Western United States. It is also nationally recognized for its academic programs, its culturally diverse student body, and its focus on preparing the next generation of citizen leaders.