MSW Practicum Coordinator

Position Overview
The Master of Social Work (MSW) Practicum Coordinator teaches, guides, monitors, and supports students, Practicum Instructors (social workers practicing at host agencies who supervise MSW interns), and the MSW program in the practicum component of the MSW program. Practicum comprises the largest portion of the MSW education and is identified by our accrediting body as the "signature pedagogy" of social work education. Practicum Coordinators, through enacting the essential functions listed below, guide students and Practicum Instructors through the practicum portion of their education and ensure that students are gaining the competencies they require to enter practice as MSW-level social workers upon graduation.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work-life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities
Teach Graduate Level Social Work Students (65%)

• Participate in the development of the curriculum for practicum.
• Teach, with a community co-facilitator/Community Adjunct, up to four practice seminars per semester, in a program that operates Monday through Saturday, including some evenings. Summer semester teaching to include two practice seminars.
• Serve as the practicum liaison for students in foundation (generalist) and specialization practicum placements.
• Meet at minimum, twice annually with each student and Task Supervisor/Practicum Instructor for liaison visits.
• Provide conflict management and support to students and Practicum Instructors within placements.
• Maintain positive relationships with Practicum Instructors within the community.
• Work with students to arrange appropriate supervision in innovative and non-traditional settings (e.g., international practicums).
• Utilize the School of Social Work's Intern Placement Tracking (IPT) and Canvas to monitor student progress and performance in all aspects of practicum, completing all evaluations and grade submissions, in consultation with students and Practicum Instructors.
• Advise graduate students. Provide both academic and professional development advising, and advice related to the intersection of personal and professional development to MSW students that often goes beyond the scope of most academic advising in the MSW program.
  

Participate and Support the Graduate Practicum Education Program (20%)

• Promote the integration of practicum instruction in the Master of Social Work (MSW) curriculum.
• Support the development and maintenance of practicum program materials, including the MSW Practicum Manual, practicum database, Practicum Instructor training materials, and evaluation tools for students in practicums.
• Participate in the long-range planning for practicum education and training in the Master of Social Work program.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of practicum events, including symposia, workshops, lectures, the annual Practicum Instructor luncheon, and the annual Practicum Agency Information Day event.
• Collaborate with and attend meetings of the practicum team.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Practicum Education to implement the evaluation of practice behaviors that make up the core competencies taught in the MSW curriculum.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of the Practicum Instructor training modules annually.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Practicum Education to implement and coordinate the summer practicum students, student orientation, and communication with other School of Social Work staff.
• Recruit agencies and social work units to serve as training sites for Practicum.
• Recruit, train, and support Practicum Instructors.
• Recruit, train, and support community practicum seminar liaisons/Community Adjuncts.
  

Represent Practicum Education and the School of Social Work (10%)

• Represent the School's Practicum component in meetings with local academic institutions for matching, Practicum Agency Information Day, and training events.
• Serve on the School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development, and University-wide committees as assigned or as elected. Attend and carry out responsibilities of committee assignments.
• Serve as a member of the School of Social Work's Practicum Advisory Board.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.
• Participate in monthly SSW Council and All Staff meetings.
  

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Develop new curricula and course content when requested.

Required Qualifications

• Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE accredited program, and 2-years minimum post-MSW social work experience
• Currently licensed as a social worker, either in the state of Minnesota or eligible to obtain Minnesota licensure (a successful candidate must be or become licensed in the state of Minnesota before their start date)
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing in English
• Social work experience with difference and diversity in practice, including knowledge of and service to historically oppressed populations, as well as commitment to anti-oppressive and anti-racist social work practice and education
• Ability to work with electronic and online information management and learning management systems
• Experience in effective collaboration, teamwork, and consultation
• Ability to travel within the Twin Cities metropolitan area and to greater Minnesota locations
• Ability to model ethical social work practice
• Evidence of attention to diverse identities in teaching or professional experience, and the commitment to support the University's work in diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Experience in an agency serving families and children
• Demonstrated abilities in collaboration, teamwork, and consultation
• Strong commitment to equity in social welfare services
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a practicum instructor of graduate social work students
• Knowledge of social work educational standards
• MN LICSW or LISW licensure
• Experience and certification in social work supervision
• More than three years of experience in a social work setting
• Knowledge of Twin Cities' metropolitan and state-wide social services
• Knowledge of national and international social work and social service context
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Effectiveness in teaching and/or training, as documented in participant evaluations

Department Overview

Founded in 1917 on its Dakota homeland, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The School offers several graduate and undergraduate educational programs including a PhD in Social Work; a Master of Social Work; a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and undergraduate minors in Family Violence Prevention, Social Justice, and Youth Studies. Underlying all these multidisciplinary programs is a social justice value base and a commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our society. The curricula of our educational programs, and faculty research and engagement, intentionally seek to emphasize and expand anti-racist perspectives, social, economic and racial justice, and decolonization. The School is the home to a variety of labs and centers that actively involve our students, staff, faculty, and community partners, e.g., the Youth Work Learning Lab, the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, the Center for Practice Transformation, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, an innovative partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services that is funded by the state legislature to further develop equitable child welfare practices.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $77,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).