Position OverviewThis Associate Director position focuses on assisting students who pursue employment-based practicums (EBP) and who reside more than one hour from the Lawrence or Edwards campus, and students who attend a partner site. The position provides administrative management and support to the Practicum Office for MSW programs located on the Lawrence, Edwards, K-State (Salina, KS-partner site), and Jayhawk Global (online) campuses. The Associate Director reports to the Director of Practicum. The position can be based on either the Lawrence or Edwards campus, or remotely at the Practicum Director and Dean's discretion. Occasional periods of travel may be required to meet with students, practicum instructors, and liaisons at the different campus locations and to make practicum site visits, or to attend social work education conferences.
Because of fluctuations in MSW student enrollments and other demands on the Practicum Office, flexibility in work assignments related to the placement of 350-450 students and support of practicum education programming is necessary. While this position primarily involves responsibility for placement of social work students and practicum site recruitment, it may also include significant liaison, instruction, and orientation/event responsibility. The scope of the liaison and instructional role are contingent on curriculum developments and student enrollment. In some years, the projected percentages of work assignments may vary. Extensive communication with students, practicum instructors, practicum site personnel, liaisons, faculty, and School of Social Welfare staff is an ongoing requirement of this position. Effective collaboration with all members of the Practicum Office staff is essential.
Job Description
50% - Manages all aspects of preparation, planning, and placement of students with a practicum site, most of which occurs within the practicum planning software Sonia Online. Provides information about practicum requirements to prospective and enrolled students individually, in small groups, and at orientations. The responsibility includes replacement of students during the academic year when practicum disruptions occur, and replacement is authorized. It also includes counsel and advising students on issues related to field instruction and career opportunities.
25% - Develop with the Director of Practicum employment based practicum (EBP) and distance practicum site recruitment and onboarding procedures, including web-based and Sonia Online applications; this includes collaborating with information technology staff, the communications coordinator, and the Practicum Office team to develop and maintain online information and data management relevant to the functions of the Practicum Office. Communicates regularly with practicum sites to maintain up-to-date record of placements available throughout the academic year, and to recruit qualified practicum instructors. Assists the Director of Practicum and Administrative Associate with managing affiliation agreements for EBP and distance practicum sites. Periodic practicum visits (virtual or in-person) to recruit, maintain, and enhance practicum site participation in practicum education are also included.
20% - Conducts liaison visits, most virtually; and administers assignments including grading of assignments. Participates in planning orientation programs, workshops, and practicum education events necessary to the goals and functions of the Practicum Office. This includes recruitment of presenters, preparation of presentations, and notices or invitations for these events. May teach and/or assists with the coordination of a social work course outside of practicum in the Fall and or Spring semesters.
5% - Initiate and participate in initiatives to enhance opportunities for student stipends.
Required Qualifications
MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Minimum of five years post-MSW, full-time social work experience.
Minimum of three years of experience providing practicum instruction to social work students (BSW and/or MSW levels).
At least one year of experience working with a planning/programming software database or client case management software.
At least one year of experience with community outreach activities.
Experience that includes contributions and engagement in areas of equity and inclusion, as evidenced by resume, supplemental applicant questions, and interview.
Proficient in relevant software (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Effective written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by resume, supplemental applicant questions, and interview.
Current social work license or eligibility for social work licensure.
Preferred Qualifications
Liaison experience.
Experience with teaching or facilitating training/presentations.
Work experience within a social work academic context (accredited BSW and/or MSW degree programs).
Familiarity with the Council on Social Work Education educational policy and accreditation standards pertaining to practicum education.
Professional experience reviewing/establishing affiliation agreements.
Professional experience in more than one area of social work practice.
Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application consists of a resume, cover letter, response to the supplemental equity question, and three references. Incomplete incomplete applications will not be considered.
Review of applications will begin May 1st, 2024 and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
#LI-HR1Contact Information to Applicantskellyjones@ku.edu or 785-864-2663Advertised Salary Range$63,000 - $68,000Work ScheduleMonday-Friday, 8-5:00, Some SaturdaysApplication Review BeginsWednesday May 1, 2024Anticipated Start DateMonday May 20, 2024Apply to Job
