Director of Field Education (Master of Social Work)

Position Summary

Bellevue University is seeking a skilled and collaborative Assistant Professor to develop and lead the field education component of our new Master of Social Work program. The successful candidate will act as the director of field education and be responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of field education within the framework of CSWE accreditation standards. This pivotal role involves establishing community partnerships, developing field policies and procedures, ensuring quality learning experiences, and supporting students and field instructors throughout the field education process. This full-time faculty member will work closely with the MSW Program Director to ensure field education is effectively integrated into the overall curriculum and meets CSWE accreditation requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Field Program Development and Leadership

• Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive field education program aligned with CSWE standards and the program's mission and goals
• Develop field education policies, procedures, forms, and manuals in accordance with CSWE requirements
• Collaborate with the MSW Program Director on field education's integration with overall curriculum and accreditation efforts
• Manage field education budget and resources effectively
• Stay current with innovations and best practices in social work field education

Community Partnerships and Field Site Development

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with social service agencies, healthcare organizations, government entities, schools, and other potential field placement sites
• Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse network of qualified field placement sites that offer varied learning opportunities across multiple practice areas
• Negotiate and maintain affiliation agreements with partner organizations
• Conduct site visits to evaluate potential and existing field placement settings
• Represent the MSW program in the professional community and build the program's reputation

Field Instructor Recruitment and Development

• Recruit, select, and support qualified field instructors who meet CSWE requirements
• Develop and implement field instructor orientation and training programs
• Provide ongoing support, consultation, and professional development opportunities for field instructors
• Recognize and appreciate field instructors' contributions to social work education

Student Placement and Support

• Develop and implement processes for assessing student readiness for field education
• Match students with appropriate field placements based on educational needs and career goals
• Conduct field orientation for students prior to placement
• Monitor student progress and address challenges that arise during field placements
• Mediate conflicts between students, field instructors, and placement sites when necessary
• Ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations in field settings

Program Assessment and CSWE Accreditation Support

• Design and implement assessment strategies to evaluate field education outcomes
• Collect, analyze, and utilize data for continuous improvement of field education
• Prepare field education components for CSWE accreditation submissions
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for accreditation purposes
• Collaborate with Program Director on self-study development related to field education

Teaching and Advising

• Teach field seminar courses as needed
• Provide academic and professional advising to MSW students
• Participate in faculty meetings and serve on program and university committees

Qualifications and Requirements

Required Qualifications

• MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Minimum of five years post-MSW practice experience
• Minimum of two years of experience in social work field education or field instruction
• Familiarity with CSWE accreditation standards related to field education
• Demonstrated understanding of competency-based field education
• Strong connections with the social work practice community
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Social Work or related field
• Experience as a Director of Field Education or Assistant Director
• Experience with developing field education programs for new MSW programs
• Direct involvement with CSWE accreditation processes
• Experience with field education in both clinical and macro practice settings
• Knowledge of online or hybrid field education models
• Experience with field education database management systems
• Active involvement in professional social work organizations (NASW, CSWE, etc.)
• Current social work licensure or eligibility for licensure in Nebraska

Pay and Benefits

• The yearly salary for this role ranges from $65,000 - $80,000
• Bellevue University full-time faculty enjoy an excellent benefits package which include: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b) retirement and tuition remission.

Information Needed to Apply

• Cover letter addressing how qualifications match position requirements, with specific emphasis on field education experience and community connections
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of philosophy regarding social work field education
• Names and contact information for three professional references, including at least one from a community agency partner

Note: this position is not open to candidates located in California.

NOTE:  The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job.  It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires institutions participating in federally funded financial aid programs to make information about the institution available to the public, current and prospective students, and current and prospective employees. The Bellevue University Consumer Information webpage, found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/consumer-information, provides readily accessible information to help consumers make informed decisions about post-secondary education. Bellevue University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR), found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/pdfs/annual-safety-report.pdf, provides information about campus crime statistics and institutional security policies and procedures as well as information about student housing fire statistics and fire safety policies. You can obtain a paper copy of these reports from the Bellevue Dean of Students office by calling 402-557-7028. In addition to this, Bellevue University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.