Field Director, Master of Social Work Program - College of Education and Community Innovation

Salary & Benefits: $72,000-$76,000, commensurate with experience 

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire. 

Primary Duties: 

• Coordination and placement of all MSW students entering field education, including orientation, evaluating student interest and educational needs, verifying academic readiness for field education, and making placement decisions, including employment-based field placement proposals.
• Provide consultation and mediation, as necessary, to students, Field Education Supervisors and faculty field liaisons.
• If/when informal methods to address concerns in the field education are unsuccessful, the MSW Field Director will implement policies related to disrupted placements through the practicum review process.
• Develop, maintain, assist, monitor, and evaluate community field placement sites.
• Recruit, screen, and develop quality new and expanded field placement locations, including those for specialized and underserved populations.
• Work with the GVSU Health Compliance office to complete affiliation agreements with social work field placement sites.
• Work with GVSU Health Compliance staff to ensure students complete Health Compliance requirements before and during field education.
• Attend and participate in the Health Compliance -Clinical Placement Committee’s quarterly meetings.
• Evaluate student learning experiences, progress, and outcomes. Develop, evaluate, update, and implement policies and procedures for field education, including reviewing and revising the field education manual.
• Maintain documentation including student field applications, new supervisor information, agency surveys, database entry, and online learning contract portal.
• Regular collaboration and communication with department directors, faculty, staff, students, and the community.
• Collaboration with other university departments that intersect with field education (Padnos International Center, Health Compliance, Legal, Clinical Placement Council, etc.).
• Maintain relationships with community partners and existing field education sites.
• Conduct an annual evaluation of field education, identifying, planning, and addressing trends in field education.
• Collect and/or analyze field outcome data.
• Select, orient, and develop work of the Faculty Field Liaisons, including meetings every semester.
• Coordinate and assign students to Faculty Field Liaisons and seminar groups.
• Convene Practicum Review Committee, Field Advisory Board, Faculty Field Liaison meetings, and Field Education Practice Committee.
• Plan, organize, and conduct field education training for faculty liaisons, students, and agency-based Field Education Supervisors related to field education.
• Collaborate with field education directors at other colleges and universities on the enhancement of field education.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement annual Field Supervisor Thank You event.
• Remain abreast of CSWE policies and procedures as they relate to Field Education and attend any relevant trainings/conferences.
• Participate in re-accreditation processes as related to Field Education.
• Attend/participate in Faculty/Staff meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE accredited MSW Program.
• Minimum of two years of post-MSW professional social work experience.
• Evidence of critical, reflective thinking about the role of field education within social work education.
• Record of, or demonstrated potential for, working with graduate students and community partners to support MSW field education. 
• Ability to provide leadership to the field education program through practice experience, field instruction experience, and administrative or other relevant academic and professional activities in social work
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with others with respect, empathy, and cultural humility.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, including a clear commitment to anti-racist social work practice in alignment with CSWE standards.
• Demonstrated ability to establish professional relationships, partnerships and collaborations, and network with community organizations and agencies.
• Ability to work productively with colleagues with flexibility and creativity.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Three years or more post MSW professional social work experience.
• LMSW (or equivalent license).
• Previous field placement coordination experience, strong skills in mediation and collaboration, knowledge of area social service agencies, and experience in program development and management.
• Ability to contribute to the diversity of the faculty through lived experience and/or professional practice. 

How to Apply:  Please include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation for the MSW Field Education Director position; (2) curriculum vitae or resume. Applications missing required documents will not be considered.

The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Cray Mulder at [email protected].  If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future. 

Application Deadline: Application closes September 24, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.