Faculty and Field Education Director for Social Work program

Olivet College, a liberal arts college in south central Michigan with a long-standing commitment to inclusion and diversity, invites applications for a Field Education Director within our Social Work program. The position is a full-time tenure track faculty position and will be responsible for instruction currently at the undergraduate level. We are looking for candidates who are interested in helping to shape this exciting program at the college as we expand our existing Social Work minor into a Bachelor of Social Work and obtain CSWE accreditation for the program. The college is also developing a Master of Social Work program building upon the BSW program. Successful candidates will work with students in the program, provide online and on-campus instruction and program development, and engage in scholarship in their areas of disciplinary interest. Course releases will be provided for the fulfillment of the administrative responsibilities of the position.

We seek an individual interested in developing connections locally, regionally, and nationally with the goal of developing effective and engaging field education sites for our students.  The successful candidate will have a record of effective program outreach and development work and interest in working with students to coordinate applied learning experiences. Candidates must also be familiar with the accreditation and licensure demands for successful field education experiences for CSWE-accredited programs.

Given the college’s commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive faculty, members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.  The BSW program includes a strong commitment to preparing social workers who are devoted to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are seeking colleagues who share our institutional vision of individual and social responsibility and who can work collaboratively to develop this exciting program at the college.  Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated competence working with culturally diverse groups in teaching, scholarship, and/or service.

Position Requirements:  DSW or PhD in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program is preferred; ABD from such program may be considered.

The successful candidates will have demonstrated successful teaching including both classroom and online instruction and should demonstrate commitment to innovation and excellence in using technology in the classroom. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated competence working with culturally diverse groups in teaching, scholarship, and/or service.

Candidates must indicate a clear commitment to teaching and provide evidence of the ability to create positive and engaging learning experiences for students and facilitate student learning in the classroom and online. Candidates who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students in a collaborative, collegial, and engaging academic environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

 Position Responsibilities:  

1. Manage field education practicums and internships within the program.
   • Assure that students are academically and professionally prepared and meet the requirements for practicum and internship placement.
   • Provide training and support to college faculty and staff and site supervisors.
   • Provide clinical training orientation and structure for students.
   • Verify ongoing communication between faculty and site supervisors.
   • Facilitate annual faculty review of procedures and implementation of improvements in field education experiences.
   • Serve as a liaison between the program and the placement sites to meet the needs of the sites and the students. 
   • Coordinate with information technology staff on integrating a cloud-based, field training software that is used to track and evaluate trainees’ clinical experiences; and to manage field education placements and supervision.
2. Create, revise, and manage the field education training program manuals, policies, and procedures annually.
3. Work collaboratively with Program Director.
   • Create developmental assessment process for practicum and internship that meets CSWE requirements.
   • Develop standards for site and supervisor qualifications, approval, and ongoing review process.
   • Scheduling field education courses and faculty.

Successful candidates will be expected to teach in the program and will be provided with course releases to fulfill the administrative responsibilities of their position. Core faculty in the program are responsible for course delivery, assessment, and curriculum development, as well as engagement with students in the capacity of mentor and academic advisor. Along with instruction and student engagement, faculty responsibilities include scholarship and service to the college, the discipline or profession, and the larger society. Faculty members are expected to participate in the academic life of their department and the College.

Starting Date:  July 1, 2023.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue as required.

Application Process:  Once in the Career Center, click on “Apply” to set up a profile and upload the following materials:

1. Letter of application;
2. Current resume or curriculum vitae with contact information for three references;
3. Evidence of professional licensure;
4. One-page statement of your interest in and experience with working with a diverse population of students in a multi-ethnic environment;
5. Statement of teaching philosophy and approach to the assessment of student learning;
6. Transcript from the highest degree-granting institution related to the position (official or unofficial) and/or documentation of graduate coursework or relevant certification in the area of instruction; and
7. Student evaluations (if available). 

Offer of hire is contingent upon receipt of official transcripts, completion of a background check, and verification of information submitted. Applicants are required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States at the time of hire and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form and provide required documentation.  

About the College:  Olivet College was founded in 1844 as a college open to all regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay.  The college’s faculty and staff continue its tradition of creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for students.  The college is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state of Michigan and actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff.  Students from underrepresented minorities constituted 26% of the fall 2022 undergraduate student body, with over 15% of the student body identifying as African American.  The student body is a mix of urban and rural students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation college attendees.  The college’s faculty and staff are committed to providing personalized, individualized attention for students who commit themselves to seeking academic and personal success.