Job description

Talladega, AL

Type:Full Time
Contact Name:Talladega College Office of Human Resources
Contact Email:[email protected]

Position Overview:

Talladega College invites applications for the tenure-track position of Director of Social Work Practicum Education in the Department of Social Work. The successful candidate will have a dual role that includes teaching undergraduate social work courses and overseeing the field education component of the program. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and delivery of a high-quality social work program while guiding students in their professional field placements and internships. The Field Education Director will work closely with local social service agencies and community organizations to ensure students gain meaningful, hands-on experience, and develop the skills necessary to be successful social work practitioners.

Specific Qualifications:

• Education:
  • A Master of Social Work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program is required. A Ph.D. in Social Work or a related field is preferred.
• Experience:
  • At least two years of post-MSW professional social work practice in areas such as clinical social work, community practice, or social services.
  • Prior experience in field education, including field supervision, placement coordination, and mentoring of students in professional settings, is preferred.
  • Prior experience teaching at the undergraduate level in social work or related fields is desirable but not required.
  • Experience working with diverse student populations and a commitment to inclusive teaching and service is essential.
  • Strong knowledge of the social work profession, field education, and the roles and responsibilities of field instructors, agencies, and students.
• Other Requirements:
  • A demonstrated ability to engage in scholarship and research in the field of social work.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • A commitment to the mission of social work education and student development.
  • Current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a social worker (LCSW, LMSW, or similar) is preferred.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Field Education Experience: Extensive experience in field education and field placement coordination, including developing and maintaining relationships with community agencies.
  • Research Interests: An active or developing research agenda related to social work practice, field education, or social welfare policy.
  • Community Engagement: Experience in community partnerships, service learning, or social justice initiatives.
• Licensure:
  • Clinical licensure (LCSW or equivalent) in Alabama or another state is preferred.
• Professional Engagement:
  • Active membership in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) or other professional social work organizations.
• Grant Writing:
  • Experience or interest in securing external funding for research or program development.

Job Responsibilities:

The Director of Social Work Practicum Education will have the following key responsibilities:

1. Teaching & Instruction:
   • Teach undergraduate courses in social work, including foundational courses in social work practice, human behavior, and social welfare policy.
   • Develop and implement engaging course materials, assignments, and assessments aligned with program goals and social work competencies.
   • Provide mentorship to students and offer academic support through office hours and one-on-one advising.
   • Integrate real-world experiences into classroom learning, emphasizing the application of social work theory to practice.
2. Field Education & Student Placement:
   • Oversee the field education program, including student placements in social work agencies and organizations.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies and field instructors to ensure students receive high-quality, relevant field placements.
   • Match students with appropriate field placements based on their career goals, interests, and the needs of the community.
   • Conduct field site visits to monitor student progress, ensure agency standards, and provide support to field instructors.
   • Assist students with the development of learning plans and field education evaluations.
   • Address any issues that arise during field placements and provide mediation or conflict resolution as needed.
3. Research & Scholarly Activity:
   • Engage in scholarly research in the field of social work, with a focus on areas such as social work practice, field education, or community development.
   • Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present at national or regional conferences.
   • Foster student engagement in research projects and encourage undergraduate involvement in research activities.
4. Program Development & Accreditation:
   • Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the social work curriculum.
   • Participate in program assessments and evaluations to ensure the social work program meets accreditation standards set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
   • Support continuous improvement efforts within the social work program, including updating course content and developing new course offerings.
   • Assist in preparing materials for program reviews and accreditation visits.
5. Service & Outreach:
   • Serve on departmental, College-wide, and/or community committees.
   • Represent the Department of Social Work at recruitment events and participate in student recruitment efforts.
   • Build and maintain partnerships with local social service agencies and community organizations to enhance field education opportunities and support the program’s mission.
   • Contribute to the department’s mission of promoting social justice, diversity, and community engagement.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. A cover letter detailing qualifications, teaching philosophy, and commitment to field education.
2. A current curriculum vitae (CV).
3. A statement of research interests and research agenda.
4. A statement of teaching philosophy and experience with field education.
5. Contact information for at least three professional references.
6. (Optional) Evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as course evaluations, sample syllabi, or a teaching portfolio.

TALLADEGA COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER