Associate Director of Practicum Education and Community Partnerships

Department: College of Public Health

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Security Clearance Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Social Work is dedicated to advancing holistic human health and well-being by engaging with diverse populations across various systems and throughout the life course. Our internationally recognized faculty bring expertise in key areas such as substance use, mental health, family and sexual violence prevention, aging, immigration, and parenting/child development. The department has a long-standing tradition of faculty-student-community research collaborations that strengthen both social work education and practice. The department is at the forefront of training the next generation of social workers using evidence-based practices and leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, including digital technology, computing techniques, creative arts, and trauma-informed holistic approaches to promote community-engaged research and interventions. Offering both BSW and MSW degree programs, including a full online MSW option, our curriculum is rooted in social justice and provides students with foundational social work knowledge. We emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and preparedness for diverse roles in clinical, organizational, and community settings. Situated within a College of Public Health, our students benefit from unique interprofessional and interdisciplinary opportunities, which deepen their understanding of the root causes of social issues and help shape their career trajectories. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through partnerships with over 300 practicum sites across the nation. Located in the Washington DC metropolitan area, the department offers an ideal environment to engage with various communities and to influence social change at the local, regional, and national levels. Further information about the department may be found at https://socialwork.gmu.edu.

About the Position:

Under the supervision and direction of the Director of Practicum Education, the Associate Director of Practicum Education and Community Partnerships provides a variety of educational and administrative services for BSW, MSW on-campus, and MSW online students and has operational and management responsibility of placing and managing social work placements in community agencies for their practicum. The Associate Director of Practicum Education recruits, assesses, and works with community agencies that provide appropriate practicum opportunities as set forth by our accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education.

Responsibilities:

• Assists the Director of Practicum Education (PE) in training and support of PE Liaisons, PE Instructors, and students;
• Conducts student interviews to make appropriate match to practicum agency;
• Supports community development and engagement with partner agencies, alumni and prospective students through online platform management and community-focused continuing education and events;
• Recruitment and development of new agencies to host social work Practicum Education students;
• Assists with the Department’s Advisory Council;
• Participates in departmental activities through committees and participate in a variety of other professional activities based upon the college and university’s needs and the professional’s unique skill set; and
• Completes other assignments as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program with at least 5 years of post-MSW social work experience;
• Experience in practicum education in academic settings;
• Strong, demonstrated experience in providing anti-racist, inclusive and equitable social work practice with students and colleagues;
• Knowledge of CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards;
• Knowledge of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet, and database capabilities;
• Administrative, leadership, management, and supervisory knowledge and skills;
• Skills in interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution;
• Organizational, time management, and detail-oriented abilities;
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with a diverse student population; and
• A professional social work identity with accompanying values and ethics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years as practicum instructor in agency-based practice with previous experiences in social work practicum education;
• LCSW; and
• Bi-lingual (spoken, written).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Associate Director of Practicum Education and Community Partnerships (Req#:10002847) at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include  1) A cover letter summarizing practicum education and leadership/management experience; 2) Leadership philosophy; 3) A complete curriculum vitae; and 4) Three professional references with full contact information, one of which should be a current supervisor.

Posting Open Date: June 13, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  July 7, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes