Field Placement and Program Coordinator

How to Apply

All applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

In order for the Career Portal system to accept a cover letter please include a cover letter as a page of your resume document.

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States, as we are currently unable to sponsor visas for this job opening.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan School of Social Work's Office of Field Education seeks a Field Placement and Program Coordinator to support student field placements, develop relationships with community-based agencies, and contribute to the effective administration of the Office of Field Education.

This position combines field-placement coordination (approximately 60%) with program and administrative support (approximately 40%). The successful candidate will bring a student-centered approach, sound professional judgment, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to social work education, community engagement, and social work values and ethics.

The coordinator will work collaboratively with students, field faculty, School of Social Work colleagues, and community partners. Responsibilities include identifying and engaging potential field sites, facilitating student placement processes, responding to student questions, coordinating office operations, and supporting projects and initiatives of the Office of Field Education. The relative distribution of responsibilities may fluctuate during peak placement and program periods.

Responsibilities*

Field Placement Coordination (60%)

• Identify, recruit, and support prospective community-based field education sites.
• Assist with the selection, training, and ongoing engagement of field agencies.
• Develop field-placement opportunities that align with student learning needs and Office of Field Education requirements.
• Facilitate student placements with field agencies using established matching processes and protocols.
• Maintain accurate and timely placement information in relevant databases and systems.
• Communicate regularly with field faculty assigned to specific agencies and placement sites.
  
  
  

Student Placement Support

• Guide students through the administrative and procedural aspects of the field-placement process.
• Follow up with students regarding field plans, agency interviews, registration requirements, and required forms.
• Respond to initial student questions and concerns related to placement processes.
• Identify concerns requiring additional expertise and refer or escalate them to field faculty, the Assistant Director, or the Director of Field Education, as appropriate.
• Provide timely, accurate, and student-centered communication throughout the placement process.
  
  
  

Program and project coordination

• Participate in Office of Field Education team meetings, placement meetings, and online program meetings.
• Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Director of Field Education on projects involving:
• agency recruitment and development
• agency review and vetting
• student support services
• placement-process software and system enhancements
• curricular or program innovations
• Track project activities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Support other Office of Field Education initiatives and special projects as assigned.
  
  

Program and Administrative Support (40%)

• Provide welcoming and professional front-office support to students, faculty, staff, community partners, and visitors.
• Respond to general inquiries and direct individuals to the appropriate Office of Field Education resource or team member.
• Provide administrative and clerical support to the Director and Assistant Director of Field Education, field faculty, and other members of the office.
• Prepare and distribute reports, agendas, correspondence, and other materials.
• Record, edit, and distribute minutes for weekly team meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Draft, format, proofread, and manage written communications.
• Create and maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems.
• Coordinate room reservations and meeting logistics.
• Order, maintain, and monitor office supplies and equipment.
• Assist with purchasing, expense reconciliation, email communications, and other office processes as assigned.
• Help maintain a welcoming, professional, accessible, and organized office environment.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree and at least three years of post-graduate professional experience
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide responsive service to individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and contribute effectively within a team.
• Ability to understand, follow, and recommend improvements to complex administrative processes.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace applications, particularly Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.
  
  
  

Desired Qualifications*

• Strong commitment to the School of Social Work's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Experience in field education, student services, higher education, social work, human services, community engagement, or interagency collaboration.
• Experience supporting students through complex administrative or educational processes.
• Knowledge of field education practices and the role of field placements in social work education.
• Familiarity with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, its MSW program, and/or the Office of Field Education.
• Experience using relational databases, student-information systems, or other web-based administrative applications.
• Experience with one or more of the following: FileMaker Pro, Wolverine Access, PCard reconciliation, Emburse, or Constant Contact.
• Experience identifying process improvements and supporting the implementation of new systems or procedures.
  
  
  

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.