Program Field Coordinator - School of Social Work

Unit: School of Social Work

Department: School of Social Work

Duties & Responsibilities:

Field Program Coordinators for Student Placement at the VCU School of Social Work serve as dedicated partners in student learning, guiding BSW and MSW students from their initial field application through the completion of their final semester of field. Coordinators ensure students are prepared, supported, and empowered as they develop their professional identities and practice skills. They also cultivate and maintain relationships with community agencies to provide competency‑aligned placement environments. School of Social Work is seeking Program Field Coordinators The primary purpose of this position is to provide professional support to the Office of Field Education (OFE), which includes managing the cultivation and affiliation of field sites for students, assigning field placement assignments for students, leading course preparation for all assigned field courses, supporting faculty field liaisons working with students should placement disruptions/terminations emerge [in coordination with the Director of Field Education], manage student placement assignments and field courses in the Tavera database and provide support to students, faculty, and agency partners related to those placement assignments, attend and participate in all field education events, meetings and orientations, and other duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

Facilitation Placement Assignments

• Review student field applications for completion and assessment of social work interests, stage in the social work curriculum, skill sets, availability, and any special considerations (e.g., background checks, transportation needs, accommodations)
• Evaluate student interests, stage in the curriculum, skill sets, availability, and placement needs to determine alignment with appropriate agency settings and supervision models
• Match students with suitable agencies based on competencies, interests, availability, and identified considerations requiring additional support
• Guide students in submitting a well‑supported proposal when requesting to complete field with their current employer or a previously assigned agency
• Communicate with students and agencies throughout the matching process to clarify expectations, confirm interviews, and support informed decision‑making
• Facilitate and monitor the placement match process in ELC and workflow trackers from initial assignment through agency acceptance, ensuring all required steps—interviews, confirmations, documentation, and onboarding—are completed accurately and on time
• Verify that students have officially started placement and that agencies have confirmed the student’s onboarding and supervision plan
• Identify and escalate any barriers to placement (e.g., delays, declined matches, unmet accommodations) to ensure timely resolution and student progression
  
  

Coordination of Field Placement Engagement and Development Student Programming

• Provide instruction on completing field applications and submitting well‑supported proposals for employment‑based or returning‑agency placements
• Orient students to field education expectations, supervision structures, and competency‑based learning requirements
• Support students in developing a professional social work identity grounded in ethics, reflective practice, and competency‑based growth
• Offer programming that promotes skill development, reflective practice, and effective engagement in field
• Maintain consistent communication to ensure students remain informed, supported, and connected throughout their placement experience
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to deliver workshops, orientations, and developmental programming that enhance student readiness and success in field
  
  

Support Placement Site Development and Renewals

• Conduct outreach and respond to inquiries from prospective and renewing community partners
• Distribute standardized partnership materials and guide agencies through initial information‑gathering requirements
• Review agency submissions and assess alignment with program standards and CSWE competencies.
• Schedule and lead agency meetings to evaluate suitability, clarify expectations, and discuss supervision models, safety requirements, and student learning opportunities
• Educate agencies on placement processes, matching procedures, interview expectations, and student time commitments
• Initiate the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) workflow by confirming agency readiness and submitting required documentation
• Maintain consistent communication with agency representatives and internal leadership to ensure transparency and compliance
• Support accurate documentation and record‑keeping to maintain compliance and ensure agency information is current within field education systems
  
  

Office, Program, and School Governance

• Contribute to the ongoing development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the field education program
• Collect and analyze data on field orientation, engagement, and development programming to inform program enhancements
• Engage actively in office, program, school, and university committees, meetings, and initiatives, contributing to shared governance and strategic planning
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
  
  

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an CSWE accredited institution, or equivalent education & experience
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of post‑MSW experience in social work practice, including experience in clinical, direct practice, or field education roles
• Demonstrated ability to engage collaboratively and support the professional development of students or emerging practitioners
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of social work practice, ethics, and theoretical frameworks
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, community partners, faculty, and staff
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time‑management skills
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple responsibilities and priorities
• Comfort with technology, databases, and online teaching platforms
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Licensure

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an CSWE accredited institution
• Current, valid social work clinical license (LCSW, LICSW, or equivalent)
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Familiarity with social work education curriculum and the mission, values, and fields of social work practice
• College‑level teaching or training experience
• Knowledge of state, local, and community‑based social service organizations
  
  

Salary Range: $53,000 - $57,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: Specialist SS

Contact Information

Contact Name: Jazmyn Porter

Contact Email: porterj2@vcu.edu