MSW Core Faculty & Assistant MSW Field Director

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Full-Time Core Faculty and Assistant MSW Field Director at Pacific Oaks College is a dual-role position within the Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The role is pivotal in delivering high-quality instruction and overseeing critical aspects of the field education program. Primary responsibilities include teaching courses, advising students, contributing to curriculum development, and assisting with the administration and coordination of field education. The position also plays an essential role in ensuring compliance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) field education standards.

In addition to teaching and curriculum responsibilities, the Assistant MSW Field Director collaborates with the MSW Field Director on tasks such as recruiting and assessing field sites, managing student placements, maintaining student records, and resolving conflicts between students, field instructors, and agencies. This role emphasizes leadership in fostering a culturally responsive learning environment that prepares students for professional practice in social work and contributes to the program’s growth and mission.

This position reports to the Dean of the School of Cultural & Family Psychology and is based in Pasadena, California, with the possibility of remote work upon approval by the College.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The incumbent establishes methods and procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives and receives guidance in terms of broad goals. Only the final results of work are typically reviewed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Teaching and Curriculum Development:

• Teach 24 credits per academic year and deliver diverse course offerings. Reduction of teaching credits is at the discretion of the Dean.

• Develop and manage curriculum, ensuring content aligns with CSWE competency standards and current social work practices.

• Update syllabi and CANVAS course shells as needed.

• Teacher field seminar courses as assigned.

Student Support and Advisement:

• Advise and mentor students on academic, career, and personal development.

• Provide a minimum of 12 hours of virtual office hours weekly, including evening availability for assignment assistance.

• Assist with creating MSW student Educational Plans and field placement.

Field Education Management and Assessment:

• Assist the MSW Field Director in recruiting and assessing potential field sites statewide.

• Coordinate student placements and maintain current data on field placements and student status.

• Assist with orientation, educational seminars, and field assessment data collection.

• Address and resolve conflicts between students, field instructors, and agencies.

Institutional Support:

• Participate in MSW program events, including student recruitment, orientation, and engagement activities.

• Provide leadership and support to adjunct faculty.

• Support CSWE accreditation processes and assist with site visit preparations.

• Attend Faculty Council meetings and professional development activities.

Additional Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Is regular attendance an essential function?  ☒ Yes         ☐ No

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE:

• Advanced understanding of social work theory and practice, especially in clinical and community-based approaches.

• Familiarity with curriculum design, instructional methods, and field education best practices.

• Knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards and social work educational requirements.

• Understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in educational settings.

• Knowledge of ethical and legal issues in social work practice and education.

SKILLS:

• Strong instructional skills for delivering engaging and effective lectures, facilitating discussions, and addressing different learning styles.

• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum and field education programs.

• Competence in conducting and disseminating research relevant to social work.

• Excellent communication skills for clearly explaining complex concepts and providing constructive feedback.

• Strong organizational skills to manage teaching, advising, and program responsibilities effectively.

ABILITIES:

• Ability to collaborate with colleague