Clinical Faculty - Director of MSW Field Education

OVERVIEW

The Department of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas invites applications for an 11-month Clinical Faculty position that also serves as the Director of MSW Field Education. This appointment includes responsibilities for teaching graduate-level social work courses as well as overseeing the MSW Field Education Program, with duties allocated equally between instruction and program leadership. A typical load for a faculty member at St. Thomas is six courses.

 

About the University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven, urban university. Located in a residential neighborhood with easy access to two downtown metropolitan centers, we are Minnesota’s largest private university with eight schools and colleges, 150+ undergraduate majors/minors, and 55 graduate programs. Learn more about life as a faculty member at the Join the Faculty at University of St. Thomas website.

 

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity, and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission. Learn more about the University of St. Thomas mission and convictions at the Office for Mission website.

 

Clinical Faculty Position

 

Teaching & Instruction:

• Teach a minimum of three assigned MSW courses in each 11-month contract period. These may include human behavior, foundational and clinical practicum seminars, and clinical methods. As the MSW field program changes, teaching load may be adjusted, in accordance with college and university policies. 
• Contribute to the development and revision of curricula aligned with social work competencies and program goals, in collaboration with faculty and MSW Program Director.
• Provide academic advising to MSW students, particularly those in practicum placement.

Specialty Engagement (in lieu of scholarship):

• Serve as Director of MSW Field Education
• Offer licensure preparation and training for MSW students
• Coordinate with the Board of Social Work and related agencies to provide up-to-date licensure resources
• Stay informed of emerging trends, innovations, and policy changes in social work education and practicum standards
• Coordinate field education trainings for community partners

Director of MSW Field Education

 

The Director of Field Education is responsible for leading and implementing the Field Education program in collaboration with the MSW Program Director. This position involves significant community engagement and outreach with social service agencies and licensed social work professionals, including the planning of ongoing training and professional development for all stakeholders.

 

The Field Director acts as a key liaison between the program, practicum students, and community partners. They work consultatively with the MSW Program Director to address student and agency issues, integrate practicum seminars with methods courses, and consult in hiring decisions related to practicum faculty. The Director also ensures compliance with CSWE accreditation standards and engages in continuous evaluation and improvement of the practicum program. Additionally, the Director will lead efforts to advance health equity through practicum education.

 

Service & Community Engagement:

• Serve on departmental and college-wide committees
• Represent the department at recruitment events and participate in outreach efforts
• Strengthen partnerships with local social service agencies and organizations to enhance practicum opportunities
• Contribute to the department’s mission of advancing social justice, equity, and community engagement

Program Development & Accreditation:

• Participate in ongoing development and evaluation of the MSW curriculum
• Support continuous improvement and program alignment with CSWE accreditation standards
• Assist in accreditation preparation, reporting, and site visits
• Develop new courses and revise existing ones as needed

Practicum Education & Student Placement:

• Oversee all aspects of the MSW Field education program, including student placements in social work agencies
• Build and maintain relationships with community agencies and practicum instructors
• Match students with placements that align with their interests and professional goals
• Conduct site visits to support student learning and agency partnership
• Guide students in developing learning plans and completing evaluations
• Address and resolve practicum-related issues through mediation and support

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications 

• MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is required
• Minimum of two years of post-MSW professional social work practice
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience at the MSW level
• Current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a social worker in Minnesota is required (LGSW required; LICSW highly preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Social Work or DSW
• Prior experience in practicum education (e.g., practicum supervision, internship coordination, mentoring students) is preferred

Salary and Benefits

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition remission for employees, spouses, and dependents upon eligibility.
• A generous employer retirement contribution upon eligibility.
• Medical, dental, and vision options.
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits.
• Paid parental leave benefits.  

Clinical Faculty Salary Range: $77,000 to $87,000

 

Director of MSW Field Education: This role is subject to renewal at least every 4 years upon mutual agreement through formal consultation with the MSW Program Director and the School of Social Work Chair. 

 

The University of St. Thomas has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information. 

 

How to Apply:

To be considered for this opportunity, all applicants must apply online athttps://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. 

 

The application process consists of several required steps, completed in the order outlined below.

 

Step 1.

You will first be asked to create an applicant profile. As part of creating your profile, you must upload the following materials: 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student evaluations, sample syllabi, or a teaching portfolio

 Step 2.

After submitting your applicant profile, you will be directed to the job‑specific application. During this step, you will be asked to:

• Copy and paste a job‑specific cover letter outlining qualifications, teaching philosophy, and commitment to practicum education
• Complete the required voluntary EEO, Veteran, and Disability self‑identification forms 

Step 3.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references who can speak directly to your teaching experience and qualifications.

• References will not be contacted without your permission
• Reference checks typically occur during the later stages of the search process 

All application materials must be submitted online through the University of St. Thomas employment site.