Reporting to the Interim Director for the Office of Practicum Learning at the Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW), the Associate Director is responsible for the development and management of graduate-level Social Work student practicum opportunities and the management of or assistance with one or more specialization and method areas.

The Associate Director will play a multifaceted role in managing and enhancing practicum education. Responsibilities include identifying and authorizing new practicum sites, recruiting and training practicum instructors and education coordinators, facilitating student placements, co-chairing Practicum Area of Practice Advisory Committees, and managing the Practicum Education Placement Planning Preferences. Additionally, the incumbent will maintain the Office's data management system and oversee information related to students and agency sites. Collaborating with faculty, students, advisors, and professionals in the field, the Associate Director will also manage significant program components, coordinate SIFI courses, and lead research initiatives and special projects in practicum education.

This is a temporary 6-month role.

• Develop and maintain relationships with practicum sites by identifying and recruiting agencies/organizations suitable for graduate-level Social Work practicum opportunities and cultivating ongoing relationships with their leadership.
• Serve as a liaison to facilitate and manage arrangements/agreements between these organizations and CSSW, ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships.
• Oversee the practicum learning and placement process, ensuring each student secures a suitable practicum site and providing essential information and guidance to facilitate their professional development.
• Engage in discussions with students about practicum options, offer support and mediation when necessary, and work towards enhancing their learning experience and resolving any difficulties.
• Provide practicum instructors with relevant CSSW practicum learning information to aid in effective student learning and evaluation.
• Collaborate with the Office of Advising and faculty members to address student issues and pedagogical matters and contribute to the design and implementation of practicum learning initiatives and projects.
• Facilitate the Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) Training and reinforce the Motivational Interviewing (MI) Skills Lab training.
• Oversee and provide supervision to students in their field placements, collaborating with relevant parties to address and resolve any issues faced by students, ensuring a smooth and effective learning experience.
• Review student work on a weekly basis and provide constructive feedback to enhance their learning and performance.
• Conduct site visits and engage in telephone or video conferences with students and agency representatives to monitor progress and address any needs or concerns.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of various activities within the Office of Practicum Learning, including curricular development, student practicum planning, support for practicum instructors, advisor training, and professional conferences related to practicum learning.
• Actively participate in and contribute to department, staff, and sub-committee meetings, bringing valuable insights and ideas to enhance practicum learning initiatives.
• Undertake additional developmental duties and tasks as required or assigned, ensuring they align with the goals and needs of the Office of Practicum Learning.