Social Work Assistant Professor, Director of Field Education

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and  Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

This is a twelve-month full-time, extended term, academic position.  Candidates must have a MSW degree from a CSWE accredited university and a social work license.  The Director of Field Education assumes a leadership role in providing a student-centered placement process. In coordination with the MSW Program and BSW Program Directors.  This position will establish partnerships between the MSW/BSW programs and community agencies for the purpose of securing quality placements for all students in the social work program. Additional responsibilities include MSW student field advising, placement data tracking and management, agency and supervisor development, event and training coordination and facilitation, and database management. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, implement, and manage all aspects of the MSW field education program
• Provide oversight for the BSW field education program
• Ensure compliance with CSWE accreditation standards related to field education
• Develop and revise field education policies and procedures
• Coordinate student placements
• Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with a diverse array of social work agencies
• Evaluate agencies for suitability as field placements and facilitate completion of agency affiliation agreement
• Provide support and conflict resolution for students and agencies during placements
• Oversee the completion of all necessary documentation (learning contracts, evaluations, etc.)
• Meet with students to assess learning needs, match with appropriate agencies and follow-up until successful confirmation of placement
• Manage requests for unique student placements and initiate contact to develop and approve new sites
• Onboard all field students
• Provide consultation and mentorship to new agencies on structuring internship, developing appropriate learning activities for students to meet program and accreditation requirements
• Update all materials for agency screening visits and coordinate with field team to ensure materials are updated and available
• Train and support field instructors and field liaisons in their roles
• Collaborate with faculty to ensure field education is integrated into the overall MSW curriculum
• Organize field instructor orientations and appreciation events
• Monitor and evaluate field program outcomes and student learning objectives
• Compile data and prepare reports for accreditation and institutional review
• Participate in curriculum development and strategic planning
• Represent the MSW program on community panels and at community events
• Work in tandem with the field team to develop and maintain field database
• Chair and serve as a member of the Field Team, participating in events, policy making, process decisions and other areas as needed
• Serve on MSW departmental committees as needed
• Other duties as assigned
• Oversee the MSW and BSW Field Coordinators
• This position may supervise student employees
• Teach Field Seminar courses as assigned
• Provide MSW student advising

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: 

• Participate in MSW program activities & development as assigned
• Support MSW admissions work as assigned

JOB SCOPE:

The duties of this position are primarily performed independently in alignment with the MSW/BSW Program policies and procedures.  Direction and consultation are available through the MSW Program Director.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:

In consultation with the Associate Online MSW Field Director, the MSW Program Director and BSW Program Director,  supervise Online Field Coordinator and  BSW Field Coordinator. May also supervise student workers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of post-MSW professional experience
• Social work licensure

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND BEHAVIORS

• Demonstrated experience in social work education and/or field instruction
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Acute attention to detail
• Knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times utilizing FERPA guidelines
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Remain calm under pressure
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision making
• Demonstrate professionalism in potentially stressful situations and excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate professional appearance and demeanor at all times including when on camera with students, faculty, staff and agency partners
• Demonstrate ability to work in a team environment
• Respond to communication in a timely manner, generally within the same working day
• Ask questions and seek assistance
• Ability to work with spreadsheets
• Ability to work with online field management platforms including but not limited to Intern Placement Tracking, My Record Tracker  and Certiphi.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May require travel to local field sites
• Limited evening or weekend hours may be necessary
• Office setting with occasional off-site meetings or visits
• Use of remote technology

Application Materials:  

To apply, please upload the following application materials along with your Paycom application:

• Cover Letter

• CV

• Statement of teaching philosophy

• Evidence of teaching excellence (course evaluations, etc.)​​​

Persons who do not follow and complete the application process will not be considered for employment.

Review of complete applications will be begin 9/8/25

Application Process

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Offers of employment at Pacific University are contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and a successful criminal background check.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. We understand that diverse perspectives and life experiences contribute to personal and professional growth and help create a thriving community. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

Pacific University is a safe, welcoming work environment that values community and collaboration. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

Equal Opportunity Employment

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.