Adjunct Faculty Field Liaison, Graduate School of Social Work

Position Summary

The GSSW Field Liaison is an adjunct faculty member that teaches as part of the field course sequence (SOWK 4950 Foundation Internship/SOWK 4970 Concentration Internship). The Field Liaison is the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work's representative to the field placement agency and is expected to serve as a consultant to both the agency supervisor(s) and the student. In addition, the Liaison serves as the primary link in the internship triad of student, agency/field instructor and the Graduate School of Social Work. The primary purpose of the Field Liaison is to monitor the educational field placement experience to ensure a quality learning experience and be proactive in communication with the student and the agency supervisor throughout the duration of the internship.

The Field Liaison role is a commitment of 2-3 quarters for a cohort of around 16 students. This means that Field Liaisons will be assigned to teach the SOWK 4950/4970 courses for two to three consecutive quarters. Adjuncts are paid three credits for each quarter they are assigned a SOWK 4950/SOWK 4970 field course, for a total of 6-9 credits per cohort assignment.

In unique circumstances, Field Liaisons may be assigned a reduced cohort size at a prorated rate of pay.

This posting will serve for multiple openings throughout the 2026-27 academic year and for those whose contracts may continue beyond that time.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities to the Student

• Orients the student to field instruction and the use of supervision.
• Orients the student to the online field course, and ensures completion of all required modules
• Clarifies program policies and procedures.
• Provides the student with instruction to facilitate development of a Learning Contract; monitors adherence to field database system for learning contracts. Visits each agency virtually a minimum of three times during the student's internship, and more often if needed. Site visits for Denver Campus may be required to be in person at times.
• Mentors student through their role as a student learner and professional.
• Monitors learning experience to ensure appropriate graduate level educational experience; and assists the student in identifying meaningful learning opportunities.
• Is available throughout the year to assist students when concerns/ questions arise.
• Reviews and responds as needed to the weekly check-ins in the online course
• Reviews field evaluations, time logs, and all internship documentation prior to submitting field grades.

Responsibilities to the Agency/ Field Instructor

• Establishes a connection directly with the agency supervisor(s) within the first week of the internship
• Informs the agency of program expectations.
• Confers with the MSW Field Instructor and Task Supervisor, if applicable, regarding educational opportunities and availability of supervision.
• Consults with the Field Instructor(s) to facilitate the development of the student's Learning Contract
• Provides virtual training and ongoing consultation to Agency Supervisor(s).
• Performs a Site Visit with the student and Field Instructor/Task Supervisor each quarter during the student's internship, and more often if needed.
• Is available as a resource in resolution of problems
• Communicates the program curriculum to the Field Instructor(s) and promotes the integration of classroom learning and practice.

Responsibilities to the Graduate School of Social Work

• Submits grades for field courses at the end of each grading period in MyDu.
• Implements field education policy and procedures.
• Inform Field Liaison Supervisor about any significant changes in the agency, field experience or individual student performance.
• Provides ongoing assessment of the quality of the internship and supervision and consults with Field Liaison Supervisor if concerns arise.
• Attend quarterly Field Liaison meetings.
• Participates in field liaison Meet and Greet with assigned students.
• Reviews quarterly evaluations and discusses any issues with Field Liaison Supervisor.
• Submits required documents to Field Education Office in specified time frames.
• Provides feedback to the field team regarding the suitability of the agency and field instructor(s), including continued participation in the field education program.
• Regularly responds to phone calls and emails from students, field instructor(s) and field team members.
• Proactively informs Liaison Supervisor of any challenges with availability due to travel, illness, family obligations, etc. and ensures a plan for student coverage is in place during any absences.