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.