"Assistant Director of Practicum Education"

Department Summary

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

The School of Social Work offers the largest bachelors in social work program in Massachusetts along with a popular masters in social work program - both of which are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. With a curriculum grounded in service learning, BSUs social work programs offer intensive fieldwork and mentoring by our accomplished faculty.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Practicum Education plays a pivotal role in supporting the practicum experiences of approximately 300 BSW and MSW students each year. Working at guidance from and close collaboration with the Director of Practicum Education, this position ensures high-quality, equity-minded practicum placements that align with the School of Social Works mission to prepare justice-informed, community-engaged social workers and serve the Southeast Region of Massachusetts and beyond. The Assistant Director will collaborate with faculty, students, supervisors, community partners and the associate dean, as needed, to strengthen practicum infrastructure, expand excellent internship opportunities, and support student success for professional practice.

Supervision Received: Director of Practicum Education

This is an APA position and is subject to the terms of that union agreement.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Evening and weekend hours may be required
Saturday and Sundays as days off, ability to work some Saturdays as needed

This position is located on campus in Bridgewater, MA. This position is eligible for hybrid / remote work in accordance with BSU remote work policy. This position is eligible for remote work privileges up to two days a week upon a successful completion of three months of on-campus employment at the discretion of the manager and/or vice president. Remote work privileges can be canceled at any time and for any reason by both the employee and the university. The scheduled days of remote work privileges will be determined by the manager and regularly reassessed.

Position Type

APA Professional

Essential Duties

Leadership

• Contribute to furthering the goals and strategies for continuous improvement of practicum education
• Demonstrate collaborative leadership as a team-centered self-starter with a commitment to quality and excellence in practicum education
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Practicum Education to support the goals of the School of Social Work, including considerations related to enrollment growth
• Provide administrative oversight for the Saturday MSW program, working with others to provide the best experience for these graduate students on weekends
• Assist the Director of Practicum Education in addressing challenges and problem-solving both internal and external to the SSW

Student and Practicum Support & Coordination

• Interview and place BSW/MSW students in practicum sites; provide ongoing support and problem-solving
• Assist students in achieving practicum goals and academic success
• Develop and lead student orientation sessions related to practicum
• Serve as a Seminar in Practicum Instruction (SIPI) instructor, providing guidance and support to students

Partnership & Program Development

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with practicum agencies and supervisors
• Recruit and approve new practicum sites; expand placement opportunities aligned with emerging needs
• Represent the practicum program to external partners and professional organizations

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Director of Practicum Education, Program Coordinators, faculty, and staff to accomplish the goals of the department and support student success
• Serve on Academic Review Committees as assigned
• Support integration of practicum and classroom learning through collaboration with faculty

Program Oversight & Innovation

• Monitor and maintain practicum data systems
• Contribute to development and implementation of practicum-related grant initiatives and new academic pathways
• Stay current with best practices in practicum education and contribute to continuous improvement efforts
• Organize and deliver training for practicum instructors and supervisors

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide staff supervision as needed
• Assist with MSW student recruitment and orientation (in-person and virtual)
• Participate in evening/weekend events as required

Required Qualifications

• MSW degree with a minimum of 3 years of post-MSW practice experience
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse students, colleagues, and community professionals
• Experience in diverse practice settings
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with database systems, technology, and social media
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation; ability to travel throughout MA and RI
• Supervisory or team management experience

Preferred Qualifications

• LICSW or LCSW licensure in MA (or equivalent in another state)
• Prior experience as a practicum staff member or supervisor
• Knowledge of the social service landscape in MA and RI
• Bilingual in Portuguese, Spanish, or Haitian Creole
• Experience with virtual platforms and online learning environments
• Event or training coordination experience

Salary Range

$90,000-$95,000

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:

• A minimum of three (3) professional reference entries in space provided on the application form.
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

To apply, visit https://jobs.bridgew.edu/postings/31812