Description

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Practicum Education assists with administrative management and support for the Practicum Office in the BSW and MSW programs. The position reports to the Director of Practicum Education and may be based on the Lawrence campus, the Edwards campus, or remotely, at the discretion of the Director of Practicum Education and the Dean.

Periodic travel may be required to meet with students, practicum instructors, agency partners, and practicum liaisons; conduct practicum site visits; recruit practicum partners; and attend professional meetings or conferences.

Because of fluctuations in student enrollment and other operational demands, flexibility in work assignments is required. Responsibilities may include student placement, practicum site development, liaison activities, instruction, training, and administrative support. The specific balance of responsibilities may vary from year to year based on program needs. Extensive communication and collaboration with students, agency personnel, practicum instructors, community partners, practicum liaisons, faculty, and staff are essential functions of this position.

Assignment Flexibility
The percentages assigned to each responsibility area are estimates intended to describe the general scope of the position. Actual assignments may vary based on enrollment trends, staffing levels, student needs, program priorities, accreditation requirements, and operational demands of the Practicum Office. Duties may be reassigned or redistributed by the Director of Practicum Education as needed to support the mission and functioning of the School of Social Welfare.

Job Description

40% - Practicum Liaison and Student Support

• Conduct practicum liaison site visits for an assigned practicum student caseload at least once per semester.
• Assess, monitor, and respond to student safety concerns, including situations involving risk, impairment, professional conduct concerns, and practicum disruption.
• Administer and evaluate practicum assignments and requirements, including monitoring completion and making grade recommendations to the practicum courses' instructor of record, the Practicum Director.
• Consult with practicum instructors and agency personnel regarding student learning and the practicum course's policy and procedures.
• Serve on Student Review Committees, as assigned by the Practicum Director, to assist in resolving practicum-related concerns involving student performance.
• Participate in planning, implementation, and coordination of orientations, seminars, and practicum education CEU events.

40% - Student Placement, Practicum Site Development, and Agency Relations

• Provide information regarding practicum planning and requirements to prospective and enrolled students.
• Coordinate student practicums using practicum management software and other related systems.
• Evaluate and approve employment-based, distance, online, and traditional practicum placements.
• Manage student replacement procedures when practicum disruptions occur.
• Recruit, develop, maintain, and enhance relationships with practicum agencies and practicum instructors.
• Assist with affiliation agreement development, tracking, renewal, and compliance processes.

20% - Instruction and School/University Mission Support

• Support the School's strategic initiatives that enhance student access to quality practicum experiences, which may include practicum curriculum and policy development.
• Initiate and participate in activities designed to expand student practicum opportunities, including stipend and funding initiatives.
• May teach one social work course per semester as assigned based on program enrollment needs, and not to exceed two courses per academic year.
• Performs other duties pertaining to the School and University mission as assigned, which may include serving on School committees.

Required Qualifications

1. MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
2. Minimum of five years of post-MSW full-time social work experience.
3. Minimum of three years of experience providing practicum instruction to BSW and/or MSW students.
4. Experience using practicum management, database, case management, or related software systems.
5. Experience with community outreach, agency collaboration, or partnership development.
6. Effective written communication skills, evidenced by application materials.
7. Current social work license or eligibility for social work licensure.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:

• cover letter describing interest in the position and addressing how education, experience, and qualifications meet the required and preferred qualifications listed in the position description
• resume
• list of three professional references

Application review begins Saturday, August 1, 2026. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to this date.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.