Practicum Education Community Coordinator – HigherEdJobs

Posting Number: S06808P

Department: Social Work

Location: Arlington

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm Extensive travel (both in-state and out-of-area travel) is required with this position to build active affiliations with community-based organizations in various locations in the US for site visits and partnerships.

Pay Basis: Monthly

Job Summary

The Practicum Education Community Coordinator supports the SOCW Practicum Education office by developing key community collaborations with potential practicums and volunteer sites in communities where the students are located. Will work directly with organizations and communities to build relationships, provide professional support, and seek to build connections between UTA and community-based organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Proactively identify, initiate, and cultivate sustainable partnerships with community-based organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits that align with the mission and values of UTA’s School of Social Work to meet quarterly quotas as outlined by Director.
• Serve as a bridge between the university and the community, promoting mutually beneficial collaboration and ensuring practicum placements reflect the diverse needs of the North Texas region and beyond.
• Offer consultation and support to agency instructors, ensuring clear communication, shared expectations, and quality supervision practices.
• Work closely with faculty and Practicum Specialists to ensure placements meet Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards and practicum education competencies.
• Conduct regular site visits and evaluations to ensure practicum environments provide rich, ethical, and supportive learning experiences, while meeting placement quotas as outlined by the Director.
• Solicit and assess feedback from students and practicum instructors to monitor placement quality and resolve concerns proactively.
• Works with Practicum Department staff to identify and resolve any issues during and after the placement process that involve agencies.
• Provide guidance and support in crisis situations, in collaboration with academic advisors and university support services.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with Agency Instructors, and community stakeholders.
• Attend local and regional meetings, coalitions, and networking events to represent UTA’s Social Work program and identify emerging practicum opportunities.
• Promote the UTA School of Social Work’s practicum education program through presentations, publications, and community engagement initiatives.
• Advocate for the role of social work students in contributing to community-based initiatives, research, and policy development.
• Develop and facilitate orientation and [ongoing] training sessions for Agency Instructors and community partners, on practicum education policies, roles, and ethical standards.
• Provide ongoing training opportunities and resources for community partners to enhance supervisory skills and promote best practices in practicum education.
• Collaborate with faculty, administration, and external partners to identify innovative practicum opportunities that address emerging social issues, service gaps, and student learning needs.
• Seek opportunities to integrate community voice and feedback into the continuous development of UTA’s practicum education program.
• Maintain accurate records of agency contacts, student placements, evaluations, and compliance documentation in alignment with university and CSWE requirements.
• Contribute to reports and data analysis related to practicum education outcomes, partner engagement, and student success.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program.
• Two (2) years of work experience as a social worker.
• Proven experience working with communities and organizations to build organizational capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Social Worker (LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent).
• Three (3) or more years of experience in community outreach, engagement, or program coordination in a social services, higher education, or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated experience developing and sustaining community partnerships, particularly with underserved, or marginalized populations.
• Experience with program development, including evaluating program effectiveness.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and ability to work with and provide valuable information to stakeholders, including organizational administrators, decision-makers, and community members.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge and proven skills in community development and organizational change models with proven results.
• Efficiency in providing education and negotiation skills to increase university affiliation.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong problem solving and independent thinking.
• Ability to work unsupervised, prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to work in multiple platforms simultaneously.
• Knowledge of CSWE accrediting standards.

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Benefits at UTA

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits

To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php

CBC Requirement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.

University Information

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100.

This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.

Number of Vacancies: 1

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Accepted: 3

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.