Practicum Education Community Coordinator

The University of Texas at Arlington Portal•Arlington, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.