Clinical Instructor, Social Work & Youth Services

Job Title:

Full or Part Time:

Hours:

Exempt:

Supervisory Org:

Job Description:

The Clinical Instructor supports social work students during their field/practicum by providing supervision, professional guidance, and reinforcement of the social work perspective. This role is essential when practicum sites do not have an on-site field/practicum instructor who meets the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requirements, or when placements require supplemental supervision due to staffing or other circumstances.

The Clinical Instructor must meet CSWE field/practicum instructor qualifications. This position requires collaboration with field/practicum sites, task supervisors, and faculty liaisons to ensure a successful learning environment for BSW and MSW students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide weekly supervision (minimum of one hour) to assigned for each assigned student, ideally in person at the practicum site. Virtual meetings may substitute when necessary and with prior approval from the Department.
• Collaborate with placement task supervisors to understand agency operations and student performance.
• Assist students in developing and monitoring their learning agreements and field/practicum assignments.
• Offer regular performance feedback and help students process ethical dilemmas or placement challenges.
• Communicate ongoing concerns regarding student performance or placement issues to the Department or faculty liaison.
• Participate in at least once per semester evaluation meetings with the task supervisor, student, and faculty liaison.
• Document weekly meetings and supervision time in compliance with Department guidelines.
• Coordinate with task supervisors on student evaluations and provide input on field/practicum grades.
• Serve as a professional role model, reinforcing ethical practice and the values of the profession.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
• At least two years post-degree social work practice experience.
• Clinical instructors for:
  • BSW students: BSW or MSW degree required.
  • MSW students: MSW degree required.

• Commitment to and adherence with the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Clinical Instructor assignments are made by the Social Work & Youth Services Department each semester on an as-needed basis.
• Assignments may be declined, but repeated declines may affect future opportunities.
• Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.
• All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.  SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed.
 
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.