Field Practicum Specialist

Please Note: Internal Employees, please access the Jobs Hub in Workday to apply for the position.

ABOUT US

 

University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, created to help working adults change their lives through flexible, high-quality education built for real life. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013–2025), the university has a long track record of online innovation. Students across 49 states and internationally can upskill, reskill, and move forward without putting life on hold through technology-enabled, real-world learning.​ With 55+fully online, career-focused programs designed around the realities of work, family, and constant change, we remain ever-focused on developing future-ready learners who can thrive in a rapidly shifting world.

 

This position is open to candidates who currently reside in one of the following approved states from which the role may be performed remotely: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.

*See job description below for any applicable location requirements.

 

Employees must be available for collaboration during core hours from 10am to 3pm (PST).

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Field Practicum Specialist provides support to the Social Work functions regarding contract/agreement coordination and related activities for the practicum phases of applicable degree programs which include the Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. The Practicum Specialist contributes to the coordination of fieldwork/practicum documents and procedures to support the experiential component of the assigned programs.

TYPE OF SUPERVISION:

Receive supervision from the Associate Dean.

• Supervision — indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Agency and Fieldwork Coordination

• Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date database of agency contracts/agreements for assigned programs and ensure agreements are reviewed and updated regularly
• Communicate with assigned program full-time and part-time faculty, when faculty or students have identified potential viable agencies/programs for practicum or fieldwork placements
• Serve as point of contact for agencies to field questions and assist with submission edits
• Facilitate the signing and renewal of field/practicum agreements for agencies/programs between the agency/program and the University. Generate and review agreements to ensure they are current. Collaborate with other Central Office departments/functions to ensure that agreements are signed in a timely manner
• Coordinate agency contract requests and/or renewals
• Administer agreement documentation with appropriate Central Office departments/functions, identified agencies/programs, other key academic administrators, and relevant faculty
• Facilitate completion, submission, and tracking of other documentation for assigned program students, such as proof of student liability insurance
• Monitor insurance expirations and request new certificates when needed
• Administer the time-recording process by  practicum students and site supervisors, including time recording software
• Monitor and facilitate the signatures for the extension of existing agency/program agreements as appropriate
• Monitor centralized electronic storage and maintenance of completed agreement documents and other documentation for assigned program students
• Maintain approved agency/program list on MyUMassGlobal for students
• Formulate and manage student and faculty resource areas on MyUMassGlobal for assigned program degrees, in consultation with program faculty
• Implement training of adjunct faculty on practicum documents, policies, software (e.g. Sonia) and procedures
• Maintain spreadsheets for assigned program students to document their successful progress and completion of fieldwork/practicum requirements
• Develop and maintain records and reports as requested by state specific education

Registrations

• Remove holds for students who have completed “readiness” interviews
• Develop and maintain class rosters per instructor to coordinate student registrations
• Add students into Sonia (student placement management system software), uploading appropriate fieldwork/practicum timesheets and maintain student and instructor and agency supervisor connections in the system, ensuring all parties have appropriate notification of log in information
• Track and enroll students into the practicum continuation courses
• Audit Social Work student listings to determine which of them are ready for the field education phase of their respective programs, ensuring that all prerequisite courses have been successfully completed

Applications

• Coordinate Orientation and Practicum Application Notices for students
• Review new student applications ensuring all requested materials are provided, prerequisites are completed, and Ethical Form is completed
• Coordinate communication with Advisors to ensure student registrations and Ed Plans are updated
• Perform other duties, as assigned

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of experience and education
• Administrative experience managing multiple priorities in complex working environment
• Experience working in an academic environment preferred

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of academic processes in college/university setting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to problem solve, troubleshoot, and work under pressure
• Highly developed organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, demonstrate tact and diplomacy, and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative environment
• Knowledge of psychology and social work agencies

Desired:

• Knowledge of UMass Global University policies and procedures

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Electronic Devices and Software:  Personal computer and intermediate knowledge of Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, including word, excel, teams and outlook.

Contact with Students:  Frequent

Contact with Faculty and/or Staff:   Frequent

Contact with Community and Vendors: Frequent

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The hiring range for this position is $19.00 - $21.40 per hour. Offers are determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographical location, knowledge, skills, years & depth of experience, and equity with internal team members.
 

BENEFITS AND PERKS

 

At the University of Massachusetts Global, we support your total well-being with flexible and meaningful benefits:

 

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.

• Work-Life Balance: Remote options, flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), generous time off, including paid holidays and a paid winter break.

• Financial Security: Life, disability, accident, legal, identity protection, and student debt support.

• Retirement: 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!

• Education: Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities. PSLF eligible employer.

• Wellness: Counseling services, Free Calm Health subscription and year-round wellness programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity – UMass Global is committed to providing an educational and work environment free of unlawful discrimination and harassment in any form. UMass Global prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of  age, race (including hairstyle/texture, protective hairstyles, braids, locks, and twists), color, religion (including religious observance, belief, practice dress and grooming practices), citizenship, pregnancy (including temporary physical or mental limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), sex, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, legally-protected medical condition, military (past, present or prospective) status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by local, State or Federal law.

 

Reasonable Accommodation – UMass Global provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the recruitment department at recruiting@umassglobal.edu.