Assistant Director of Practicum Education

Department: College of Public Health

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Social Work’s mission is dedicated to advancing holistic human health and well-being by engaging with diverse populations across various systems and throughout the life course. Our internationally recognized faculty bring expertise in key areas such as substance use, mental health, family and sexual violence prevention, aging, sexual health, and parenting/child development. The department has a long-standing tradition of faculty-student-community research collaborations that strengthen both social work education and practice. The department is at the forefront of training the next generation of social workers using evidence-based practices and leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, including digital technology, computing techniques, creative arts, and trauma-informed holistic approaches to promote community-engaged research and interventions. Offering both BSW and MSW degree programs, including a fully online MSW option, our curriculum is rooted in social justice and provides students with foundational social work knowledge. We emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and preparedness for diverse roles in clinical, organizational, and community settings. Situated within a College of Public Health, our students benefit from unique interprofessional and interdisciplinary opportunities, which deepen their understanding of the root causes of social issues and help shape their career trajectories. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through partnerships with over 300 practicum sites across the nation. Located in the Washington DC metropolitan area, the department offers an ideal environment to engage with various communities and to influence social change at the local, regional, and national levels. Further information about the department may be found at https://socialwork.gmu.edu.

About the Position:

Under the supervision and direction of the Director of Practicum Education, the Assistant Director of Practicum Education provides a variety of educational services for BSW, MSW on-campus, and MSW online students and has operational and management responsibility of placing and managing social work practicum placements in community agencies for their practicum. The Assistant Director of Practicum Education recruits, assesses, and works with community agencies that provide appropriate practicum opportunities as set forth by the accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education.

Responsibilities:

• Assists the Director of Practicum Education in training and support of Practicum Liaisons, Practicum Instructors, and students;
• Serves as a practicum faculty liaison and teaches one Practicum Education Seminar per semester from BSW, MSW on-campus, and MSW Online Programs;
• Conducts student interviews to make appropriate match to practicum agency. Coordinates student practicums with agency partners;
• Assists with practicum seminar curriculum development, and development of trainings/orientations for students, practicum faculty, and practicum site instructors;
• Database management of student and agency information; and
• Participates in departmental activities through committees and may participate in a variety of other professional activities based upon the college and university’s needs and the professional’s unique skill set.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field, MSW degree from a CSWE accredited program or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Typically, at least 3 years post-MSW direct social work practice experience;
• Knowledge of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet, and database capabilities;
• Skills in interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution;
• Organizational, time management, and detail-oriented abilities;
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with a diverse student population; and
• A professional social work identity with accompanying values and ethics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting students in Social Work Practicum Education;
• Knowledge of CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards; and
• Bi-lingual (spoken, written).

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Director of Practicum Education at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with a CV for review.

Posting Open Date: January 8, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  February 6, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes