Social Work (MSW) Preceptor

About the University

The University of Saint Joseph, established by the Sisters of Mercy, offers rigorous liberal arts and professional programs to a varied student body in a setting that values ethical conduct, personal integrity, and service to others. The institution has received national recognition in Connecticut for social mobility, value, and overall national ranking. Its 90-acre campus in West Hartford sits close to downtown and the university also contributes to the wider community through internships, service initiatives, partnerships, and other programs. The university’s mission shapes its workplace culture, with an emphasis on attracting people committed to that mission and supporting the growth of the whole person.

Role Overview

The University of Saint Joseph is looking for qualified professionals to serve as clinical preceptors in the Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice for the 2024–2025 academic year. In this role, the preceptor supports the student’s practicum by offering mentoring, instruction, professional direction, supervision, and oversight. The position also involves planning the student’s day-to-day learning activities and assignments, either independently or together with an on-site task supervisor. If the preceptor is not physically present at the placement site, an on-site task supervisor must be appointed to manage the student’s daily activities.

Position Structure

This is a part-time role lasting for 2 or 3 semesters. Appointment is semester-based and depends on student enrollment.

Key Duties

• Provide at least 1 hour each of scheduled individual supervision and scheduled group supervision, along with additional group supervision or shadowing opportunities when appropriate.
• Take part in monthly preceptor meetings.
• Interview students at the start of placement to assess learning needs and explain the site placement.
• Offer orientation to the agency, site, and surrounding community.
• Work with the student, task supervisors, and the Director of Field Education to create a personalized learning contract aligned with CSWE competencies, MSW program outcomes, and the student’s learning goals.
• Give ongoing, constructive feedback throughout the practicum, including mid-year and end-of-year grade recommendations that are reviewed with the student and field education faculty.
• Partner with the Field Education team to create a response plan when performance concerns are identified.
• Help students connect practicum experiences to the social work profession’s broader perspective and course material.
• Approve weekly timesheets in Sonia.
• Attend trainings, orientations, workshops, and other meetings led by the Director of Field Education or other faculty in the department.

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Social Work from a nationally accredited institution.
• Active licensure such as LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW held for at least 2 years.
• Ability to carry out the essential responsibilities of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Background

• Experience teaching in an applied or experiential setting is strongly preferred.
• Current practice experience in community-based services, including areas such as behavioral health clinics, schools, child welfare, or residential treatment and care facilities.
• Exposure to telehealth tools and technologies is preferred.

Additional Information

Preceptor assignments are offered only on a part-time, semester-by-semester basis and are contingent on enrollment.

Compensation

The role pays $2,625 per student for each academic year, plus $656 for a summer semester student extension.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit an online application along with a resume or CV and a cover letter describing subject-area strengths, interests, and any relevant teaching experience. Applicants should also note in the cover letter whether they have already been in contact with a member of the Field Education team. Applications will be reviewed by the Department Chairperson and the Director of Field Education, and if a suitable opening exists, the department will contact the candidate directly to discuss the opportunity.