Practicum Coordinator, Social Work

Duties:

The primary purpose of this position is to match and place Social Work and School & Community Support Worker students in practicums.

• Recruit new and maintain existing practicum sites;
• orient agencies, supervisors and mentors to VIU program practices and procedures;
• develop and maintain materials for practicum;
• match students to appropriate practicum sites;
• utilize placement software to facilitate requests;
• generate reports, forms and materials to support practice education and student practicum orientations;
• collaborate with faculty and staff regarding practice education;
• implement education and recognition activities for community agencies and mentors.

Additionally, participate in placement networks and various meetings at program, faculty, and regional levels. This position requires travel to a variety of settings on Vancouver Island, as well as the capacity to find suitable placements for distance education students in a variety of locations.

Successful candidates will participate in a wide range of activities, including, student support; institutional, faculty and departmental committee meetings and other initiatives; and professional activities in keeping with their disciplines in and outside the institution.

Required Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited institution. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in human services, including knowledge/experience with specific populations and services across the lifespan. Strong knowledge of social services, the school (K-12) and community living sectors, and the importance of practicum education.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including interviewing, problem solving, written and oral communication.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, independently and with a diverse team.
• Competence with technology, specifically MS Office.
• Must possess a valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and have a confirmed satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specific knowledge of student (K-12) support services and professional experience working with or in the public school system.
• Specific knowledge of services provided by various human service agencies and those serving First Nations agencies/organizations in the mid-Island region and beyond.
• Previous experience in the public post-secondary environment and successful project management experiences.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note: 

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.  In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.