Position Summary
Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The MSU School of Social Work, within the College of Social Science, is dedicated to educating students for ethical, competent, responsive, and innovative social practice, and to conducting and disseminating high quality research that improves the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. Our teaching, research, and outreach synergistically promote social justice, positive change, and solutions to the problems facing broad cross section individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. More than 600 students are enrolled in our CSWE- accredited BASW and MSW programs, and our PhD program.
In alignment with MSU’s outreach and service mission, the School maintains robust partnerships across Michigan’s behavioral health and SUD treatment systems. We are seeking Field Liaisons with expertise in substance use disorders to support MSW students placed in recovery-focused, community-based, and clinical settings. This is a project paid position.
Primary functions of this role include:
- Conduct agency visits with a focus on SUD practice environments
- Serve as a liaison between the Field Education Office, student, and agency to ensure alignment with SUD-specific learning goals and competencies
- Maintain regular contact with students to monitor their progress and well-being in SUD field placements
- Organize and facilitate required integrative field seminars with their MSW student group, emphasizing clinical practice in addiction and recovery settings
- Keep the field coordinator informed of students’ progress and any placement concerns
- Collaborate with students and field instructors to problem-solve challenges related to SUD practice, ethics, and supervision
- Review and approve students’ learning agreements with attention to SUD competencies and CWCE standards
- Complete required documentation by established due dates
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Social Work
Minimum Requirements
- LMSW with a minimum of 3 years post-MSW clinical social work experience by date of employment
- Demonstrated knowledge of clinical social work competencies and supervision practices
- Experience in SUD treatment, recovery support, or co-occurring disorders
- Experience facilitating negotiation, conflict resolution or mediation skills.
- Experience facilitating small groups
- Professional verbal and written communication abilities
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential required
- Knowledge of social work systems, agency culture, and evidence-based practices in SUD treatment
Desired Qualifications
- Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) credential
- Previous experience as a field instructor, liaison, or clinical supervisor in SUD or behavioral health settings
- Knowledge of harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), recovery-oriented systems of care, and trauma-informed approaches
- Familiarity with adult learning principles and student development
Required Application Materials
Interested candidates should send:
- Cover Letter
- Current resume or CV
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled. Positions will be filled on an as-needed basis
Work Hours
This is an on-call project pay position.
Review of Applications Begins On
11/07/2025
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
www.socialwork.msu.edu
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
