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.
The Child Welfare Certificate prepares MSW students for practice with vulnerable children and families. This program supports students placed in public and private child welfare agencies, providing training and supervision aligned with state and national standards. Students may be placed in child protective services, foster care, adoption, or family preservation settings across Michigan.
Field Liaisons in this role will support student development, facilitate integrative field seminars with their assigned students, and collaborate with agency partners to promote high-quality field education experiences within the child welfare context. This is a project paid position.
Primary Functions of this role include:
- Conduct agency visits with a focus on child welfare practice and support
- Serve as a liaison between Field Education Office, student, and agency
- Maintain contact with students to monitor progress and support professional identity development
- Facilitate integrative seminars addressing child welfare values, ethical dilemmas, and MiTEAM competencies
- Collaborate with students and field instructors on learning agreement activities aligned with CWCE competencies
- Support students navigating secondary trauma, safety concerns, and ethical complexity in placement
- Submit timely documentation and communicate with field coordinator as needed
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-degree child welfare experience by the date of employment.
- Knowledge of DHS systems, child safety and risk assessment, permanency planning, and trauma-informed care
- Experience in mental health, behavioral health, or integrative care settings
- Experience facilitating negotiation, conflict resolution or mediation skills
- Experience facilitating small groups
- Excellent professional verbal and written communication skills
Desired Qualifications
- Previous experience as a field instructor, liaison, or trainer in child welfare
- Familiarity with MiTEAM competencies and CWCE field learning agreement
- Experience collaborating with courts, schools, and interagency teams
- Ability to support students navigating challenging or high-risk cases
- 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
11/11/2025
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.
