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California State University, Chico

School of Social Work

The California State University, Chico School of Social Work acknowledges the Mechoopda lands on which it resides, our commitment as a Hispanic Serving Institution, and our surrounding rural and extended communities.

The School of Social Work's mission is to provide a rich experiential learning environment through our signature pedagogy, practicum education. We are committed to providing accessible and high-quality education to diverse students within rapidly changing social, political, and physical environments.

The School of Social Work strives to center the student experience through anti-oppressive approaches as students develop into ethical, advanced generalist social work practitioners in pursuit of social, economic, racial, and environmental healing and justice in service to others.

Our Programs

  • Students in a classroom setting

    Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW)

    Use your passion for justice, anti-racism, equity, and inclusivity to pursue a meaningful career in social work. We’ll teach you how to address complex issues like poverty, racial disparities, mental health, housing and food insecurity, and environmental justice using skills rooted in social work values and competencies.

  • Students pose for a group photo

    Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)

    Are you passionate about human rights, social justice, and helping at-risk populations? Interested in working with families, youth, or providing mental health counseling? If you dream of leading a social service agency and enjoy diverse communities, a Master of Social Work could be perfect for you.

  • Students engaging in the cross cultural leadership center

    Social Work Minor

    Offering critical frameworks in human rights, social justice, and practice, the Social Work minor enriches fields like political science, ethnic studies, and sociology while fostering inclusive, equity-driven perspectives.

  • Students taking notes in class

    California Title IV-E

    Chico State’s School of Social Work participates in California’s Title IV-E Educational Program, a statewide partnership that strengthens public child welfare by preparing more bachelor’s- and master’s-level social workers to serve children and families.

  • Students engage in small group discussion around housing insecurity

    Behavioral Health Grant Programs

    Explore our Behavioral Health Grant Programs designed to support MSW students through stipends, specialized training, and opportunities to serve Northern California communities.

  • Student color with elderly adult

    Working with Older Adults

    Develop the knowledge and hands-on skills to support older adults in California’s public service systems through Chico State’s Aging and Adult Services MSW Training Program.

  • students work on research informs policy to Alleviate Housing Insecurity at the local level in a multidisciplinary courses

    Distributed Learning

    Through the Social Work DL Program, curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online and face-to-face coursework.

  • Student speaks to instructor and students that work on research informs policy to Alleviate Housing Insecurity at the local level in a multidisciplinary courses,

    Practicum Education

    Explore Chico State’s MSW application steps, deadlines, and resources all in one place.

  • Masters in Social Work (MSW) training for students

    Social Work Licensure

    Following the successful completion of a masters in social work degree, many of our graduates choose to pursue obtaining a license, thus becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Student Resources

  • Student Success and Advising

    Get guidance every step of the way. The BSS Student Success team provides advising, tutoring, and mentoring to help you navigate your degree and stay on track to graduation.

  • Faculty Advisor Directory

    Connect with a faculty advisor for support with course planning, understanding major requirements, transfer substitutions, internships, and career or graduation preparation.

  • Clubs and Organizations

    Joining a student club or organization is a great way to get involved, meet new people, and make the most of your college experience. Find opportunities that match your interests and goals.

Teaching In Social Work

We are always looking for strong instructors to help us train future social workers at Chico State.  We hire part-time faculty (also called lecturers) each semester to teach at the BSW and MSW levels. This includes field seminars in which full time and adjunct faculty serve as field liaisons with the agencies who host our students.

See the University Catalog SWRK Courses for a list and description of all of our course offerings.

Revised 7/18/19

Faculty Field Liaison
Job Description

POSITION: Faculty Field Liaison

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

  • Develop a firm understanding of current CSWE core competencies and practice behaviors, field education policies and procedures, school calendar, field manual, curriculum, and field education goals and objectives.
  • Teach seminar course with approximately 10–14 students. Schedule varies based on class level (BSW/MSW) and learning mode (in-person or DL).
  • Participate in field orientation at the start of the academic year (3 hours).
  • Attend at least two field liaison staff meetings per semester to gain relevant administrative direction and provide updates as needed on progress of students in field.
  • Meet individually with students either by telephone or face-to-face at least once per semester. Feedback between liaison and student is expected regularly.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with Agency Field Instructor regarding student field experience. Contact student’s advisor if warranted and inform Field Director of any concerns.
  • Coordinate and complete field site visits with students and agency staff at least once per semester. Site visits include reviewing learning activities, progress, and contracts. Documentation will be entered on the student evaluation form on IPT.
  • Be available to agency and student throughout the academic year, including additional site visits as needed.
  • Review field education assignments including learning agreement, journals, and field evaluations.
  • Submit field grades by the due date for final grade submission.
  • Document all field site visits on IPT on student evaluation form.
  • Complete Field Liaison Evaluation of Agency form for any new or concerning agencies to inform the Director of Field Education.
  • Report all risk-management issues (safety, ethical, or legal violations) to the Director of Field Education within 24 hours. Communicate ongoing concerns regularly.
  • Develop positive relationships with assigned field agencies and instructors, demonstrating professional values, skills, and knowledge.
  • Represent CSU, Chico School of Social Work professionally, communicating mission, goals, and appreciation for field instructors and agencies.
  • Resolve problems arising within field settings and document concerns using a Performance Contract.
  • Support field instructors in understanding CSWE competencies, objectives, and appropriate field experiences.
  • Identify and refer new agencies for potential field placements.
  • Be available for consultation with students regarding field placements.
  • Participate in annual appreciation reception for field instructors and liaisons.
  • Notify field staff and Director of Field Education regarding information changes for students, field instructors, or agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

  • Master’s degree in social work.
  • At least 5+ years of social work practice experience and a minimum of 3 years in field liaising, field instruction, staff supervision, social work education, or training.
  • Understanding of adult learning methodologies and diverse learning styles.
  • Positive liaison ratings from year to year.
  • Must complete CSUC hiring process before receiving student assignments.
  • Prior clinical supervisory and/or management experience in agency-based settings desirable.
  • Knowledge of current CSWE Accreditation Standards.
  • Commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills; comfortable with email communication.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to exercise professional judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Blackboard, and Sococo software.
  • Proficiency in or willingness to learn the Intern Placement Tracking (IPT) system.

For almost all of our courses a minimum of a Masters of Social Work degree is required. A PhD is preferred. For some courses, an exception may be made for someone who possess a degree in a related/relevant field. In addition, candidates must have a minimum of two years post-MSW degree social work professional experience. Experience teaching is a plus.

Review Faculty positions on the Faculty, Staff, & Management Careers page to check if any open positions are available.

Part-time teaching opportunities are available throughout the academic year. We keep all qualified applications on file and review them as needed. In addition, we contact all qualified candidates in our pool annually to verify their continued interest in being considered.

The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report for Chico State is also available for review.

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