Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program Director - Daemen University

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

Purpose of Role

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) Program Director is responsible for setting program vision and policy in keeping with the accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Director is also responsible for developing curriculum content; allocating program resources; and advising, instructing, and assessing students in consultation with BSSW Faculty and other Social Work & Sociology Department Administrators. Finally, the BSSW Program Director serves as departmental liaison within Daemen University and to health and human service organizations in the local community. This is a twelve (12) month appointment.

About This Opportunity

Joining our Social Work and Sociology team, the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) Program Director will be responsible for the following:

The BSSW Program Director will:

• Design and implement a rigorous BSSW Program in keeping with current Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards;
• Develop and maintain BSSW Program policies and procedures including creating and regularly updating student handbooks;
• Facilitate communication regarding BSSW Program policies among students, faculty, and administration;
• Lead faculty in the on-going design, implementation, and evaluation of the BSSW curriculum;
• Collaborate with Field Education Administrators to ensure cohesive and pedagogically strong field education learning experiences for BSSW students;
• Ensure the availability of responsive academic advising services for BSSW students;
• Implement BSSW Program's admissions and student grievance processes;
• Develop and monitor Student Improvement Plans and/or make determinations regarding continuance of field placement with Field Education Administrators and/or BSSW Program faculty input;
• Coordinate BSSW student assessment process with support from Field Education Administrators and BSSW Program Faculty;
• Monitor and evaluate quality of BSSW Program and prepare reports documenting its effectiveness;
• Work in partnership with BSSW Faculty to utilize evaluation information and develop or revise curriculum and/or training opportunities.
• Lead BSSW Program CSWE re-accreditation activities, including facilitation of the completion of the self-study and associated materials;
• Ensure BSSW Program is compliant with Daemen University educational requirements as determined by the Educational Policy Committee;
• Supervise revision of the BSSW catalog and other university publications for purposes of marketing, communication, and outreach;
• Act as BSSW Program's spokesperson within the University and community; and
• Represent the BSSW Program at professional social work meetings (i.e., CSWE, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Baccalaureate Program Directors (BPD)).

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

The BSSW Program Director will:

• Conduct assigned classes in keeping with standards established by Social Work & Sociology Administration and Faculty in consultation with the Academic Dean and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs;
• Assess proficiency of teaching and accomplishments of students in assigned courses at regular and timely intervals;
• Provide advisement to diverse students in preparation for graduation, future academic pursuits, and/or professional social work practice;
• Mentor students in completion of service/research projects, independent studies, and other scholarly activities;
• Keep abreast of field of study/profession by reading current scholarship and attending relevant professional development training and/or conferences;
• Provide evidence of an active and productive research agenda;
• Engage in service through participation with the Institute for Government and Non-Profit Innovation, Training, and Evaluation (IGNITE) or other;
• Perform committee work within BSSW Program, Social Work & Sociology Department, and Daemen University including re-accreditation related activities;
• Assist in marketing, communications, and student recruitment activities for BSSW Program, Social Work & Sociology Department, and Daemen University;
• Attend meetings called by Daemen University President, Provost, Academic Dean, and Department Chair; and
• Perform other duties as requested and/or required in accordance with the Daemen University Faculty Handbook.

DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

The BSSW Program Director will collaborate with the other Social Work & Sociology Department Administrators (i.e., Chair, Director of Field Education, BSSW Field Director, MSW Program Director) to:

• Convey program goals and objectives to Daemen University Administration;
• Coordinate departmental meetings and decision-making processes;
• Recruit, hire, orient, and evaluate departmental faculty;
• Ensure a well-prepared and effective departmental faculty;
• Enhance faculty morale with meaningful team-building and conflict resolution activities;
• Evaluate the performance of faculty and other department staff, as needed;
• Support activities of the Social Work Community Advisory Board;
• Manage space, equipment, and facility needs for Social Work & Sociology Department;
• Overseeing the acquisition of library resources for the Social Work & Sociology Department;
• Develop and maintain Social Work & Sociology Department budget;
• Complete reports related to the Social Work & Sociology Department organization, functioning, and evaluation;
• Establish a long-term vision and strategic plan for the Social Work & Sociology Department to ensure access to necessary resources for continued development; and
• Identify potential partnership opportunities for the Social Work & Sociology Department.

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The BSSW Program Director must:

• Possess a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited University or university
  • Minimum: Five-years post-MSW experience
  • Minimum: Three to five years' experience with supervisory and/or administrative roles or functions
• Be licensed as a Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York or other jurisdiction

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

The BSSW Program Director must demonstrate:

• Ability to work with students, faculty, staff, and administration;
• Effectiveness in teaching;
• Commitment to working with diverse populations in an inclusive and equitable manner;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong time management and organizational skills;
• Experience with student assessment and/or program evaluation;
• Experience with CSWE accreditation processes; and
• Comfort with use of technology especially as it relates to communications (e.g., website, use of social media platforms).

Total Compensation

Daemen University offers a robust total compensation package that includes:

• Health insurance with an option of two plans: an HSA plan with the deductible funded by employer HSA contributions, or a copay plan.
• Dental insurance through the Guardian network.
• Vision insurance through the Guardian network, and an option between the VSP or Davis plans.
• An 8% employer contribution to the retirement savings account when employees contribute just 5%.
• Fully paid long term disability insurance, guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to a volume of $150,000.
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. Entrance in Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities to pursue education at other institutions.
• Generous time off for administrative and staff employees.

Daemen University strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster vaccine.