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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Faculty Supervisor

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

EducationAcademiaManagementTraining

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dynamic and experienced Faculty Supervisor to join our academic team. In this pivotal role, you will be the primary liaison between the university, our students, and our partner sites. You will be responsible for mentoring, guiding, and evaluating students during their practicum, internship, or clinical field experiences. The ideal candidate is a passionate educator and leader, committed to fostering professional growth and ensuring a high-quality learning experience that bridges academic theory with real-world practice. You will be instrumental in shaping the skills and professional identity of our emerging practitioners.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Teacher / Lead Educator
  • Experienced Clinical Practitioner (e.g., Nurse, Social Worker, Therapist)
  • Adjunct Professor / University Lecturer

Advancement To:

  • Program Director / Program Coordinator
  • Associate/Assistant Dean of a specific school or college
  • Director of Field Education / Clinical Training

Lateral Moves:

  • Curriculum Development Specialist
  • Academic Advisor / Student Success Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and instruction to a cohort of students placed in diverse field settings, fostering their professional and personal development.
  • Conduct regular on-site visits and virtual check-ins to observe, monitor, and assess student performance, professional conduct, and skill acquisition.
  • Deliver constructive, timely, and specific written and verbal feedback to students regarding their practice, documentation, and adherence to program competencies.
  • Evaluate student learning outcomes through formal assessment tools, including performance rubrics, learning contracts, and final evaluations.
  • Serve as the primary academic liaison, facilitating clear and consistent communication between students, site supervisors, and university faculty and administration.
  • Collaborate with on-site supervisors to align student learning objectives with site opportunities and responsibilities, ensuring a cohesive educational experience.
  • Mediate and resolve any conflicts or challenges that may arise between students, site personnel, and the university, employing professional judgment and problem-solving skills.
  • Lead and facilitate regular group supervision seminars or classes on campus to help students integrate theoretical knowledge with practical field experience.
  • Maintain comprehensive and confidential student records, including performance evaluations, progress notes, and documentation of any critical incidents.
  • Ensure student and site compliance with all university policies, professional ethical codes, and relevant accreditation standards (e.g., CSWE, CAEP, ACEN).
  • Review and approve student-submitted documentation, such as weekly logs, process recordings, lesson plans, or case notes, for quality and completeness.
  • Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with new and existing partner agencies and field placement sites.
  • Guide students in the development of individualized learning plans and professional goals that are measurable and aligned with program requirements.
  • Assess the suitability and quality of placement sites to ensure they provide appropriate learning environments and meet university standards.
  • Participate in the student placement process, matching students with appropriate field sites based on their skills, interests, and learning needs.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute to the ongoing review, development, and enhancement of the field education curriculum and program policies.
  • Assist in the recruitment, orientation, and training of new on-site supervisors and preceptors.
  • Participate in departmental meetings, faculty committees, and university-wide events as an active member of the academic community.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and scholarly activity to remain current with best practices in supervision, education, and your specific professional field.
  • Support student recruitment efforts by participating in information sessions and meeting with prospective students.
  • Assist the Program Director with accreditation reporting and data collection related to field education outcomes.
  • Develop and update field education manuals, handbooks, and other critical resource materials for students and site supervisors.
  • Organize and lead appreciation and training events for community partners and site supervisors to strengthen partnerships.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Subject Matter Expertise: Deep knowledge in the relevant academic field (e.g., Education, Social Work, Nursing, Counseling, Business).
  • LMS Proficiency: Experience using Learning Management Systems such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, or D2L for communication and course management.
  • Assessment & Evaluation: Proficiency in designing and using formative and summative assessment tools, rubrics, and performance metrics.
  • Licensure/Certification: Possession of relevant professional licenses or certifications required by the specific discipline (e.g., LCSW, RN, State Teaching License).
  • Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of accreditation standards (e.g., CACREP, CSWE, CAEP) and legal/ethical guidelines governing the profession.
  • Documentation Management: Skill in maintaining accurate, detailed, and confidential student and site records.
  • Video Conferencing Tools: Competency with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet for virtual supervision and meetings.

Soft Skills

  • Mentorship & Coaching: A genuine ability to guide, support, and inspire students to achieve their full potential.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interacting effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Conflict Resolution: The ability to navigate and diplomatically resolve disagreements and complex interpersonal issues.
  • Organizational & Planning Skills: Superb time management and organizational abilities to manage a caseload of students, site visits, and administrative tasks.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
  • Empathy & Diplomacy: Ability to build rapport and trust while maintaining professional boundaries and standards.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work with various personalities and adapt to changing circumstances in dynamic field environments.
  • Leadership: Capacity to lead group seminars and command respect as an academic and professional authority.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Master's Degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Terminal Degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., DSW) in the relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Education
  • Social Work
  • Nursing
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of post-graduate professional experience in the relevant field. This must include a minimum of 2 years of experience providing supervision, mentorship, or direct instruction to students or junior staff.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience as a university-level faculty supervisor or field liaison.
  • Experience working directly with diverse student populations.
  • Established network of professional contacts and potential partner sites within the local community.
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