Practicum Education Specialist

UT Tyler; Arlington (TX); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Arlington is seeking a senior leader to oversee clinical education operations, including complex placement strategy, compliance governance, and stakeholder relationships across programs. You will serve as the subject-matter expert for systems and processes, resolve escalated issues, and mentor junior coordinators to ensure quality clinical experiences.

You will collaborate with faculty, preceptors, and agency leads, drive improvements, and ensure alignment with program

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program is required with two years of social work experience or eight years of an equivalent education/experience combination.

Responsibilities

• Leads relationships with hospitals and clinics to coordinate clinical placements across sites and programs.
• Directs complex or high-volume matching and scheduling to ensure equitable opportunities.
• Oversees end-to-end clinical clearance, documentation, and audit readiness to meet standards.
• Acts as SME for clinical placement systems, maintains data integrity and generates operational reports.
• Partners with contracts/legal teams to identify needs, facilitate execution, and mitigate risk.
• Trains and mentors staff; standardizes procedures and provides back-up coverage as needed.
• Serves as senior liaison to faculty, preceptors, and agency leads for continuous improvement.

Education

Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program

Job description

The annual salary for this position ranges from $45,400 to $53,999. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required:

• Resume
• References (minimum of three)

Purpose of Position

Provides senior-level leadership for clinical education operations, overseeing complex clinical placement strategy, compliance governance, and stakeholder relationships across undergraduate and graduate programs. Serves as the subject-matter expert for clinical systems and processes, resolves escalated issues, guides contract/affiliation coordination, and mentors junior coordinators to ensure quality, efficiency, and consistency in clinical experiences.

Essential Functions

• Leads high-value relationships with hospitals, clinics, and community agencies; stewards clinical capacity planning across sites and programs; aligns placements with program needs and agency requirements.
• Directs complex or high-volume matching and scheduling; exercises independent judgment to resolve escalated placement issues and ensure equitable distribution of opportunities.
• Oversees end-to-end clinical clearance, documentation, and audit readiness; establishes checkpoints and quality controls to meet agency, program, and institutional standards.
• Serves as the functional owner/SME for clinical placement and management systems; maintains data integrity, coordinates enhancements, troubleshoots, and delivers operational reporting.
• Partners with contracts/legal teams to identify agreement needs, facilitate execution, and support risk mitigation for clinical placements.
• Trains and mentors Clinical Experience Coordinator I/II staff; standardizes procedures, creates training materials, and serves as backup to lead or program managers.
• Serves as senior liaison to faculty, preceptors, and agency leads; contributes to handbooks, workflows, and continuous improvement initiatives across the clinical enterprise.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program with two (2) years of experience as a social worker or eight (8) years of an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of post-graduate experience in social work with adolescents or adults.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to critically think and problem solve

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm
• Hybrid work environment (remote & in-office)

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Benefits Information

Position is benefit eligible: Yes

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.

University Information

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.

This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email [e-mail] .