PACC/PLX Coordinator

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in social work or education from an accredited program or from a related field.
  
• Three years post-degree practice experience with youth/adolescents who are systems-involved.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Demonstrated abilities in collaboration, teamwork and consultation.
  
• Practice in working with diverse communities and across differences.
  
• Commitment to education and practice that is anti-oppressive and affirming of all identities.
  
• Experience with project management.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters in social work (MSW) or Education (MEd) from an accredited program or from a related field.
  
• Curriculum writing experience.
  
• Professional experience in large social service or educational systems.
  
• Understanding of trauma-informed systems and responses.
  
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices in trauma-informed care and interventions with youth/adolescents.
  
• Experience providing training to professionals.
  

Position Overview

The Phoenix Learning Xchange (PLX) certificate program coordinator is a 1.0 FTE University employee at the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW). In collaboration with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Human Services Child Safety and Permanency Division, the PLX certificate program is in its 5th year of offering an intensive, non-degree certificate training program designed for professionals from a variety of settings (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice, courts, schools, etc.) whose work intersects with the lives of youth/adolescents who are multi-system involved.

The Project Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the program including participant recruitment, program execution, and curriculum oversight to ensure timely and relevant topics are included. In addition, the program coordinator is responsible for recruitment and hiring of community trainers. Community trainers teach program modules and ensure evaluation coordination for continued program improvement. This position may include a small amount of in-state travel.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer. This is a 100%, 12 month, annually renewable appointment in the academic and administrative classification. A hybrid work schedule is required (3 days on-site, 2 days remote), reports to the Director of Professional Education at CASCW, and will be located at Peters Hall on the St. Paul Campus.

Job Responsibilities

Program Coordination (70%)

• Determine the format and schedule of the PLX program.
  
• Develop and deliver effective program curriculum and tools to include learner consultation sessions and learner simulation experiences.
  
• Recruit participants from a variety of fields to participate in program.
  
• Coordinate participant registration.
  
• Analyze needs of learners by collaborating with the CASCW Research and Evaluation team to evaluate the program.
  
• Utilize feedback from evaluation, current research, and best practice to edit and update curriculum.
  
• Coordinate with designers to update PLX public webpage and course websites.
  
• Recruit and select trainers for program sessions.
  
• Collaborate with human resources to support the hiring, orientation, and onboarding of trainers.
  

Emerging Project Leadership (25%)

• Provide leadership in identifying current and evolving child welfare issues which might require timely training/education response.
  
• Participate in the development and implementation of new projects/programs rooted broadly in child welfare education and/or training.
  
• Collaborate with Center researchers to evaluate new programs.
  
• Provide assistance to CASCW colleagues on assigned projects or programs.
  
• Engage community and university stakeholders to inform program and/or project activities.
  

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Participate in CASCW All-Staff Meetings, team meetings, and project-based meetings.
  
• Participate in monthly SSW Council meetings and in weekly supervision.
  
• Serve on University, school and College committees and participate in other functions within the community of the School, as assigned.
  

Institute Overview

The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare (MICW) is a new organizing structure housing several dynamic research and training entities, including The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), the Minnesota Linking Information for Kids (Minn-LInK) project, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). Each entity is grant-funded and self-sustaining. During an early phase of strategic planning for CASCW in 2024, the creation of the MICW emerged as an essential task to continue to support the growth and productivity of these entities while also continuing the mission of the School of Social Work and the College of Education and Human Development as it pertains to continued community service, growth, and innovation.

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) is a research and training center located within the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. CASCW supports the education and training of public child welfare professionals; identifies, and examines, effective child welfare practice methods, informs the public and policy makers about various child welfare issues, and incorporates research and evaluation findings into the School of Social Work curriculum.

Minn-LInK, an incredibly rich resource within the University and across the state of Minnesota, is an interdisciplinary, integrated, administrative data project used for research and evaluation projects aimed at understanding the experiences and outcomes of children, youth, and families who are multi-system involved. Minn-LInK staff provide research services to internal and external partners through grants and agreements.

The MNCWTA is a partnership between the University’s MICW and the MN Department of Child Youth and Family (DCYF). The MNCWTA is responsible for the training and professional development of Minnesota’s county and tribal child welfare frontline staff and supervisors. The mission is to train, develop, and support the skills, expertise, and well-being of Minnesota’s child welfare workforce while nurturing a commitment to equitable child welfare practice.

Department Overview

Founded in 1917 on its Dakota homeland, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The School offers several graduate and undergraduate educational programs including: a PhD in Social Work; a Master of Social Work; a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and undergraduate minors in Family Violence Prevention, Social Justice, and Youth Studies. Underlying all these multidisciplinary programs is a social justice value base and a commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our society. The curricula of our educational programs, and faculty research and engagement, intentionally seek to emphasize and expand anti-racist perspectives, social, economic and racial justice, and decolonization. The School is the home to a variety of labs and centers that actively involve our students, staff, faculty, and community partners, e.g., the Youth Work Learning Lab, the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, the Center for Practice Transformation, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, an innovative partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services that is funded by the state legislature to further develop equitable child welfare practices.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).