Foundation Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Employment Status: Independent Contractor/Consultant (Part-Time)

Position Summary

The Licensed Master Social Worker (MSW) Field Education Consultant provides educational supervision and professional mentorship to first-year Master of Social Work (MSW) students completing foundation field placements through the Community Services Foundation (CSF). The consultant serves as the designated field instructor for students placed within CSF programs and collaborates with agency leadership and university field education personnel to ensure students receive a high-quality educational experience that integrates classroom learning with professional social work practice.

The consultant is responsible for fostering students' professional development, ensuring compliance with university field education requirements, and promoting ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed social work practice consistent with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).

Duties and Responsibilities

Supervision

• Provide a minimum of one hour of structured supervision each week for assigned first-year MSW interns.
• Facilitate the integration of social work values, ethics, theory, research, and practice into students' field experiences.
• Guide interns in developing professional identity, critical thinking, and reflective practice.
• Assist students in applying classroom knowledge to direct practice, community engagement, case management, advocacy, and organizational practice.
• Foster a learning environment that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural humility, and ethical decision-making.

Educational Planning

• Collaborate with interns to develop individualized learning goals and educational objectives.
• Assist in the completion and implementation of university-required Learning Agreements.
• Ensure field assignments provide opportunities for students to demonstrate CSWE competencies.
• Support interns in identifying professional strengths and areas for continued development.

Performance Evaluation

• Observe and assess student performance throughout the placement.
• Complete all required mid-semester and final evaluations within university timelines.
• Provide timely, constructive, and strengths-based feedback regarding student performance.
• Develop performance improvement plans when concerns arise and collaborate with university field faculty as appropriate.

School Coordination and Contact

• Serve as the primary liaison between Community Services Foundation and partnering schools of social work.
• Participate in meetings, site visits, and consultation with university field faculty.
• Maintain communication regarding student progress, attendance, professional conduct, and educational needs.
• Ensure compliance with all university field education policies and expectations.

Professional Consultation

• Consult with Community Services Foundation leadership regarding field education practices.
• Assist staff in creating educational opportunities that support student learning.
• Promote best practices in supervision, ethical practice, and professional development.
• Recommend improvements to field education processes and student learning experiences.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of supervision sessions.
• Complete required supervision logs, evaluations, and educational documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and client information consistent with agency policies and applicable laws.
• Submit required reports and documentation in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Current, unrestricted Master Social Worker license in the state of practice.
• Minimum of two years of post-master's professional social work experience.
• Eligibility to serve as a university-approved field instructor.
• Knowledge of CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
• Knowledge of the NASW Code of Ethics and applicable state practice regulations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with agency and university partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supervising MSW or BSW interns.
• Experience in nonprofit, behavioral health, healthcare, community-based, or human services settings.
• Experience providing reflective supervision and professional coaching.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and strengths-based practice models.
• Experience working with diverse populations and interdisciplinary teams.

Core Competencies

The successful consultant will demonstrate:

• Professional and ethical practice
• Leadership and mentorship
• Reflective supervision
• Adult learning and coaching skills
• Cultural responsiveness and humility
• Effective communication
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Relationship building and collaboration
• Organizational effectiveness
• Commitment to lifelong learning

Deliverables

The consultant will:

• Conduct weekly supervision sessions for assigned interns.
• Complete Learning Agreements and competency evaluations.
• Maintain supervision documentation.
• Participate in university meetings and consultations as requested.
• Support successful completion of field education requirements.
• Provide recommendations regarding intern development and educational outcomes.

The consultant works collaboratively with:

• Community Services Foundation leadership team
• Program managers and agency staff
• MSW field education interns
• University field faculty and field education offices
• Community partners and interdisciplinary professionals

Compensation

$55/hr. Up to eight (8) hours per week. The consultant is responsible for maintaining all required professional licensure, liability insurance, as applicable.

The Licensed MSW Field Education Consultant plays a vital role in ensuring that students receive meaningful educational experiences that promote ethical practice, professional competence, and a commitment to service, social justice, and community well-being.