Accreditation Specialist

  • Full-time

Company Description

CSWE's Commission on Accreditation (COA) is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation for social work practice and for ensuring that social work programs meet those standards. The Department of Social Work Accreditation administers a multistep accreditation process that involves self-studies by programs, site visits, and COA review of social work programs. The accreditation specialist provides education, resources, and consultation to social work programs in the United States and its territories seeking candidacy or undergoing accreditation review. The incumbent facilitates COA reviews of social work programs, assists commissioners with detailed understanding of the accreditation processes and procedures, and provides background and clarifying information about programs under COA review. The position involves work with computer, database, and Web applications to facilitate accreditation workflow management; writing reports and decision letters; and providing training for commissioners, programs, and accreditation volunteers.

The Council on Social Work Education is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment that recognizes diversity and cultural competence as integral components of excellence. Candidates who contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

Job Description

  • Provides education, resources, and consultation regarding accreditation standards, policies, and procedures to accredited social work programs and programs in candidacy.
  • Provides consultation to programs on understanding, interpreting, and demonstrating compliance with the Educational Policy and Accredited Standards (EPAS), including mission & goals; formal curriculum; field education; the learning environment; anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and assessment of student learning and programmatic outcomes.
  • Collaborates with COA on reviews of programs during and between commission meetings.
  • Understands and applies accreditation policies, procedures, and decisions made by COA.
  • Maintains and applies knowledge of current and evolving issues, trends, and information related to social work education and accreditation.
  • Manages the distribution, collection, and archival of accreditation materials for commissioners, programs, and site visitors.
  • Reviews program materials for completeness and consistency with accreditation policies.
  • Manages a COA workgroup and facilitates small-group meetings.
  • Compiles and formulates COA decision letters and disseminates decisions to programs accurately within strict deadlines.
  • Works competently with basic computer applications, all components of Microsoft Office 365, and database and Web applications for workflow management, .
  • Provides individual and group consultations to program representatives via email, phone, video chat, and in-person at professional conferences.
  • Regularly works with and manages volunteers, including site visitors and commissioners.
  • Interfaces with the public about social work as a career, educational requirements, and accreditation.
  • Reviews and provides feedback on internal documents.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree required, preferably in social work, education, or a related field
  • Accreditation experience, preferably in social work
  • Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of accreditation standards and processes
  • Computer proficiency, including demonstratable skill in advanced functions of applicable software applications such as Microsoft Office 365, and understanding of technology applications for workflow management, particularly database operations, learning management systems, project management platforms, and online accreditation management systems
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally and effectively within a team-based environment, as well as with all levels of staff and program administrators
  • Ability to handle a sizeable workload of programs and develop ethical relationships
  • Ability to deliver difficult news to constituents, such as adverse decisions
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to carry out various processes in accreditation of social work programs
  • Ability to provide training online and in-person to current and prospective programs and volunteers
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to exercise careful attention to detail
  • Ability to handle the details of multiple priorities simultaneously and adhere to strict deadlines
  • Ability to travel 4-6 times per year
  • Ability to work on weekends up to 8 times per year
  • Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Demonstrates skill in understanding of cultural differences

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

  • Fluency in Spanish (spoken and written academic language)
  • Experience with boards and/or volunteers
  • Doctoral degree (preferably in social work)
  • Experience in a higher education setting
  • Experience teaching in a social work program
  • Experience developing social work curriculum related to competencies
  • Experience with assessment of student-learning outcomes
  • Problem-solving and innovative spirit to continuously engage in internal regulatory efforts and quality improvement

Additional Information

This position is eligible for telework and/or remote work. 

COMPENSATION

  • The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience.
  • CSWE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, PTO, 403b retirement contributions, and more.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

  • This position is primarily sedentary and is performed in an office setting.  Position requires ability to communicate effectively and the ability to use computers, telephones and other office equipment. Periodic out-of-town travel is also required.  May be required to use computer screen for extensive periods of time.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.  CSWE is dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff committed to working in a pluralistic environment.  We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.  Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.  In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a cover letter and your resume or CV by clicking the "I'm Interested" button on the job posting.