Department: Faculty of Social Work 

Job Type: Limited Term

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) 

Campus: Kitchener 

Reports to: Senior Administrative Officer, FSW

Employee Group: WLUSA 

Application Deadline: 09/17/2026 

Requisition ID: 11826 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.

Position Summary

The field education component of Laurier’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Indigenous Field of Study (IFS) program constitutes approximately 50% of the Faculty of Social Work’s (FSW) graduate curriculum and is guided by accreditation standards established by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE). Field education provides students with opportunities to apply and integrate Indigenous ethics, values, cultural protocols, social work principles, and wholistic healing knowledge in practice, while supporting the development of the self as a wholistic healing practitioner.

Particular emphasis is placed on working with disadvantaged and marginalized populations. Field placements are designed as supervised educational experiences in which students integrate wholistic healing approaches within agency settings. As a graded course, each placement includes agency-based MSW instructor(s) who provide guidance and support in wholistic healing practice. Placement workloads are structured to prioritize learning, reflection, and professional development.

Under the direction of the Senior Administrative Officer, and working with the IFS Associate Dean, the Coordinator facilitates field education operations and fulfills the field education mandate for the MSW-Indigenous Field of Study. The coordinator is responsible for coordinating and implementing all aspects of field education, including placement recruitment; field advising; placement planning; student placement support; placement assessment; field resolution; and off-site field instruction. The coordinator also promotes the integration of wholistic healing practices within field education and advances the field education mandate through community engagement and initiatives that strengthen the student and field instructor experience.

The coordinator supports the continuous enhancement of field education for the MSW-IFS program; ensures compliance with Laurier & FSW policies, accreditation requirements, and CASWE standards; and facilitates student-centred, inclusive, and wholistic approaches to learning.

In order to ensure its effective functioning and ongoing development, the position works collaboratively with the IFS team, IFS program coordinator, and field and program staff at the FSW to perform a variety of duties to ensure that field education services are carried out in a manner that will promote Laurier and enhance relationships, particularly with Indigenous agencies/communities. 

The breadth and magnitude of the position requires the incumbent to use Indigenous wholistic healing practices and social work knowledge, including clinical, community organization/development, program and policy development, and administration, to research, recruit and develop practicum placement opportunities for IFS students.  

This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Kitchener Campus. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo Campus, the Brantford Campus, and external partners. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations. Occasional travel may be required.

Accountabilities

Program Development

• Supports the alignment of MSW-IFS field placement requirements with Laurier standards, field policies and procedures, MSW-IFS curriculum requirements, Indigenous and wholistic approaches, Code of Ethics, and CASWE accreditation standards.
• Facilitates continuous quality improvement through program, student, agency and field instructor field surveys; identifies gaps; proposes opportunities to enhance field education processes and policies.
• Implements field system enhancements, workshops/orientation meetings, alumni engagement, and other priorities identified by the Senior Administrative Officer.
• Reviews, recommends and implements field education policies, procedures, manuals, forms, tools, instructional materials, Graduate Calendar content and MyLS course materials, and prepares policy, field curriculum, and processes for review and implementation.
• Supports accreditation, auditing and quality assurance processes by reporting on required data and ensuring compliance with recommendations made.
• Provides clarification to agency field supervisors/instructors and students to support field education objectives, administrative processes, planning and recruitment activities.
• Collaborates with the Associate Dean, IFS team, IFS Coordinator, and other stakeholders to support program promotion, recruitment and admissions processes, including application assessment.

Student Field Advising & Placement Coordination

• Coordinates field preparation activities and placements for incoming and current IFS students; participates in placement proposal processes; and reviews placement learning, ALC accommodation plans, and readiness plans.
• Coordinates and facilitates field-related activities such as seminars/workshops, orientation, webinars, surveys, and debriefing activities that prepare students for placement learning and support the integration of Indigenous knowledge, cultural teachings, ethical protocols, wholistic healing practices and professional competencies.
• Informs prospective applicants and incoming and current students regarding placement expectations, learning goals, assessment requirements, professional practice, accreditation standards, Indigenous ethical protocols, and University, IFS and agency policies and procedures.
• Provides student-centred, culturally responsive, and wholistic support through field advising and placement meetings, and works collaboratively with Elders, the IFS team, the MSW Field team, agencies, Laurier student services, and external partners to promote student success.
• Coordinates placement planning and matching, ensuring alignment with IFS program and agency requirements, student interests, accessibility needs, wholistic learning objectives, and CASWE accreditation standards.
• Coordinates virtual site meetings and reviews learning plans, evaluations, and other materials; monitors student participation, field hours, readiness and progress; identifies learning concerns; facilitates early intervention; and provides ethical, professional and Indigenous practice guidance, advocacy and referrals to support successful placement outcomes.
• Coordinates readiness processes according to FSW policies; reconciles and submits placement grades.
• Works with the Associate Dean and IFS team to resolve student and agency matters, including complaints, appeals, conflicts and risk management issues, by reviewing concerns, coordinating with appropriate parties, implementing field resolution and mediation/conflict resolution strategies, and ensuring compliance with Laurier policies, accreditation and professional standards.
• Advises field instructors and students on concerns, facilitating field resolution processes, and engaging directly with students, field instructors and agencies as required.

Placement Recruitment 

• Undertakes recruitment of new placements based on identified priorities informed by student interest and program needs, ensuring alignment with wholistic healing practices, curricular priorities, accessibility needs, student learning goals, CASWE standards and long-term program objectives.
• Sustains existing partnerships with diverse settings, including Indigenous communities, public and non-profit organizations, health and social service agencies, and academic institutions.
• Reviews student feedback to assess placement opportunities .
• Supports the recruitment of alumni and engages graduating students and field instructors to expand placements and strengthen the field instructor network.
• Collaborates with field education teams to identify promising practices, develop collaborative learning opportunities, advance community-engaged initiatives and support field goals.
• Implements student and alumni engagement initiatives that promote field education, field mentorship, cross-campus collaboration and participation in FSW and community activities.
• Maintains communication with prospective students, applicants, current students and alumni.

Field Instructor & Agency Development

• Provides information to agencies to help facilitate inclusive, culturally responsive and high-quality learning environments for students with diverse backgrounds, learning styles and accessibility needs.
• Assesses the qualifications and teaching capacity of prospective and current field instructors as per field processes and accreditation standards.
• Coordinates student and field instructor orientation meetings and provides learning resources to support practice-learning requirements and maximize student learning.
• Provides field instruction when needed and/or identifies co-supervisors who possess the required professional credentials.

Administration & Operations

• Collaborates with the field team to improve the systems, processes, services and operational practices required for the effective, responsive and competitive delivery of the MSW-IFS Field Education Program.
• Coordinates day-to-day field education administration, including registration requirements, pre-placement processes, placement logistics, activities, projects, events, short- and long-term planning.
• Collaborates with field and program staff, FSW and University departments, agencies, SHERM, Legal Counsel and other partners as needed.
• Collaborates with the field team to organize occasional info sessions for students and field instructors.
• Utilizes Navigator to support placement recruitment and matching, student and agency records, communications, alumni engagement, reporting and data management, and provides training and support to students, field instructors and staff in their effective use.
• Ensures field records, Navigator documentation, communications and data are accurate, complete, timely, secure and compliant with Laurier requirements.
• Ensures administrative requirements are completed as per Laurier processes prior to the placement start, including facilitating affiliation agreements, WSIB documentation, insurance certificates, health & safety requirements, and field instructor remuneration agreements.
• Represents the MSW-IFS Field Education Program on approved committees.
• Supports operational continuity during high-volume periods, provides coverage during staffing changes and organizational transitions, and participates in IFS meetings, wholistic evaluation processes, conferences, student events and other FSW activities.
• Supports the IFS camps during critical days and in alignment with WLUSA policies and role expectations.
• Documents and implements Standard Operating Procedures and work plans.
• Monitors and utilizes ifsfield@wlu.ca for all field-related communications.

Collegiality, Professionalism & Accountability

• Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, tact, creativity, adaptability, and a solution-oriented approach at all times.
• Builds respectful, inclusive, collaborative, and service-focused relationships and represents the MSW-IFS Field Education Program, Faculty of Social Work, and University in a professional, informed, responsive, and consistent manner.
• Exercises discretion and maintains confidentiality when handling student and personnel matters, program information, reports, budgets, records, and other sensitive materials.
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant policies, accreditation and professional standards, and best practices; keeps the Senior Administrative Officer informed and seeks direction when appropriate.

Committee Participation

• Member: IFS Committee, CAFSAC, FSW Committees, MSW Field Team
• Chair/Co-Chair/member: assigned working groups   

Qualifications

Education

• Master of Social Work required.
• A degree in an Indigenous Master of Social Work program is an asset.

Experience

• Minimum three years of related social work experience.
• Minimum two years of administrative/coordination experience.
• Demonstrated appreciation and understanding of Indigenous wholistic practices, ceremonies and cultural practices.
• Experience in post-secondary is an asset.
• Experience in wholistic healing practice with Indigenous peoples/communities is an asset.
• Experience engaging with Indigenous communities is an asset.

Required Knowledge & Abilities

• Practical knowledge of social work programs and practice in a variety of social service systems.

• Demonstrated knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous wholistic healing practices.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively within an Indigenous community collaborative approach/student-oriented model is an asset.

Required Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Superior leadership, conflict resolution, interpersonal/relationality, and communication skills.
• Superior initiative, resourcefulness, judgment and demonstrated ability to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and support Indigenous peoples, students, and individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. 

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and deal with difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent presentation skills required to facilitate online training for agencies, instructors and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.

Required Administration Skills

• Must have ability to complete tasks accurately with strong attention to detail and ability to review own work for errors and necessary revisions are essential.
• Proven ability to multi-task and successfully manage multiple competing priorities in a busy environment with flexibility.
• Exceptional project management, organization, prioritization, and time management skills.

Required Technology Skills

• Strong ability to utilize and learn technology to facilitate ongoing field development and work remotely as needed.
• Advanced computer skills, including: MS Office, email, webinars, databases, online portals, web-based tools (e.g. Lucidchart, Jamboard), MS Teams, Zoom, and MyLearningSpace required.
• Advanced technological skills required to input and update information in the field placement portal, and online MSW field program.

Required Work Culture

• Demonstrated ability to follow direction, be open to feedback and adapt to change.
• Demonstrated ability in cross-campus collaboration and supporting students within a student-centered model.
• Must present a professional image of the FSW and IFS program at all times.
• Must be able to work independently effectively, take initiative, excel in a team setting and work collaboratively with various stakeholders including academic and administrative staff, alumni, students and external organizations.

Flexibility & Travel Requirements

• Ability to work irregular hours throughout the academic year.
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a car are required to travel.
• Ability to travel within a 150 km radius of Kitchener-Waterloo for the purposes of cross-campus collaborations and site visits. 

This position has not been deemed eligible for Educational Equivalencies.

Hours of work: This is a full-time, limited term role with an approximate end date of October 29, 2027. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to events. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week.

This role offers limited flexibility regarding flexible work arrangements. Please see Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy) for more information. All arrangement must be approved by the direct manager. On occasion, this schedule may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements.

Compensation

Level: E

Rate of pay: $42.83 – $45.28  per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date to $48.95 per hour.Considerations for new hire step placements include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Job Evaluation Factor Scores 

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact People and Culture. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.

Please note, when pre-screening questions are used as part of the application process, AI is utilized to score responses. All other aspects of the hiring process are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team.