Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Simulation Program Manager

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The MSU School of Social Work is dedicated to educating students for ethical, competent, responsive, and innovative social work practice, and to conducting and disseminating high quality research that improves the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. Our teaching, research, and outreach synergistically promote social justice, positive change, and solutions to the problems facing a wide cross section of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. More than 650 students are enrolled in our CSWE-accredited BASW and MSW programs, and PhD program.

Michigan State University School of Social Work, in conjunction with other Michigan graduate schools of social work and through the support of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), offers in-person trainings, live webinars, and online courses. This project, known as Child Welfare In-Service Training, provides free training opportunities for MDHHS and MDHHS-contracted private agency Children’s Protective Services (CPS), family preservation, foster care, and adoption case managers and supervisors. This position will manage implementation of a pilot project to test and evaluation simulation-based training for CPS Specialists.

This position is grant-funded and only is available should the grant be re-funded.

The primary functions of this role include:

• Develop a project plan for the pilot period and key project milestones.
• Coordinate and manage project timelines and deliverables, ensuring alignment with contract requirements.
• Facilitate communication and meetings with team members including the MSU Learning Assessment Center (LAC), child welfare faculty, and MDHHS leadership.
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, identifying and mitigating risks or delays.
• Support the development of simulation training curriculum, case study scenarios, evaluation tools, and IRB applications with team members and partners.
• Coordinate the preparation and delivery of reports and updates for funders.
• Oversee and attend simulation training sessions and implement improvements in subsequent sessions as needed.
• Submit expenses for reimbursement and prepare invoices following university procedures.
• Support dissemination of evaluation report and scalability planning, make recommendations including project expansion.
• Supervise student workers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reports: Kalah Villagrana, Principal Investigator for the Grant.

Varied Work hours:

On campus position with allowable offsite/remote work, plus some required travel.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -social work, counseling, psychology, or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.

Desired Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing projects or programs, preferably in child welfare, human services, or education.
• Knowledge of child welfare systems, policies, and best practices, particularly those related to CPS investigations and family services.
• Experience with instructional design or simulation training, especially for adult learners.
• Team management skills, including experience coordinating interdisciplinary teams with government agencies and academic institutions.
• Organizational and project management abilities, including proficiency with project management tools.
• Ability to manage timelines and deliverables across project phases.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to travel, as needed, for partner meetings or trainings.
• Ability to manage several project aspects simultaneously and to adjust to needs of funders.

Required Application Materials

1) cover letter

2) current resume or curriculum vitae; and

3) The names of three references

Special Instructions

Review of application will begin October 3, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/03/2025

Website

www.socialwork.msu.edu

Department Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.