Missouri State University Social Work Programs

06/16/2026

JOB OPENING: Field Specialist in Human Development

University of Missouri Extension is seeking a Field Specialist in Human Development based in Lebanon, Missouri, serving Laclede, Dallas, Texas, and Webster counties.

MU Extension Specialists bring research-based solutions to local communities through educational programming and community engagement. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs related to parenting, family strengthening, mental health awareness, adolescence, aging, and/or early childhood care and education.

The position is part of the University of Missouri Office of Extension and Engagement and involves working with individuals, families, organizations, and communities to address local needs through evidence-informed education and outreach.

An earned master's degree or PhD is required at the time of appointment. The position may be eligible in the future for "fill and grow" status, which would allow candidates with a bachelor's degree to complete required coursework while employed.

For additional information about the position, application process, or opportunities to learn more about the role, interested individuals may contact Carrie Miller, MU Extension Council Member for Laclede County, at [email protected] or (660) 247-5593. Job details and the link to apply here: https://erecruit.umsystem.edu/psp/tamext/COLUM/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=9&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=9&JobOpeningId=59740&PostingSeq=1

06/16/2026

JOB OPENING: Family Care Specialist (Social Worker)

The Doula Foundation in Springfield, Missouri is seeking a full-time Family Care Specialist to provide care coordination, case management, resource navigation, and family support for clients during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and early parenthood.

This position requires a Bachelor of Social Work degree (MSW preferred) and involves working closely with doulas, Perinatal Community Health Workers, educators, and community partners to support families experiencing a variety of challenges, including housing instability, transportation barriers, mental health concerns, substance use disorder, financial hardship, and limited support systems. The Family Care Specialist role is community-based and focuses on advocacy, problem-solving, and connecting families with resources and services.

For more information about the position, contact Kimberly Costello at [email protected] or (417) 832-9222.

06/16/2026

Congratulations to Samantha Kuykendall on her selection as a BSW Student Representative for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Missouri Chapter Board! Samantha will serve a one-year term beginning July 1, 2026.

To be eligible for this position, students must be enrolled in a BSW program during the 2026–2027 academic year. Samantha was recently admitted to Missouri State University's online BSW Program and will begin coursework this August.

A resident of Kansas City, Missouri, Samantha brings extensive experience supporting youth and families through her work in public school counseling offices and as a high school cheerleading coach. She transferred to Missouri State from Metropolitan Community College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree and was selected as the student speaker for the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

Samantha shared that her current work has allowed her to collaborate with counselors and social workers, connect students and families with resources, and witness the diverse needs within her community, experiences that inspired her to pursue social work. She is particularly interested in working with individuals and families affected by addiction and hopes to eventually contribute to advocacy and policy initiatives.

Regarding her selection, Samantha said, “It feels like a big privilege to be able to learn from others with experience in the field and learn about how social policies are formed. I am so excited to have this opportunity.”

She also hopes to represent Missouri State social work students “with integrity, a desire to learn, and hard work.”

We are incredibly proud of Samantha and look forward to seeing the contributions she will make to the social work profession through this leadership role. Please join us in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement!

06/11/2026

JOB OPENING: The United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield is hiring for two social work positions, an LCSW and an unlicensed MSW. This link below provides details on the positions and how to apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/search/results/?j=0185&l=65807&a=DJ03&xorg=false&p=1&r=25

06/11/2026

JOB OPENING: The United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield is hiring for two social work positions, an LCSW and an unlicensed MSW. The link below provides details on the positions and how to apply.

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05/26/2026

What happens when history and social work come together? Powerful learning experiences for students.

This spring, Missouri State undergraduate social work students had the opportunity to engage with internationally recognized journalist, filmmaker, and human rights advocate Shiori Itō through a collaborative event between the Social Work Programs and the History Department. Students explored topics including trauma, advocacy, gender equity, human rights, and the importance of understanding complex human experiences through multiple perspectives.

We're especially proud that BSW Program seniors Hannah Byers and Breauna Cater helped lead the discussion, creating a meaningful student-centered learning experience that connected classroom concepts to real-world social work practice.

Thank you to Professor Stacy Johnson, Dr. Linshan Jiang, and everyone who helped make this collaboration possible!

Read more about the event here:

Dr. Linshan Jiang and Ms. Stacy Johnson both saw value in having their students hear about Itō’s experiences.

05/18/2026

Attention Missouri State Social Work Programs alumni! Missouri State University recently announced an important change regarding university email and account access for former students and alumni. Beginning July 1, 2026, university accounts (including email) will eventually be removed after a student has not attended for one academic year. Alumni with currently active accounts will receive advance notice before any account removal occurs.

We strongly encourage our alumni to read the full Information Services blog post linked below and begin updating any important accounts, professional contacts, licensure information, professional organizations, subscriptions, networking platforms, or employment-related logins currently tied to their Missouri State email address.

Please take a few minutes to review the information and plan ahead:

For many years, the University has allowed alumni and former students to keep their University email account indefinitely. As our services and threat landscape have evolved, we have taken a fresh look at the long-term cost and security implications of maintaining accounts that are no longer tied to....

05/11/2026

We would like to share an important update from our BSW Program while also recognizing the incredible contributions of one of our colleagues. (Pictured: Professor Salina Bollinger, left; Professor Regina Russell, right.)

After 12 years in practicum leadership, Professor Regina Russell will be stepping down from the role of BSW Practicum Coordinator and returning to full-time faculty. Professor Russell began as the coordinator of practicum education for both the BSW and MSW Programs and later transitioned into the BSW-specific role when the position was split in 2019.

Throughout this time, Professor Russell has been instrumental in shaping our practicum program and supporting student success. This leadership was especially critical during two successful accreditation reaffirmation cycles, and the impact on our students, community partners, and program will be lasting. We are deeply grateful for Professor Russell’s dedication and service.

We are also pleased to share that Professor Salina Bollinger will step into the role of BSW Practicum Coordinator beginning this fall. Since joining the faculty in 2021, Professor Bollinger has brought extensive experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, including providing trauma-informed therapy to adolescents, serving as a medical social worker in hospice care, and leading community-based programs supporting young parents and families. Professor Bollinger also has significant experience in program coordination, grant administration, supervising practicum students and staff, and building partnerships with community agencies. As an alum of both our BSW and MSW programs, Professor Bollinger brings a strong connection to our mission and students.

Professor Russell and Professor Bollinger will be working together this summer to ensure a smooth transition.

Please join us in thanking Professor Russell for her outstanding service and in welcoming Professor Bollinger into this important role!

05/09/2026

Congratulations to all of our social work students who graduated yesterday! We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to see the impact you will make in the communities you serve.

05/07/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Victim Center

Make a difference in someone’s healing journey. 💜

Volunteer advocates provide compassionate support, comfort, and resources to victims of violent and sexual crimes through a 24-hour phone line.

Flexible scheduling allows you to pick times that work for you!

Get started today: thevictimcenter.org | (417) 863-7273 or scan the QR code!

Alt Text: Image of a flyer promoting volunteer advocate opportunities through The Victim Center. The flyer explains that volunteer advocates provide compassionate support, comfort, and resources to victims of violent or sexual crimes through a 24-hour phone line. It encourages community members to get involved and notes that volunteers can choose times that fit their schedules. Contact information includes thevictimcenter.org and (417) 863-7273.