Jon Phillips is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work. He is a licensed social worker with extensive direct practice experience working with children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system.

His research examines how interprofessional and interagency collaboration in the child welfare system affects the families who are served by the system. His current research focuses on identifying the key components of collaboration. He intends to use the knowledge gained from these studies to develop interventions that enhance collaboration as a means of achieving better outcomes for families.

“Jon brings excellent teaching, practice and research experience and will be a wonderful addition to the School,” said Dean Nina Heller.

Jon received his PhD from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. His innovative mixed-methods dissertation explored how interprofessional collaboration affects the safe and timely reunification of children placed in foster care. As an educator, Jon views teaching as another way in which he—as a social worker—can advocate for social justice. He is committed to training future social workers who provide competent and ethical services to vulnerable and marginalized populations.