Paul Brinker

Paul Brinker serves as Graduate Field Practicum Coordinator and Associate Lecturer in the Department of Social Work within Southern Illinois University's College of Human and Behavioral Sciences. With 26 years of professional experience at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), including 19 years in supervisory roles culminating as Murphysboro Field Office Supervisor until his 2002 retirement from DCFS, he brings extensive frontline child welfare expertise to his academic position.

His educational background consists of:

• B.S.W. from Southern Illinois University
• M.S.W. from Southern Illinois University

Research and practice focus on protective service child welfare systems, social justice advocacy for vulnerable populations, and community development initiatives. His career demonstrates consistent application of these interests through founding the multidisciplinary Screening Committee for Abuse and Neglect (S.C.A.N. Team) in 1979, which continues monthly operations connecting medical, legal, public health, and social work professionals to address critical child abuse cases.

In his current role, he coordinates graduate practicum experiences while teaching child welfare practice and health/mental health courses. He maintains active community engagement through advocacy for child welfare system families and volunteer work developing Individualized Educational Plans, extending his DCFS-era commitment to systemic improvement through the 1996 National Child Welfare Conference presentation on Behavior Analysis and Public Child Welfare.