Assistant professor of social work - of education and community

Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) School of Social Work seeks two tenure track – assistant professors, full-time, 9-month contract teaching in generalist BSW & MSW courses. This position may include an opportunity for spring/summer teaching with additional compensation. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) classifies GVSU BSW and MSW programs as campus-based and all required courses are taught in person or hybrid. We are seeking innovative educators who are excited about teaching in person and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who teach in this program. The open positions are for Assistant Professors, subject to funding approval.

Position One Overview: Generalist Micro Faculty (BSW + SW 603 Lead)

Regarding this position, we seek a dynamic scholar-practitioner who has worked with diverse populations (mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, healthcare, etcetera) with at least two years of recent clinical/diagnostic practice post-MSW, preferably in agency-based setting. The ideal candidate will be a generalist social work educator capable of teaching micro-level BSW courses and an integrated methods course at the MSW level with the ability to teach clinical skills (e.g., interviewing skills, case management, individual and family intervention) combining micro, mezzo, and macro content; and is committed to anti-oppressive, inclusive, and culturally responsive teaching practices. Experience post-BSW and diverse clinical experiences are welcome.

Position Two Overview: Generalist/Macro Faculty

Regarding this position, we seek a dedicated social work educator to teach generalist macro practice courses at the BSW level, with a focus on SW 319 – Social Welfare Policy and Services and/ or SW 430 Social Work Research and potentially MSW macro coursework. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in macro social work, a commitment to social justice and human rights, and a passion for engaging undergraduate students in critical policy analysis and practice to facilitate student understanding of local, state, and federal social welfare policies and services, exploring historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences. Additionally, an ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to integrate macro topics such as environmental justice, housing or immigration; has experience leading community-based projects and/or background in legislative advocacy or nonprofit leadership demonstrating a commitment to inclusion responsive pedagogy.

Required Qualifications And Education For Both Positions

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE accredited MSW Program (or equivalent).
• Doctorate (PhD or DSW) in Social Work or a closely related discipline, or ABD with doctoral degree expected within 18 months of hire date.
• Minimum of two years of post-MSW professional social work experience in the relevant teaching area of focus.
• Evidence of critical, reflective thinking about the teaching and learning of social work education.
• Record of, or demonstrated potential for, teaching across macro, mezzo, and micro levels of social work practice at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Ability/interest to teach face to face in traditional learning environments.
• A record of, and/or potential for research/scholarship.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with others with respect, empathy, and humility.
• Demonstrated commitment to all students, including inclusion focused social work practices in alignment with CSWE standards.
• Ability to work productively with colleagues with flexibility and creativity.
• Demonstrate commitment to actively engage in service for the School of Social Work, the University, the profession, and the broader community.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications And Education

• Experience in teaching college level courses in social work and related fields and/or other adult learning settings.
• Completed PhD or DSW in social work or a related discipline at time of hire, PhD preferred.
• Three years post MSW professional social work experience in the relevant teaching area of focus; LMSW (or equivalent) preferred for the micro position.
• Ability to contribute to the university through scholarship, professional practice, or teaching.
  
  

Responsibilities - Essential Functions

• Engage in teaching and ongoing development of Social Work courses for both BSW and MSW students.
• Maintain a standard teaching load of 9 credit hours per semester.
• Advise/mentor students at the graduate and undergraduate level.
• Engage in social work/academic creating and executing research/scholarship agendas and activities.
• Engage in university service activities at all institutional levels.
• Engage in professional and community-based services activities
• Participate actively in the life of the School of Social Work, the University, and the surrounding community.
• Departmental support as needed.
  
  

Salary & Benefits: $66,000 - $68,000, commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
  
  

Department/Division

The mission of the GVSU School of Social Work is to prepare Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) level social workers who enhance and sustain the welfare and wellbeing of the individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities of West Michigan, the state, the nation, and the world; and who further the goals of the University and of the social work profession in this region and beyond. This is accomplished through professional leadership, advancement of the social work field’s knowledge through research and evaluation, and a focus on diversity, human rights, and advancing social, economic, and environmental justice.

Campus

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. GVSU is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - GVSU. GVSU is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for faculty and students while promoting enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service. More information can be found at our home page.

How to Apply: Apply online at jobs.gvsu.edu and select "Apply now". Please include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach in the School of Social Work at GVSU; (2) curriculum vitae ; (3) a teaching statement that addresses the applicant’s teaching experience, philosophy, and methodology, and how the applicant meets the teaching-related qualifications of the position.

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the application, you will be required to provide names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three professional references. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Email questions about the position to: Dr. Melissa Villarreal, Chair of the Social Work Search Committee, [email protected].

The committee will review submitted materials to determine which position(s) best align with each candidate’s qualifications. If you would like to be considered for a specific position, please indicate that in your cover letter.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.