Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work

We are seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work to lead the design and launch of our first Master of Social Work (MSW) program and serve as the inaugural MSW Program Director. This individual will play a critical role in addressing the behavioral health needs of our region by training the next generation of social workers to thrive in rural settings.

In the first 6 months - 1 year, the Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work will focus solely on the development of the new MSW program and preparation for accreditation reviews with HLC and CSWE. The new online MSW program will directly improve the health and well-being of a rural region and will be tailored for working professionals in remote areas. The degree will focus on rural social work and collaborate with institutional and community partners. 

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  Curriculum Development: Lead a cross-functional team to co-create a curriculum for an MSW program that is aligned with the 2022 CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).

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  Accreditation Leadership: Direct the multi-year CSWE accreditation process, including the preparation of benchmark documents and ensuring compliance with all core competencies.

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  Field Education Design: Establish a robust field education program, including the development of a field manual and securing affiliation agreements with agencies to provide the required hours of student practice.

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  Strategic Growth: Develop a hiring plan for future MSW faculty and lead student recruitment and admissions processes.

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  Community Engagement: Build strong professional relationships with local healthcare providers and human service organizations to ensure the program meets regional workforce needs.

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  Teaching and Advising in the MSW and/or the Department of Sociology (Anticipated to begin these roles in 2027)

The mission of the Department of Sociology is to provide a program that encourages our students to develop intellectually, professionally, and socially. We strive to provide a curriculum that is rigorous, relevant, and robust for the growing and changing needs of our community, nation, and global world. The faculty teach our students the research, interpretative and critical skills necessary to understand and analyze social phenomena, as well as foster a lifelong commitment to be a responsive member in their community. We offer our students direct opportunities to apply sociological knowledge and skills through an internship at various agencies and/or non-profit organizations. Upon completion of a B.A. in Sociology, our students will leave our program with hands-on, marketable skills and experiences that prepares them for a variety of career paths and/or graduate school.

We recognize that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they don’t match 100% of the job qualifications. Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies. 

• A Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution
• Has demonstrated leadership ability through teaching, scholarship, curriculum development, administrative experience, and other academic and professional activities in the field of social work. 
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in social work settings
• At least two years of previous experience working at a university in a teaching or leadership capacity
• A strong focus on teaching
• Demonstrates knowledge of, sensitivity to, and ability to work effectively with, the educational needs of individuals and groups with a diverse range of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities
• Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity of Adams State University’s student population, including students with different abilities (e.g. physical and or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded, inclusive practices within the classroom
• Demonstrated commitment to honesty, efficacy, and collaboration.

• Holds a Doctorate degree as either a DSW or a closely related field
• Be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
• Deep knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards 
• Experience launching a new MSW program
• An understanding of unique challenges/opportunities of social work in rural communities
• At least two years of professional experience in a social work settings
• Ability or experience working with historically under-served and/or underrepresented populations, and first-generation college students.
• Ability or experience in the recruitment and/or retention of underrepresented students, including students of color.
• Commitment to professional development, scholarship, and service to the university and community.
• Demonstrated self-awareness of one's own cultural beliefs, perspectives, and privileges as a part of one's orientation towards teaching.
• Demonstrated decision-making that is informed by research, data, and theory and that leverages students' unique cultures, experiences, and background as strengths.

In compliance with the Immigration Control Act of 1968 candidates for positions must provide proof of eligibility to work before an offer of employment can be made final.

Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to protecting its funds, property and other assets. Well-informed hiring decisions contribute to this effort. Therefore, Adams State University has adopted a policy on background screening for its prospective, continuing, and returning employees as well as students in certain circumstances. Offers of employment will be contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. The information received in response to a background check will be treated as confidential to the extent provided for by law.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Adams State University (ASU) may be directed to ASU's Office of Equal Opportunity, and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Support resources for sexual misconduct, ASU's  sexual misconduct policies, contact information for the Adams State University's Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, as well as a detailed  procedure for filing a grievance due to discrimination on the basis of sex may be found online at  https://www.adams.edu/administration/oeo/reporting-sexual-harassment/.  These  procedures also describe the University's response to reports and/or complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.  

Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability, and, as covered by law, veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression, marital status, and parental status.