Director of MSW Program and Assistant/Associate Professor in Residence

INTRODUCTION

The University of Connecticut School of Social Work invites applications for an opening for an Assistant/Associate Professor in Residence (non-tenure track) who will serve as Director of the MSW Program. Applicants with practice and pedagogical expertise and experience in faculty leadership are sought.

The University of Connecticut School of Social Work is a national leader in graduate social work education with a tradition of educating and serving diverse communities. We are ranked in the top 12% of schools of social work nationally and number one in Connecticut. Areas of distinction include child welfare and child well-being; LGBTQ well-being; behavioral health, and trauma-informed care; international social work and human rights; immigrant and refugee studies; social and health disparities; diversity intersectionality, and anti-racism; and policy analysis, advocacy, and community organizing. MSW specializations include practice with individuals, families and groups, policy practice, and community organizing. The School’s research doctorate is the only public social work Ph.D. program in the region. Our externally funded portfolio exceeds $41 million dollars. The UConn School of Social Work is also home to the Innovations Institute, a nationally recognized interdisciplinary implementation and translational research center. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive faculty environment and especially welcome applicants from historically underrepresented groups. 

The UConn School of Social Work is located on the vibrant downtown Hartford regional campus. This neighborhood campus includes other UConn graduate and undergraduate academic programs and research centers, cultural institutions, and state and city government offices. This situates us ideally for carrying out our central academic mission and provides enhanced opportunities for building upon our existing community collaborations and expanding to new ones within a multicultural capital city.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will serve as the MSW Program Director, overseeing and administering all aspects of the program, including teaching; curriculum development, oversight and implementation, hiring of adjunct faculty; recruitment of MSW students; and liaison with departments across the University. The Director will oversee the fall 2024 launch, implementation, and administration of the School’s forthcoming online MSW program. The Director will work closely with the Field Education Department on all issues related to MSW field placements and with the Office of Student and Academic Services. The Director will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the program meet accreditation standards and for completing reports as required. The Director will have primary teaching responsibilities in the MSW program but may have teaching assignments in the other degree programs. The Director will participate in the pursuit, development, implementation, and leadership of social work training grants. The Director will mentor students in outreach and professional development and carry an advising load. The Director will participate in University, School of Social Work, and community-level service. The successful candidate will also be expected to broaden participation among members of underrepresented groups; demonstrate through their teaching and/or public engagement the richness of diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and provide leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An MSW degree in social work.
• A minimum of 2 years of post MSW practice experience.
• Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to working with diverse communities.
• Experience in teaching in an MSW program and familiarity with MSW curriculum.
• Experience supervising staff, and/or providing field instruction to students.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with academic committees. 
• Evidence of national or local leadership in social work or related discipline.
• A commitment to the School of Social Work’s mission of advancing knowledge, community engagement, human rights and social justice. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. or DSW or doctoral candidacy status in social work or a related discipline.
• Experience hiring and mentoring adjunct faculty.
• Commitment to and/or experience in promoting and fostering a learning environment supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience overseeing the MSW reaccreditation process.
• Experience working with teams to address student issues.
• Experience in or commitment to working collaboratively with departments within the School and across the University on multidisciplinary or inter-professional initiatives.
• Experience with online and hybrid teaching. 

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 11-month, non-tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor in Residence (APIR) position. Initial salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications, experience, and educational degree. The primary work location will be at the Hartford Campus. Preferred start date of late Spring 2024.     

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26895 and submit the following application materials:

• Current curriculum vitae
• Cover letter that comments on the minimum and preferred qualifications
• Commitment to diversity statement that describes previous and/or potential contributions to promoting diversity through teaching and/or service
• Names and contact information of three (3) references. References will not be contacted without the prior permission of the candidate.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Potential candidates can address questions to:

Scott Harding
Search Committee Chair
[email protected]

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.