Assistant Professor of Social Work

Check out our video invitation and job overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GBdbcQrjko&feature=youtu.be

Purdue University Northwest’s Department of Behavioral Sciences invites applications for two tenure track assistant professor positions in the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. The positions are to begin in August 2023. Candidates must be able to: 1) perform high-quality teaching, scholarship and service; 2) demonstrate commitment to promoting diversity and social justice in their roles as a faculty member; 3) collaborate with other department programs on curriculum, instruction, and other matters; and 4) teach introductory and other foundational social work courses. While all areas of scholarly interests will be considered, individuals with focal teaching/research interests in mental health, decarceration, forensic social work and trauma-informed care are especially encouraged to apply.

Guided by a liberal arts-based education and cohesive curriculum, the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program at Purdue University Northwest operates within the land-grant tradition of democracy, inclusiveness, and accessibility. All members of the Social Work program and those served are valued and respected as we celebrate diversity in background, culture and frame of reference. We are in the initial stages of developing an MSW program and new hires will be a part of this exciting journey. With 100+ community partnerships, social work faculty and students are actively involved in making a real difference to promote social justice in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland Area.

• Earned Doctoral Degree in Social Work or a closely related discipline by August 2023
• MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, or recognition of credentials by the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES)
• At least two years post-MSW practice experience
• University teaching experience

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago and the Indiana Dunes National Park, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity.

PNW serves approximately 8,800 students, with more than 70 areas of study at the baccalaureate, master’s and applied doctoral levels. Academic programs are offered within six colleges that have operations on two campuses located in Hammond and Westville:

• College of Business
• College of Engineering and Sciences
• College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
• College of Nursing
• College of Technology
• Honors College

The university is consistently ranked among the best regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges report. Our nursing, engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity programs are among those earning national recognitions. PNW also is recognized for social mobility among Midwest regional universities. As a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (GLIAC), the PNW Pride compete in NCAA Division II athletics , with more than 300 student-athletes excelling both in the classroom and in competition.  Purdue Northwest is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university employs approximately 1,100 faculty and staff.

The College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences serves over 1,400 undergraduate students and 170 graduate students across a wide range of programs. Departments and Schools within the college include:

• Behavioral Sciences
• Communication and Creative Arts
• English and World Languages
• History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics
• Psychology
• School of Education and Counseling

The College houses the Community Counseling Center that provides quality affordable mental health services and the Institute for Social and Policy Research, which uses social science and policy analysis methods to find solutions to educational, social, and health-related challenges facing the citizens of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago metropolitan region. The college is also home to the Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory Coalition to support those who have been wrongfully convicted in the state of Indiana.

Behavioral Sciences is a vibrant department with several programs and opportunities for collaboration. In addition to Social Work, we offer undergraduate majors in Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Development and Family Studies, and Sociology and a graduate program in Couple and Family Therapy. The department also houses the Couple and Family Therapy Center, which is located in the PNW Indianapolis Boulevard Counseling Center. Our students are primarily first-generation college students. In support of the University’s Strategic Plan, the Department is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse faculty and staff who foster diverse learning environments for students.

To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, contact information for three references, teaching evaluation reports, and up to three publications or writing samples. In the cover letter, please include your teaching philosophy and a statement of your commitment to diversity and social justice with examples of how you have fostered them. Screening of applications will begin immediately. Applications must be received by October 14, 2022 to receive full consideration. For questions about this position, please contact Dr. Shreya Bhandari, Search Committee Chair at [email protected].

Purdue University Northwest is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their experiences, current interest, or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

A background check will be required for employment in this position.