"Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Psychology"

Position Details

This full-time faculty position is on-campus and in-person.

The Assistant Professor of Professional Practice (“PPP”) has a high degree of applied experience in their teaching discipline. An Assistant PPP is appointed to the Faculty but is not eligible for tenure or de facto tenure. Responsibilities include instruction of students and continuing engagement in professional field of expertise, and service to the university through committee memberships, student advising and attendance at University events. An Assistant PPP must maintain professional knowledge and skill appropriate to their discipline.

As a member of the Psychology department, this position serves as part of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, specifically focused on the online developmental trauma MS, 4-1, and certificate programs. The position is a 12-month appointment, with a 2/2/1 teaching load plus service as the graduate studies program director (responsible for managing graduate programs and advising students). The ideal candidate will have professional experience leading an organization or system through significant programmatic and cultural change using trauma-informed approaches (e.g., using Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), as well as experience in higher education, online instructional course design, and program administration.

Duties and Essential Job Functions

1. Teaching: Prepares for and meets academic instruction responsibilities for courses as assigned. Responsibilities may be covered in the classroom, laboratory, or other such environment. Faculty members are also expected to schedule their own office hours weekly.
   a. Managing and prioritizing faculty, staff, and student relationships in an online environment.
   b. Responding to students on a timely, regular, and consistent basis.
2. Service: Serves the Psychology Department and the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development as the developmental trauma graduate program director and advisor. Serves the university by participation in faculty governance and processes, activities relating to university programs, and other such activities that contribute to TCU and its mission. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
   a. Works with the KPICD’s Education Director to collaborate, monitor, improve, and collect data on graduate programs.
   b. Ensures program fidelity to TBRI.
   c. Intentionally develops programs to facilitate relationships with other students and professionals across the globe.
   d. Develops community partnerships with TBRI Practitioners and Ambassador organizations for graduate programming and networking.
   e. Manages Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC) compliance and accreditation.
   f. Manages the program budget and works in collaboration with the KPICD Finance team to set, follow, and maintain the program budget.
   g. Manages the programs admission process by selecting the application review members, coordinating the processes for student selection, and managing the notifications and admission requirements.
   h. Manages and coordinates teaching personnel and scheduling of courses each semester.
   i. Manages instructor hiring, training and course development and approval.
   j. Develops and implements a program and instructor evaluation process, reviews the data, and works with the Education Director to make necessary programmatic and personnel adjustments.
   k. Coordinates student recruitment and retention.
   l. Manages student information, grades, and matriculation through the program.
   m. Resolves student and/or instructor conflicts.
   n. Manages policies and procedures related to graduate programs.
   o. Coordinates educational and social events related to the graduate programs.
   p. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Earned Doctorate or terminal degree in area of expertise.
• 3-5 years of teaching experience.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in an organization and/or system of care serving families and children.
• Experience in higher education and/or project/program management.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience leading trauma-informed programming implementation, such as TBRI, within an organization and/or system of care.
• Experience in curriculum development.
• Experience in online education.

Preferred Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training

• TBRI Practitioner

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to motivate, encourage, and empower students.
• Knowledge of university-level teaching theories.
• Knowledge within developmental trauma and intervention, including Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse constituencies.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams in a mission-driven environment.
• Passion for the organization’s mission and a commitment to equity and community-centered work.
• Creative, strategic thinker who thrives in collaborative environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Skill in professional communication with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to learn and adapt to evolving policies and systems.
• Skill in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work well with a team and independently.

Department Details

The Department of Psychology at TCU utilizes the teacher-scholar model to understand and study behavior, and the biological underpinnings of behavior, in both humans and non-human animals. Teaching is central to our department’s mission; we hire faculty who are passionate about teaching and highly trained in their area of teaching specialty. We offer majors in Psychology (BA, BS), Neuroscience (BS), and Child Development (BA, BS), along with our graduate (PhD) program. Faculty members include tenure track researchers, instructors, and P3s.

Our department’s curriculum and all faculty-related policies have been developed with consultation of the full faculty. We work together as a team, with the utmost respect and appreciation for all types and ways of contributing to our students and their success. Collegiality and teamwork are a hallmark of our department.
See https://cse.tcu.edu/psychology/index.php for more information about the department.

The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) at TCU is part of the College of Science and Engineering and affiliated with the Psychology Department. The KPICD strives to help children suffering from the effects of early trauma, abuse and/or neglect. We conduct research to deepen understanding about the complex needs of these children and how to help them overcome social, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Through various outreach initiatives, we train professionals in Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, a research-based, holistic model developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross.

Required Application Materials & Application Instructions

Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter indicating their qualifications for this position, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a statement of applied experience, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) the contact details (name, affiliation, e-mail address, and phone number) for three academic references that we will contact to request letters for select applicants. TCU’s mission statement is, in part, to “educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in a global community.” Within statement of applied experience and/or teaching philosophy, please share your experience regarding personal or professional learning, online teaching, or research, or campus or community engagement, that fostered student learning outcomes relevant to this mission. Indicate how your experience elevates your candidacy and how you think you may be involved in supporting TCU’s mission, vision, and values.

TCU uses an online application protocol administered by Human Resources. All application materials must be submitted electronically at: jobs.tcu.edu