"Assistant Professor - Social Work"

SUMMARY

Stephen F. Austin State University, a member of The University of Texas System, invites applicants for a nine-month, tenure-track faculty position in the School of Social Work beginning August 2025. The school is conducting a dual search to add in-person/on campus faculty who can support the quickly growing new Doctorate in Social Work. New faculty will be expected to work with students and community members to grow the level of research in the school while also continuing the longstanding tradition of successful rural community engagement. The school serves a mix of rural, urban, and international students who come from a range of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, including historically underrepresented populations. Candidates should demonstrate how their teaching, mentoring, research, and/or service engages underserved communities. This is a tenure-track position for candidates to be hired as an Assistant Professor of Social Work. It is expected that this position will primarily serve the new DSW program, but applicants should also be able to contribute to the MSW or BSW programs as assigned. The successful candidate will teach a range of courses, mentor and supervise graduate students, and conduct research in their area of expertise. The candidate must be familiar with CSWE accreditation standards and social work licensure requirements, including competency-based education principles related to implicit and explicit bias. The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential for teaching excellence, the ability to establish a scholarly research agenda, interest in service and shared governance, and a commitment to community outreach and engagement. A Ph.D. in Social Work or DSW is required at the time of appointment. Standard teaching load for this position is 3/3, with new hires receiving a reduced 2/2 course assignment during their first year. Additional reduction in teaching loads may be possible through reassignments for scholarly engagement or service. The college will provide a competitive salary as well as startup, moving, and ongoing professional development funds for travel and research.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track faculty position responsible for contributing significantly to Stephen F. Austin State University’s undergraduate and/or graduate programs through teaching, scholarship/creative accomplishment, and service. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the chair.

QUALIFICATIONS

Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required. ABD candidates may be considered if Ph.D. is earned prior to start date. The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Performs an equivalent of eight teaching units of work during the regular academic year; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
2. Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
3. Provides services to the university and the profession.
4. Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
5. When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
6. May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
2. May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
3. May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
4. May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
5. May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
2. Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
3. Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
4. Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance. This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check. This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.