Open Rank - Social Work Tenure Track Position

Governors State University (GovState) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Social Work within the College of Health and Human Services. We seek candidates to teach courses across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice primarily in the BSW program, and as needed at the MSW level. This position will start in mid-August 2026.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the Social Work Department’s mission to provide “accessible and equitable education centered on developing competent social work leaders committed to social justice and transforming society one person, one community, and one system at a time.” Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience.

We seek an individual who has:

1. A demonstrated record of excellence in teaching.
2. Significant social work practice experience.
3. A commitment to social justice and anti-racist social work practice and education.
4. A commitment to excellence in mentoring students, particularly students of color and first-generation college students.
5. A research agenda and record of scholarship.

Applicants will be invited to an on-campus interview that includes a teaching demonstration and interviews with faculty and administrators. Applicants may be asked to provide a description of their teaching philosophy and evaluative materials to assist in assessing their teaching experience.

Who We Are

Governors State University is the only regional, public, comprehensive university in Chicago's south suburban area, serving approximately 4,300 students annually. GovState provides accessible, high-value undergraduate and graduate education to culturally and economically diverse students. The beautiful campus is conveniently located within easy reach by road and rail to Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GovState serves includes urban, suburban, and rural communities. GovState serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is dedicated to providing outstanding educational opportunities in the health and human services professions. CHHS is comprised of the following academic departments: Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health, Communication Disorders, Health Administration and Informatics, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. Our programs emphasize critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for leading and managing effectively in a diverse society. Our mission is to provide accessible and quality health and human services professions education; foster a commitment to lifelong learning, scholarship, professional ethics, diversity, and social justice; and to infuse our programs into community partnerships for the health, well-being, and economic development of the region.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution.
• PhD in Social Work, a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW), with research experience will be considered. Degrees from a related field may also be considered however; applicants with a PhD/Doctorate in a related field must hold an MSW degree. ABD status will be considered if all degree requirements are completed by July 1, 2026.
• Two years of post-MSW teaching experience.
• Two years of post-MSW social work practice experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of social work practice experience and post-MSW teaching experience.
• Preference will be given to applicants whose backgrounds, experience, research interests, and expertise have prepared them to contribute to the mission of the Social Work Department.
• For consideration at the rank of Assistant Professor, the preferred applicant will have begun to establish a publication record and demonstrate the potential to continue to contribute to the scholarly research base of the field. For consideration of a higher rank, the applicant must have evidence of excellence in teaching, research, and service, commensurate with rank.
• Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate excellence in teaching, as appropriate to rank.
• License in Clinical Social Work or the equivalent.

Supplemental Information

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until this position is filled. For priority consideration, please submit a complete application by March 27, 2026.

A complete application includes the following attachments:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Transcripts
• Any additional materials which will support your credentials such as your teaching philosophy, evaluative materials etc.