Assistant Professor of Social Work roles in Kentucky are typically competitive because schools look for candidates who can teach effectively, maintain on-campus availability, and bring current practice experience into the classroom. For this role, the doctorate, CSWE-accredited MSW, and post-MSW practice background are key screening points. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your teaching experience and campus schedule fit before applying.
Quick overview
The Assistant Professor is responsible for providing high-quality instruction in undergraduate and graduate social work courses while mentoring students and developing curriculum. They must also engage in program assessment, professional development, and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a doctorate in Social Work or a related field, a Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, and at least two years of post-MSW professional practice experience. Proficiency in teaching and a commitment to on-campus availability are required.
The Assistant Professor of Social Work is a full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position responsible for providing high-quality instruction in undergraduate and graduate social work courses, advising and mentoring students, participating in curriculum development and program assessment, engaging in professional development, and providing service to the School of Social Work, College, University, profession, and community. The successful candidate will contribute to the academic mission of Kentucky State University through excellence in teaching, student success, professional engagement, and institutional service while supporting the continued growth and development of the Social Work program.
Regular physical presence on the Kentucky State University campus is an essential function of this position. Faculty are expected to provide in-person instruction, maintain on-campus office hours, advise students, participate in committee work, attend meetings and University functions, and collaborate with colleagues in support of the University's educational mission.
Essential job functions
Teach undergraduate and graduate social work courses in assigned areas of expertise using effective instructional strategies that promote student learning and academic success.
Provide face-to-face instruction as assigned and utilize instructional technologies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Develop, revise, and maintain course syllabi, instructional materials, assignments, and assessments consistent with University policies, program requirements, and Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards.
Evaluate student performance in a timely manner and submit grades in accordance with University policies and established deadlines.
Maintain regularly scheduled on-campus office hours and provide academic advising, mentoring, and support to students.
Participate in curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators to support student recruitment, retention, persistence, and graduation initiatives.
Participate in faculty meetings, departmental meetings, college meetings, committee assignments, commencement, orientation, registration, and other official University functions.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, professional organizations, and field education partners that enhance educational opportunities for students.
Participate in professional development activities to maintain expertise in the discipline, instructional effectiveness, and knowledge of current social work practice. Scholarly presentations, publications, grant development, or other professional activities are encouraged when they support the mission of the School and University.
Maintain compliance with University policies and procedures, CSWE accreditation standards, applicable laws and regulations, and professional standards of social work practice and ethics.
Maintain regular, reliable attendance and physical presence on campus as an essential function of the position.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities required
Demonstrated knowledge of social work theory, practice, ethics, policy, research, and evidence-based practice.
Knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards and social work educational practices.
Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and graduate students in face-to-face, hybrid, and technology-supported learning environments.
Ability to develop curriculum and assess student learning outcomes.
Ability to advise, mentor, and support a diverse student population in achieving academic and professional success.
Knowledge of current trends, best practices, and emerging issues in social work education and professional practice.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and professional organizations.
Ability to collaborate effectively within an academic environment.
Strong organizational, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound professional judgment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, learning management systems, and other instructional technologies.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.
Supervisory responsibility
This position has no direct supervisory responsibility. Responsibilities may include supervision of student field placements, practicum experiences, capstone projects, independent studies, graduate research, teaching assistants, or other academic activities as assigned..
Other duties
Participate in professional development activities that support instructional excellence and continued professional competence.
Engage in professional service activities that support the mission of the School, University, and the social work profession.
Assist with student recruitment, outreach, community engagement, and program promotion activities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
Earned doctorate (Ph.D., DSW, or other appropriate terminal degree) in Social Work or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Minimum of two (2) years of post-MSW professional social work practice experience.
Demonstrated ability or strong potential for excellence in teaching, student advising, and student engagement.
Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate social work courses.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
Commitment to maintaining regular on-campus availability to fulfill instructional, advising, committee, and other faculty responsibilities.
Preferred
Kentucky Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), or eligibility for Kentucky social work licensure.
Previous teaching experience in higher education.
Experience with CSWE accreditation standards, assessment activities, or program evaluation.
Professional practice experience in one or more specialty areas of social work, including mental health, child welfare, school social work, healthcare, gerontology, trauma-informed practice, substance use treatment, community practice, or related fields.
Experience supervising field education, practicum experiences, internships, or student research.
Professional presentations, publications, grant development, or other professional accomplishments that enhance teaching and student learning.
Experience developing collaborative partnerships with community agencies and professional organizations.
Licensing and Certifications
Kentucky Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), or eligibility for Kentucky social work licensure is preferred.
Working conditions
Work is performed primarily on the campus of Kentucky State University in classrooms, offices, meeting spaces, and other University facilities.
Regular physical presence on campus is an essential function of this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide in-person instruction, maintain office hours, advise students, participate in meetings and committee work, engage in accreditation and assessment activities, and attend commencement, orientation, and other official University events.
The position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, communicate effectively, and use computers and instructional technology for extended periods.
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support instructional, recruitment, student engagement, or University activities.
Occasional travel may be required for professional development, conferences, field education visits, community engagement, accreditation activities, and other University business.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
