Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work to lead the design and launch of our first Master of Social Work (MSW) program and serve as the inaugural MSW Program Director. This individual will play a critical role in addressing the behavioral health needs of our region by training the next generation of social workers to thrive in rural settings.

In the first 6 months - 1 year, the Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work will focus solely on the development of the new MSW program and preparation for accreditation reviews with HLC and CSWE. The new online MSW program will directly improve the health and well‑being of a rural region and will be tailored for working professionals in remote areas.

The degree will focus on rural social work and collaborate with institutional and community partners.

Position Start: Fall 2026

The Visiting Assistant Professor is anticipated to begin teaching classes in the Department of Sociology in 2027.
Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Curriculum Development:
  Lead a cross-functional team to co-create a curriculum for an MSW program that is aligned with the 2022 CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).

• Accreditation Leadership:
  Direct the multi-year CSWE accreditation process, including the preparation of benchmark documents and ensuring compliance with all core competencies.

• Field Education Design:
  Establish a robust field education program, including the development of a field manual and securing affiliation agreements with agencies to provide the required hours of student practice.

• Strategic Growth:
  Develop a hiring plan for future MSW faculty and lead student recruitment and admissions processes.

• Community Engagement:
  Build strong professional relationships with local healthcare providers and human service organizations to ensure the program meets regional workforce needs.

• Teaching and Advising in the MSW and/or the Department of Sociology (Anticipated to begin these roles in 2027)

Mission of the Department

The mission of the Department of Sociology is to provide a program that encourages our students to develop intellectually, professionally, and socially. We strive to provide a curriculum that is rigorous, relevant, and robust for the growing and changing needs of our community, nation, and global world. The faculty teach our students the research, interpretative and critical skills necessary to understand and analyze social phenomena, as well as foster a lifelong commitment to be a responsive member in their community.

We offer our students direct opportunities to apply sociological knowledge and skills through an internship at various agencies and/or non‑profit organizations. Upon completion of a B.A. in Sociology, our students will leave our program with hands‑on, marketable skills and experiences that prepares them for a variety of career paths and/or graduate school.

We recognize that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they don’t match 100% of the job qualifications. Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE‑accredited institution
• Has demonstrated leadership ability through teaching, scholarship, curriculum development, administrative experience, and other academic and professional activities in the field of social work.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in social work settings
• At least two years of previous experience working at a university in a teaching or leadership capacity
• A strong focus on teaching
• Demonstrates knowledge of, sensitivity to, and ability to work effectively with, the educational needs of individuals and groups with a diverse range of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities
• Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity of Adams State University’s student population, including students with different abilities (e.g. physical and or learning) as these factors relate to the need for…