Writing Specialist; Contractual

Writing Specialist (Contractual)

The Writing Specialist provides school-wide academic writing support for students enrolled in the BSW, MSW, and PhD programs. The role conducts writing assessments for incoming students, delivers workshops throughout each semester, and offers individualized coaching. The specialist collaborates closely with faculty and program leadership to strengthen students’ academic communication skills, support retention and progression, and uphold the School of Social Work’s commitment to excellence in professional writing.

Writing Assessment and Evaluation:

• Conduct writing assessments for incoming BSW, MSW, and PhD students each semester.
• Evaluate writing samples and determine student readiness, areas of need, and recommended supports.
• Provide written feedback to students and document outcomes for internal use.
• Work with faculty and program leaders to ensure assessments align with curricular outcomes.

Workshops and Writing Instruction:

• Offer a minimum of four writing workshops per degree level each semester.
• Deliver instruction on APA style, grammar and mechanics, argumentation, critical thinking, scholarly voice, and discipline-specific writing conventions.
• Develop handouts, slides, guides, and writing resources for student use.

Individual Student

Coaching:

• Provide one-on-one writing consultations for students referred by faculty or seeking support.
• Offer coaching focused on structure, clarity, synthesis, revision, and academic integrity.
• Support multilingual and international students with specialized language strategies.
• Maintain appropriate documentation while honoring confidentiality and FERPA guidelines.

Faculty and Program

Collaboration:

• Consult with faculty on writing expectations, assignment clarity, and rubrics.
• Advise on common student writing challenges and strategies to strengthen academic writing across the curriculum.
• Participate in department meetings and student success initiatives.

Administrative & Reporting Responsibilities:

• Maintain a structured schedule of assessments, workshops, and student appointments.
• Track student engagement and report assessment and workshop outcomes to leadership each semester.
• Contribute to accreditation documentation regarding writing competency and student learning outcomes.
• Assist with developing online writing modules or asynchronous learning supports.

Education:

• Master’s degree in English, Writing, Education, Social Work, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience teaching writing at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Proficiency in APA formatting, academic writing conventions, and professional writing skills.
• Experience supporting adult learners, multilingual students, and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal skills.

Other Preferences:

• Familiarity with Morgan State University systems and student support processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in higher education writing centers or academic support programs.
• Knowledge of writing expectations within social work.
• Experience developing writing workshops, assessments, or curricular materials.