Adjunct Faculty Member - College of Social Sciences​/Social Work

Posting Details & Position Information

Working Title:

Adjunct Faculty Member - College of Social Sciences / Social Work. Appointment Type:
Adjunct. Purpose of Position:

The Social Work Program in CNU’s College of Social Sciences is accepting applications from prospective adjunct instructors to teach SOWK 301 (Social Work Practice I) and/or SOWK 301 Lab (Social Work Practice Lab and Junior Field Instruction) in Christopher Newport University’s undergraduate Social Work program.

Courses will be taught in the upcoming Fall semester; each course meets once per week for 2 ½ hours and works well when teaching in tandem, though not required.

Specific topics covered and assignments can be tailored to the expertise of the professor; however, the syllabus and course objectives should fit with the general course rationale as described and consistent with standards of the Council on Social Work Education. The following provides a description of the courses and rationale for how each course fits with the major.

This course is designed to develop beginning social work skills, knowledge, and values. It provides an introduction to the generalist approach and the planned change process with emphasis in working with individuals. Students learn skills in client assessments, case management, service plan development and record keeping, evidence-based intervention strategies, evaluation of outcomes, and integration of these concepts with knowledge of diverse, racial, ethnic, and cultural patterns and through understanding of self.

Assignments include exams; genogram and life story paper; and group application of the planned change process.

Social Work Practice I provides core concepts in working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Emphasis is on the use of micro‑level skills and introduction to the planned change process. Students will learn about the role of micro social work in the profession overall, the functions and characteristics of generalist practice, and specific tools used in case management. Ethical considerations, cultural competence, and theory related to macro social work will be emphasized throughout the semester.

This 80 to 120 clock‑hour laboratory experientially reinforces content in SOWK 301. It includes off‑campus observation of Social Work agencies, limited experience in a community social service setting, development of foundational practice skills, learning through role‑play exercises, and the use of video recording equipment. Students practice engagement, use of self in the helping role, active listening, empathy, understanding body language, and interviewing techniques.

Attention and application of ADEI is emphasized. Assignments include reflection papers, video recordings of skills, process recordings, and in‑class participation.

Social Work Practice Lab and Junior Field Instruction provides students with hands‑on opportunities to learn and practice direct skills in working with individuals. Emphasis is developing interpersonal and communication skills necessary for successful interactions among different groups of individuals. This course serves as a gatekeeping tool for continuation in the social work major.

The Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology’s mission is to present the intellectual foundations of sociology, social work, anthropology, criminology and geography. Built on a strong liberal arts base, our programs are mindful of each discipline’s responsibility to mentor students who will be engaged citizens in a multicultural, diverse and global society. Our instructional mission is to provide students with knowledge and skills that are applicable to a broad range of settings, including the public and private sector, and to better prepare students to pursue graduate and professional degrees in sociology, social work, anthropology, criminology and related disciplines.

In addition to these, the social work program prepares students for entry level social work practice. We…