State University Faculty - Assistant Professor of Social Work

Job Description

Metro State University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, is seeking to hire an Assistant Professor. This is a fixed-term (one year) position within the Social Work department and will start on August 17, 2026.

Examples of courses that this position may teach include:

• SOWK 321 - Social Work Practice I

  This course examines frameworks for social work practice, social work values and ethics, ethnic competence in multicultural contexts and the professional relationship skills required for effective beginning social work practice. The stages of the problem solving process are examined in detail with emphasis on working at all levels of client systems: individuals and families; groups; and communities and organizations. An understanding of theories of culture and of multicultural interventions is emphasized.

• SOWK 333 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment

  The course emphasizes ecological and theoretical perspectives for social work practice with culturally diverse populations and includes the study of human behavior and development throughout the lifespan.

• SOWK 360 - Social Welfare History and Policy

  Students acquire a critical understanding of the historic development of social welfare policy and its implications for contemporary macro practice within the social work profession. Students will analyze, formulate, and evaluate social welfare policy, paying special attention to implications for racial, ethnic, and cultural communities and the role of social work professionals to intentionally influence equitable policy solutions.

• SOWK 522 - Social Work Practice II

  This course emphasizes the theories and skills necessary for social workers to practice effectively at the community and governmental levels and professional ethics and legal responsibilities in individual and family work. Using a case study approach, students apply change and comparative analysis theories in multicultural community projects and in the state legislature.

• SOWK 582 - Social Work Capstone Seminar

  Students examine the field practicum experience in a mainstream agency, applying theories they have acquired throughout the program. Students write a major integrating paper on generalist multicultural social work practice.

Filling of this position is dependent upon budget.

• Demonstrate the ability to teach social work courses effectively to a post-traditional student population and contribute to meaningful assessment of student learning.

• Engage in scholarly activity, creative achievement, and/or research.

• Provide evidence of continuing preparation and study.

• Contribute to student growth and development through advising and assistance.

• Engage in service to the university and community.

• Demonstrate a commitment to serving a diverse student body by delivering a student-centered education and using approaches that support equitable outcomes for all students.

• Provide excellent learning environments through an in-person centered model, with the ability to teach online, and/or hybrid course content as needed.

• A minimum of a master's degree in social work.

• Two years of post-MSW social work practice experience.

• Demonstrated interest in a faculty position that prioritizes teaching and emphasizes teaching excellence.

• A plan for scholarly activity, creative achievement, and/or research in the specified discipline(s), or related disciplines.

• Effective communication skills (written & verbal) to communicate with a variety of persons and groups.

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with students and colleagues who are culturally, economically, and linguistically diverse.

• Demonstrated experience collaborating and serving racially, ethnically and culturally diverse communities.

• Technical, computer, and/or software skills sufficient to successfully navigate instructional platforms such as D2L, Turnitin, Zoom and the like.

• A doctorate degree directly relating to the social work discipline.

• Demonstrated effectiveness teaching at a post-secondary level.

• Experience developing course curricula at a post-secondary institution.

• Demonstrated contributions to…