Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy

Whitworth University; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitworth University invites applications for a full-time, assistant professor in the graduate Marriage and Family Therapy program. The successful candidate will teach across the MFT curriculum, provide clinical supervision, advise, mentor, and engage in scholarship within a Christian liberal arts university.

The position emphasizes student-centered teaching, collaboration with faculty, and contribution to curriculum development, program assessment, and accreditation processes in a faith-based

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in MFT or closely related field with systemic/relational expertise.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate MFT courses and other graduate courses as needed.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate theory and practice across the curriculum.
• Provide university-based clinical supervision to practicum and internship students.
• Support program assessment, accreditation, recruitment, admissions, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Graduate teaching

Clinical supervision

Curriculum development

Accreditation knowledge

Student mentorship

Team collaboration

Education

Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy

COAMFTE-accredited program background

Washington LMFT license (or eligibility)

AAMFT Approved Supervisor status or candidate

Job description

Whitworth University invites applications for a full-time, assistant professor faculty position in its graduate Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, student-centered educator with expertise in systemic and relational theory and practice who is committed to preparing future marriage and family therapists through graduate teaching, clinical supervision, advising, mentorship, and scholarship. This faculty member will teach across the MFT curriculum, support the integration of academic learning and clinical practice, and contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation, recruitment, admissions, and continuous program improvement.

Teaching & Curriculum

• Teach graduate-level Marriage and Family Therapy courses and other graduate courses as appropriate to program needs and faculty expertise.
• Develop and deliver high-quality, engaging instruction grounded in systemic/relational theory, contemporary clinical practice, and current scholarship.
• Incorporate experiential and applied learning opportunities that support students' development as marriage and family therapists.
• Develop, revise, and maintain course content consistent with program learning outcomes, professional competencies, and accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with MFT faculty to promote coherence and integration across the curriculum.
• Participate in ongoing curriculum review, development, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the development of new courses and educational experiences as program needs evolve.

Clinical Supervision & Student Development

• Provide university-based clinical supervision to practicum and internship students in accordance with program and accreditation requirements.
• Support students in integrating systemic theory, clinical skills, ethical practice, and professional identity.
• Evaluate student clinical development and provide meaningful formative and summative feedback.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Director and other faculty regarding student clinical competency and professional development.
• Participate in the development and implementation of student growth, remediation, or support plans when appropriate.
• Mentor students in their development as ethical, competent, and reflective marriage and family therapists.

Academic Advising & Mentorship

• Serve as an academic advisor to assigned graduate MFT students.
• Monitor student academic progress and support students in meeting program and degree requirements.
• Provide mentorship related to academic, clinical, and professional development.
• Assist students in navigating professional development, internship, graduation, and post-graduate licensure preparation.
• Serve on student thesis, research, or other scholarly committees as appropriate.

Scholarship & Professional Engagement

• Maintain an active program of scholarship and professional development appropriate to faculty rank and university expectations.
• Engage in research, scholarly writing, presentations, professional training, or other forms of scholarly contribution relevant to Marriage and Family Therapy or related disciplines.
• Maintain involvement in relevant professional organizations at the local, state, regional, and/or national level.
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in systemic/relational practice, clinical training, supervision, ethics, and the MFT profession.
• Pursue ongoing professional development consistent with areas of teaching and clinical expertise.

Program & University Service

• Participate actively in MFT program planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in student recruitment and admissions activities as appropriate.
• Serve on program, school, and university committees as assigned.
• Attend faculty assemblies, professional development activities, retreats, and other university events consistent with faculty expectations.
• Participate in program events, student activities, and community engagement opportunities as appropriate.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, administrators, clinical supervisors, and community partners to support the mission and goals of the MFT program.
• Contribute to a collegial faculty culture characterized by collaboration, communication, shared responsibility, and commitment to student success.

• Earned doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, Couple and Family Therapy, or a closely related field with demonstrated advanced academic preparation in systemic and relational theory and practice. ABD candidates with an anticipated completion date prior to appointment may be considered.
• Current licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and eligibility for licensure as an LMFT in Washington State.
• Demonstrated professional identity as a Marriage and Family Therapist, including ongoing engagement with the MFT profession, systemic/relational practice, professional organizations, scholarship, supervision, teaching, and/or other activities that contribute to the discipline.
• Clinical experience providing systemic and relational therapy with couples and families.
• Demonstrated grounding in the major theoretical traditions of Marriage and Family Therapy and their application to contemporary clinical practice.
• AAMFT Clinical Fellow status or eligibility for Clinical Fellow status.
• Demonstrated experience or potential to provide graduate-level MFT instruction and clinical supervision.
• Commitment to preparing students for professional identity and practice as Marriage and Family Therapists.
• Commitment to excellence in graduate education, student mentorship, and collaborative faculty work.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, administrators, supervisors, and community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the presbyterian church.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate specifically in Marriage and Family Therapy or Couple and Family Therapy.
• Graduate degree from a COAMFTE-accredited MFT/CFT program.
• Current Washington State LMFT license.
• AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation or Approved Supervisor Candidate status.
• Five or more years of post-master's clinical experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
• Graduate-level teaching experience in a Marriage and Family Therapy or Couple and Family Therapy program.
• Experience providing clinical supervision to graduate MFT/CFT students.
• Familiarity with COAMFTE accreditation standards and processes.
• Active involvement in AAMFT or other professional organizations representing the Marriage and Family Therapy profession.
• Established or emerging scholarship contributing to systemic/relational theory, research, clinical practice, supervision, or MFT education.

Salary Information

Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy

Term: 11.5 months (academic year + 2.5 month summer)

Assistant Professor Salary: $76,120 - $85,074

Commensurate with years of credited service. 1.75% increase to the minimum salary is granted for each year of credited service at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position, CV, teaching philosophy, faith statement, three most recent student feedback surveys (if available), graduate transcripts (can be unofficial), and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.