Assistant Professor, Social Work

Whitworth University; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitworth University invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor, Social Work positions in our MSW program in Spokane, WA. The roles involve teaching across generalist and specialized sequences, advising students, and contributing to curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation activities.

Faculty are expected to teach 21 credits per academic year, participate in field placement preparation, and engage in scholarship aligned with the university's Christian

Qualifications

• Earned MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and an earned doctoral degree (DSW, Ph.D. in Social Work, or a closely related field). ABD with plan for degree completion by fall 2027 will be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of post-MSW professional social work practice experience, also a CSWE requirement.
• Demonstrated competence in at least one area of social work practice relevant to healthcare, behavioral health, or a related field.
• Experience teaching, training, supervising, or mentoring in social work or a closely related human services context.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical, culturally responsive practice and education consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Faculty who teach clinical practice content are expected to maintain current working knowledge of Washington state social work licensure standards.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Teach 21 credits per academic year across fall, Jan Term, and spring semesters in both generalist and specialized sequences.
• Prepare and deliver in-person instruction and online courses; design materials and assessments aligned to CSWE competencies.
• Advise MSW students on sequencing, degree progress, and career planning; mentor students for field placements.
• Contribute to curriculum development, assessment measures, and accreditation documentation.
• Maintain scholarship or professional activity consistent with rank expectations; engage in service to program and university.

Skills

Teaching

Advising

Mentoring

Curriculum design

Assessment and feedback

Research and scholarship

Faith-integrated education

Program governance

Education

MSW from CSWE-accredited program

Doctoral degree (DSW/PhD) or closely related field

ABD with completion plan by 2027

Job description

The assistant professor of social work is a full-time, tenure-track faculty member in Whitworth University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program, a healthcare and behavioral health degree housed in the School of Health Sciences that enrolls its inaugural cohort in fall 2027. MSW faculty teach across the generalist and specialized practice sequences, serve as trusted advisors and mentors to MSW students. In this role, you will contribute to curriculum development, competency-based assessment, and accreditation documentation. All of this work is carried out in support of Whitworth’s mission to provide an education of mind and heart that equips students to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity.

Whitworth is seeking two faculty members to join our Master of Social Work (MSW) program beginning July 1, 2027.

Teaching and Instruction

Teach 21 credits per academic year across the fall semester, Jan Term, and spring semester, in both the generalist first-year and specialized second-year sequences. Prepare and deliver in‑person instruction in skills‑based social work practice courses and online instruction for courses designated for that format. Design course materials, learning activities, and graded assignments that operationalize the nine CSWE 2022 EPAS competencies and integrate evidence‑based, trauma‑informed, and culturally responsive practice frameworks. Evaluate student work and provide timely, constructive feedback aligned with published program learning outcomes. Maintain regular office hours and respond to student inquiries within the timeframes established in the MSW Student Handbook. Revise courses in response to student course evaluations, assessment data, and changes in practice standards.

Student Advising, Mentoring, and Professional Preparation

Serve as academic advisor to an assigned caseload of MSW students, guiding course sequencing, degree progress, and part‑time and full‑time pathway planning. Mentor students in professional identity development, licensure preparation, and career planning in healthcare and behavioral health settings. Support students in preparing for and succeeding in field placement in partnership with the field director. Identify students experiencing academic or professional performance concerns early, document those concerns, and implement the program’s academic and professional review procedures as outlined in the student handbook. Participate in admissions review and applicant interviews as assigned. Write letters of reference and support students in scholarship, conference, and employment applications.

Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Accreditation

Contribute to the design, review, and revision of MSW curriculum, including syllabi, course sequencing, and the elective slate. Develop and score competency‑based assessment measures, including assignment prompts and rubrics keyed to the nine CSWE competencies and their behaviors. Collect, enter, and analyze assessment data and participate in the annual review of program outcomes, contributing to changes in curriculum and program design that follow from those findings. Draft and review narrative and evidence submitted for CSWE benchmark documents, site visits, and reaffirmation, and for Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) institutional reporting. Maintain working knowledge of the CSWE 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards and the accreditation policies that govern the program’s candidacy and accreditation status.

Scholarship and Professional Development

Maintain an active professional identity through scholarly activity, applied research, practice engagement, or professional publication, consistent with the expectations for rank and tenure set out in the Whitworth University faculty handbook. Pursue professional development relevant to social work education and to the healthcare and behavioral health practice context, including continuing education required to maintain any professional license held. Present at regional or national professional conferences and participate in professional associations such as NASW and CSWE. Involve MSW students in research, program evaluation, and scholarly projects where appropriate. Remain current with developments in social work practice, licensure regulation, and behavioral health policy that bear on the curriculum.

Service to the Program, School, University, and Profession

Participate in MSW program meetings, retreats, and governance, and in School of Health Sciences and university faculty governance, committees, and assemblies. Represent the MSW program to prospective students at recruitment events, open houses, and information sessions. Build and sustain working relationships with healthcare and behavioral health agencies, field instructors, and community stakeholders in the Inland Northwest region. Contribute to the practice community advisory structures through which the program gathers input from employers and practitioners. Serve the profession through peer review, board service, volunteer practice, or continuing education delivery as opportunity allows.

Other Duties as Assigned

Perform other duties as assigned by the MSW program director or the dean of the School of Health Sciences in support of the program and the university. Because the MSW program is newly established, these duties may include tasks associated with program launch. The distribution of time across the functions above may shift from year to year by agreement with the program director as the program moves from launch through initial accreditation.

• Earned Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and an earned doctoral degree (DSW, Ph.D. in Social Work, or a closely related field). Applicants who are ABD (All But Dissertation) with a plan for degree completion by fall 2027 will be considered.
• A minimum of two (2) years of post-MSW professional social work practice experience, also a CSWE requirement.
• Demonstrated competence in at least one area of social work practice relevant to healthcare, behavioral health, or a related field.
• Experience teaching, training, supervising, or mentoring in social work or a closely related human services context.li>
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical, culturally responsive practice and education consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Faculty who teach clinical practice content are expected to maintain current working knowledge of Washington state social work licensure standards.
• 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

• Licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW, LICSW, or state equivalent), or license eligibility in Washington state.
• Experience teaching in a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program.
• Familiarity with the CSWE 2022 EPAS and competency-based social work education.
• Experience with online or hybrid instructional design and delivery.
• Record of scholarly activity, applied research, or professional publication.
• Established or emerging relationships with healthcare and behavioral health agencies in the Inland Northwest region.
• Expertise spanning more than one curricular area, or teaching interests that cross the generalist and specialized practice sequences.

Schedule

Nine-month academic-year faculty appointment covering the fall semester, Jan Term, and spring semester, with a standard load of 21 credits per year. Instruction is delivered primarily in person on the Whitworth campus in Spokane, with select courses offered online. Expect afternoon and evening course scheduling and periodic travel to field agency sites and community partners in the Spokane region. A valid driver’s license is required.

Salary Information

Assistant Professor, Social Work

Term: 9 months

$59,572 to $63,718

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

This search is recruiting for two (2) full-time, tenure-track positions. Together, the two appointments cover the full range of the MSW curriculum and may be differentiated based on applicant strengths and program needs. Areas of interest include but are not limited to clinical social work, mental health assessment and intervention, substance use disorders, medical social work, health policy and advocacy, integrated behavioral health, community mental health, trauma-informed practice, research and program evaluation, human behavior and development, social work ethics, and faith-integrated practice. Applicants should describe their teaching interests and areas of expertise in their cover letter. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

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 interest, CV, evidence of teaching effectiveness, faith statement, 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.