CYFS & HS Adjunct Pool - Academic Year 2026-2027 (External)

Career Center at Portland State University; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Career Center at Portland State University seeks adjunct instructors for the Child, Youth, and Family Studies program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Candidates must hold at least an M.S. or M.A. in a relevant field and reside in Oregon or Washington.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate expertise in teaching, social justice issues, and cultural competence. This role includes the potential for online instruction and emphasizes a justice-minded curricular approach.

Qualifications

• M.S. or M.A. in human services or related field required.
• Experience with teaching or practice in the field expected.
• Candidates must reside in Oregon or Washington for the academic year.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Child, Youth, and Family Studies.
• Engage with issues of social justice and diversity.
• Contribute to the academic community at PSU.

Skills

Teaching experience

Cultural humility

Experience in critical theory

Expertise in social justice

Education

M.S. or M.A. in related field

B.A. or B.S. with experience

Job description

Position Announcement

Position Details

Proposed Start Date 09/16/2026 • Working Title CYFS & HS Adjunct Pool – Academic Year 2026‑2027 (External) • Department 240401 – CFA Child and Family Studies • Position Number D97733 • Representation AP – AFT, Local 3571

Position Summary

The PSU School of Social Work (SSW) envisions a world where all people lead fulfilling lives in affirming, just and equitable communities. Rooted in justice, relationship, and community collaboration, PSU SSW advances knowledge and creates social change through teaching, research, practice, and advocacy.

This position is open to instructors interested in teaching in Portland, OR and/or online. The Child, Youth, and Family Studies program (CYFS) uses a justice‑minded orientation to examine the history and contemporary social positions of children, youth, and families. The Human Services Program emphasizes cultural humility and responsiveness to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.

Minimum Qualifications

M.S. or M.A. in a field closely related to human services, children, youth, and families (e.g., education, sociology, human development, psychology, youth studies, family studies, social work, early childhood) OR a B.A. or B.S. with demonstrated teaching or practice experience. All adjunct candidates are required to be living in either Oregon or Washington for the academic year 2026‑2027.

Preferred Qualifications

We primarily seek applicants for CYFS and HS who have expertise in critical theory or epistemologies, experiential or emancipatory pedagogies, writing instruction, aging in families, social policy, child life, and related aspects of the curriculum. CFLE credentialing is desired. Ideal candidates also demonstrate experience working effectively around issues of social justice, diversity, and inclusion, with a proven ability to meet the needs of underrepresented students and other marginalized groups.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSU policies, including those on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Required Professional Standards of Conduct

All employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff.

Compensation

Adjunct faculty are paid per credit hour, per the AFT Collective Bargaining Agreement. Salary may be adjusted above the minimum rates based on qualifications and experience.