Asst. Professor Social Work/Director MSW Prog/Online MSW Coord

TITLE: Assistant Professor of Social Work (with designation as Director Master of Social Work (MSW) Program and MSW Online Coordinator)

DEPARTMENT: School of Social Work

REPORTS TO: Chair of Social Work

CLASSIFICATION: Faculty, 12-month

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Assistant Professor of Social Work (tenure-track), with the designation of Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program and MSW Online Coordinator, provides academic leadership and instructional excellence within the School of Social Work. The faculty member will teach in the MSW program, oversee accreditation and assessment processes, coordinate online program delivery, and foster community partnerships to support student success and program growth.

This is a 12-month appointment with course release time commensurate with administrative responsibilities. The Director typically teaches two graduate-level courses per semester while overseeing accreditation, curriculum, online program delivery, and student success initiatives.

This position supports Kentucky State University's mission of providing high-quality education grounded in social justice, diversity, and community engagement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership and Administration

• Provide day-to-day leadership and administrative oversight for the MSW Program, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and CSWE accreditation standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and external partners regarding MSW Program activities and initiatives.
• Support full-time and adjunct faculty in curriculum delivery, advising, and program assessment (without direct hiring authority).
• Represent the MSW Program at internal and external meetings, including Graduate Studies Council, accreditation bodies, and community partnership events.
• Lead accreditation and assessment activities, including self-studies, annual reports, and continuous improvement plans.
• Collaborate with the Director of Field Education to integrate classroom and field learning experiences.

MSW Online Program Coordination:

• Oversee the administration, quality assurance, and delivery of the MSW Online Program.
• Ensure all online courses align with CSWE competencies and university learning outcomes.
• Provide instructional support and guidance to faculty teaching in online and hybrid formats.
• Monitor online student engagement, progression, and retention, and implement improvement strategies as needed.
• Coordinate with instructional design and IT staff to ensure course accessibility and effectiveness.

Teaching and Advising:

• Teach graduate-level MSW courses each academic year, integrating evidence-based practices, social justice principles, and professional ethics.
• Advise and mentor MSW students to promote academic achievement, licensure preparation, and professional development.
• Maintain office hours at times convenient for students.
• Engage in professional development to enhance teaching practices and support innovative curriculum delivery.

Research and Scholarship:

• Conduct and publish scholarly research in social work education, practice, or applied areas such as mental health, child welfare, gerontology, trauma-informed practice, or community engagement.
• Seek external funding opportunities to support research, program initiatives, or student development.

Service and Engagement:

• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees and contribute to accreditation, recruitment, and retention activities.
• Foster partnerships with community agencies to expand field placements, student experiences, and outreach opportunities.
• Represent the program in professional and civic organizations that promote social work education and advocacy.
• Balance administrative responsibilities with teaching, research, and service obligations as outlined in the tenure-track faculty contract.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards, program assessment, and academic compliance.
• Proficiency in online learning platforms (e.g., Canvas) and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in social work education.
• Ability to maintain accurate program records and prepare reports required for accreditation and institutional review.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• May provide functional supervision and guidance to adjunct instructors, graduate assistants, or student workers as assigned. 

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission of the School of Social Work and Kentucky State University.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Doctoral degree in Social Work (DSW or Ph.D.) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of post-MSW professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in higher education teaching and/or program administration.
• Knowledge of CSWE accreditation and assessment processes.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Preferred:

• Experience leading CSWE accreditation or reaffirmation processes.
• Experience teaching or administering online or hybrid programs.
• Record of scholarship, professional service, or community engagement.
• Experience developing partnerships with community agencies and professional organizations.

Licensing and Certifications: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed primarily in an office and classroom environment on campus, with frequent computer use.
• Some administrative and instructional tasks may be completed remotely as part of online program coordination.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, conferences, and recruitment events.
• Extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer work may be required.
• May occasionally work evenings or weekends to meet program and accreditation deadlines.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.