Assistant Professor of Social Work and MSW Program Director

About the role

Adams State University is seeking an Assistant Professor of Social Work to lead the design and launch of its first Master of Social Work (MSW) program and to serve as the inaugural MSW Program Director. The program is online, focused on rural social work and tailored for working professionals in remote areas, and will train social workers to meet the behavioral health needs of the region. The position is based on site in Alamosa, Colorado.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional team to co-create an MSW curriculum aligned with CSWE EPAS standards, including coursework and degree plan
• Direct the multi-year CSWE accreditation process, preparing benchmark documents and ensuring compliance with core competencies
• Establish a field education program, including a field manual and affiliation agreements with agencies for required student practice hours
• Develop a hiring plan for future MSW faculty and lead student recruitment and admissions
• Build partnerships with local healthcare providers and human service organizations
• Teach in the MSW program and/or the Department of Sociology, starting in 2027

Required profile

• Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
• At least two years of professional social work experience
• At least two years of university teaching or leadership experience
• Demonstrated leadership in teaching, scholarship, curriculum development or administration
• Commitment to honesty, efficacy and collaboration, and to inclusive, equity-minded practices

Preferred qualifications

• Doctoral degree (DSW or closely related)
• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
• Experience launching a new MSW program and deep knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards
• Understanding of social work in rural communities and experience with underrepresented populations

What we offer

• Pay range of $51,217 - $64,021 for a 9-month contract paid over 12 months, with possible summer teaching pay
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and retirement savings plans
• Curricular development stipends and an additional stipend for the MSW Program Director role, subject to funding

Applicants submit a cover letter, CV, teaching statement (with sample syllabi), informed response, graduate transcripts and three references.