Assistant Professor of Social Work - College of Education and Community Innovation

Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) School of Social Work seeks one tenure track – assistant professor, full-time, 9-month contract teaching in generalist BSW & MSW courses. Preferred areas of expertise include anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Salary for faculty positions is commensurate with experience. This position may include opportunity for spring/summer teaching with additional compensation. We are seeking an innovative educator who is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who teach in this program.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited MSW Program.
• Doctorate (PhD or DSW) in Social Work or related field or ABD with Doctorate within 18 months of hire date.
• Two years post MSW professional social work experience.
• Evidence of critical, reflective thinking about the teaching and learning of social work education.
• A record of, and/or potential to teach courses related to macro, mezzo, and micro related social work practice to social work undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability/interest to teach in traditional, hybrid, and online learning environments.
• A record of, and/or potential for research/scholarship.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with others with respect, empathy, and cultural humility.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access as well as commitment to anti-racist social work practice (as articulated by the Council on Social Work Education – CSWE).
• Ability to work productively with colleagues with flexibility and creativity.
• Demonstrate commitment to actively engage in service for the School of Social Work, the University, the profession, and the broader community.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Experience in teaching college level courses in social work and related fields and/or other adult learning settings.
• Completed PhD or DSW in social work or a related discipline.
• Three years post MSW professional social work experience.
• Experience and/or expertise in online teaching and in learning new educational technology tools.
• Experience teaching or providing training in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities – Essential Functions:

• Engage in teaching and ongoing development of Social Work courses for both BSW and MSW students.
• Teach a 9-credit hour teaching load per semester.
• Advise/mentor students at the graduate and undergraduate level.
• Engage in social work/academic creating and executing research/scholarship agendas and activities.
• Engage in university service activities at all institutional levels.
• Engage in professional and community-based services activities
• Participate actively in the life of the department.
• Departmental support as needed.

*Employment begins August 4, 2025.

Minimum Starting Salary: $64,000; commensurate with experience.

• In the School of Social Work there are often opportunities for spring/summer teaching for additional compensation. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available.
  
  
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
  
  

How To Apply: Please include:

• (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach in the School of Social Work at GVSU;
• (2) curriculum vitae;
• (3) a teaching statement that addresses the applicant’s teaching experience, philosophy, and methodology, and how the applicant meets the teaching-related qualifications of the position;
• (4) a diversity statement that describes ongoing or anticipated activities to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism in teaching, with particular attention to experiences engaging and supporting a diverse student body.

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the application, you will be required to provide names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three professional references. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview.

If you need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215. Email questions about the position to: Melissa Villarreal, Chair of the Social Work Search Committee, villarme@gvsu.edu.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.

Department/Division: The mission of the GVSU School of Social Work is to prepare Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) level social workers who enhance and sustain the welfare and wellbeing of the individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities of West Michigan, the state, the nation, and the world; and who further the goals of the University and of the social work profession in this region and beyond. This is accomplished through professional leadership, advancement of the social work field’s knowledge through research and evaluation, and a focus on diversity, human rights, and advancing social, economic, and environmental justice.

Campus: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. GVSU is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - GVSU . GVSU is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ+ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for faculty and students while promoting enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service. More information can be found at our home page .

Grand Valley State University does not discriminate against students, faculty, or staff in any of its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities. Grand Valley State University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. Members of the University community, including candidates for employment or admissions, and visitors or guests, have the right to be free from acts of harassment and discrimination, which are prohibited if they discriminate or harass on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, veteran or active-duty military status or weight. In addition, Grand Valley is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that none of its education programs and activities discriminate on the basis of sex/gender. Sex includes sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status. The Office for Title IX and Institutional Equity serves as a resource for the GVSU community and assists individuals who may have been impacted by discrimination or harassment in connecting with resources, imposes measures that protect or support access to programs and activities, and oversees the university’s grievance process for allegations of discrimination and harassment. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, 4015 Zumberge Hall, titleix@gvsu.edu, (616) 331-9530.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.