MSW Core Faculty

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Full-Time Core Faculty position in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Pacific Oaks College involves delivering high-quality education and leadership in the field of social work.

The role encompasses teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, providing academic advising, contributing to curriculum development, and engaging in both service to the college and the broader community. The faculty member plays a vital role in ensuring the program aligns with Pacific Oaks College’s core values of Diversity, Inclusion, Social Justice, and Respect.

Key aspects of the role include contributing to program accreditation, fostering partnerships with community agencies, and supporting the overall mission and growth of the social work program. The position requires a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment that prepares students for professional practice in social work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The incumbent exercises wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Teaching and Curriculum Development:

• Teach 24 credits per academic year and deliver diverse course offerings.
• Develop and manage curriculum, ensuring content aligns with CSWE competency standards and current social work practices.
• Update syllabi and CANVAS course shells as needed.

Student Support and Advisement:

• Advise and mentor students on academic, career, and personal development.
• Maintain a supportive and inclusive online learning environment.
• Provide a minimum of 12 hours of virtual office hours weekly, including evening availability for assignment assistance.
• Assist with creating MSW student Educational Plans.

Program Management and Assessment:

• Collaborate with the MSW Field Director on the recruitment and assessment of potential field sites across California, field placements, orientation and educational seminars, instructors/preceptors, communicates field education requirements and processes to the MSW student body.
• Engage in continuous program assessment and improvement activities to enhance educational outcomes and student satisfaction.

Engagement and Development:

• Participate in MSW program student engagement events, both online and in-person, including evenings and weekends.
• Attend recruitment events, student orientations, and Faculty Council meetings.
• Provide leadership and support to adjunct faculty.
• Actively engage in professional development activities.

Institutional Support:

• Contribute to WSCUC and CSWE accreditation processes.
• Support the Dean and MSW Field Director in fostering internal and external communities that promote the program and College.
• Participate in teaching and learning activities as needed.

Additional Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Is regular attendance an essential function?  ☒ Yes         ☐ No

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Advanced Understanding of Social Work Theory and Practice: In-depth knowledge of social work theories, practices, and interventions, with a focus on clinical and community-based approaches.
• Curriculum Development: Familiarity with curriculum design, instructional methods, and assessment techniques in higher education.
• Accreditation Standards: Knowledge of Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards and requirements for social work education programs.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Awareness of best practices and strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational settings.
• Ethical and Legal Issues: Understanding of ethical guidelines and legal issues related to social work practice and education.

Skills:

• Instructional Skills: Ability to deliver engaging and effective lectures, facilitate discussions, and utilize various teaching methods to address different learning styles.
• Curriculum Design and Implementation: Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating academic programs and courses, including creating syllabi, assignments, and assessments.
• Research Skills: Competence in conducting and disseminating research relevant to social work and higher education, including the ability to guide students in research projects.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex concepts and provide constructive feedback.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, including course preparation, student advising, and committee work, while maintaining attention to detail.

Abilities:

• Collaborative Work: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, students, and community partners in a collaborative and supportive manner.
• Adaptability: Capacity to adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of students and respond to evolving trends in social work education.
• Mentoring and Advising: Ability to mentor and advise students, providing guidance on academic and professional development.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges in teaching, student performance, and program development.
• Commitment to Professional Development: Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development and stay current with advancements in social work and education.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Required: Doctorate degree in Social Work or related field (Psychology, Behavioral Health, Sociology, etc.)
• Required: Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited institution.

Experience:

• Required: At least 2 years of post-MSW practice experience in social work.
• Preferred:
  • 3 years of post-MSW practice experience in social work, with 2 years of experience in field education administration, teaching field seminars and/or providing field instruction.
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or license-eligible in the state of residence.
  • Direct experience in evaluating learner achievement, contributing to curriculum development, policy and procedure formulation, and assessing program effectiveness.
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching across multiple modalities.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment; typically, 70 degrees
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderately noisy while in the office

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Computer/Laptop
• Calculator/10-key
• Telephone
• Copier, scanner and fax machines

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL TASKS: (Check all that apply):

Physical Demands:

☒ Standing                     ☐ Lifting:  _# Lbs.           ☐ Pushing/Pulling              

☐ Driving

☒ Walking                       ☐ Carrying                      ☒ Hearing                          

☒ Speaking

☐ Reaching                     ☒ Writing                       

☐ Squatting/Kneeling    ☒ Seeing

☐ Climbing                      ☐ Pushing                      ☒ Other:  Typing

Physical Environment - Exposed to: 

☐ Noise                           ☒ Heat/Cold                   ☐ Fumes/Gases       

☐ Human Tissue/Fluids

☐ Chemicals                   ☐ Carcinogens                ☐ Dirt             

☐ Animal Tissue/Fluids

☐ Toxic Chemicals        ☐ Radiation                     ☒ Other:  Dust

☐ Biohazardous Material

Mental Demands: 

☒ Reading                       ☐ Frequent Interruptions       

☒ Periods of Concentrated Attention   

☒ Detailed Work            ☐ Irregular Work Schedule             

☒ Frequent Contact with People

☐ Frequent Deadlines                ☐Other: 

☒ Multiple Concurrent Tasks

TRAVEL:

Required: 10%

• Travel to various regions across California to identify and recruit potential field sites, working in a hybrid capacity.
• Travel to the Pasadena campus for program reviews and other meetings.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:  The noise level in the work environment is usually quite to moderately noisy while in the office.  The office temperature is about 70 degrees.

DECISION MAKING:

The position is governed by the policies of Pacific Oaks, along with established procedures for the department. Independent judgment is required in the supervision of personnel as well as in the carrying out of the department's strategic goals and budget management.

CONTACT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Routine exchange or presentation of information.

Responsible for demonstrating professionalism and leadership in resolving conflicts with students and employees.  Recommends alternative approaches to solve problems and conflicts. 

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not require the management of budgets, but it is required to follow Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $66,560.00-73,170.00 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.pacificoaks.edu/about/careers-pacific-oaks/

Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Pacific Oaks offers equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, housing status, source of income or military status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.