Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Social Work (Full-Time)

Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Social Work (Full-Time)

University of Southern California

Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Position Overview

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work invites applications for a full-time Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor position with expertise in School Social Work and practice in K-12 educational settings. This faculty role supports the school's mission of preparing students for impactful practice in school-based environments, including pathways toward the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) in School Social Work.

This is a non-tenure-track teaching faculty position with primary responsibilities in teaching, course leadership, service, and practice-informed scholarship. The successful candidate will join a collaborative academic community committed to innovation in social work education, interprofessional practice, and preparing students to work effectively across complex systems.

About the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is a national leader in social work education, recognized for its innovation, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to community impact. The MSW program prepares students for integrative practice across diverse systems, including behavioral health, schools, healthcare, child and family services, and community-based settings.

The curriculum emphasizes a competency-based developmental model that integrates classroom learning with practicum education. With a strong focus on preparing students to intervene effectively in complex environments, the program equips graduates to lead and respond to social challenges at local, national, and global levels.

MSW Program Mission Statement

The mission of the MSW Program is to empower students to tackle local, national, and global challenges with integrity, resilience, and humility. Through integrated social work education, we prepare graduates to catalyze positive impact and enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Grounded in evidence-informed practice, service, ethics, and respect, our graduates are prepared to contribute meaningfully to a complex and evolving society.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Course Leadership

• Serve as instructor and/or course lead for School Social Work and related clinical practice courses
• Demonstrate the ability to teach across the generalist and specialized curriculum, with contributions to BSW, MSW, and DSW programs
• Deliver high-quality instruction across modalities, including Los Angeles campus-based and online courses
• Develop and deliver competency-based curriculum aligned with CSWE EPAS (2022) and California credentialing standards
• Coordinate multi-section courses, including mentoring part-time and adjunct faculty and ensuring curricular consistency
• Integrate evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices into teaching
• Utilize technology-enhanced pedagogies across in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous formats

Scholarship & Professional Contribution

• Contribute to scholarship and/or program evaluation initiatives relevant to K-12 school social work and behavioral health and/or those that enhance social work education and school-based practice
• Disseminate knowledge through publications, presentations, and professional forums
• Integrate scholarly and practice-based knowledge into teaching to support student learning and workforce readiness

Service & Engagement

• Participate in School and University service, including committees and curriculum-related initiatives
• Engage with professional organizations and contribute to the advancement of school social work practice
• Support alignment with CSWE competencies and PPSC requirements, as applicable
• Contribute to a collaborative academic community that supports student success and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DSW, EdD, or related field)
• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program; LCSW preferred
• Minimum of 2-3 years of clinical and professional experience in K-12 school settings, with demonstrated experience in:
  • Direct clinical practice with students and families
  • Working within and navigating school systems, including multidisciplinary teams, school administration, and special education processes (e.g., IEPs, 504 plans, behavioral intervention plans)
  • Serving in an administrative capacity within a school system
• Eligibility for California credentialing; PPSC in School Social Work
• Evidence of scholarship, including research, evaluation, publications, or professional presentations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching in BSW, MSW, or DSW programs across in-person, hybrid, and online modalities
• Knowledge of CSWE EPAS (2022) and social work practicum education models
• Knowledge of pedagogy and andragogy, including best practices in teaching, learning, and course development
• Experience with:
  • Developing and implementing trauma-informed and culturally responsive school-based practices
  • Multi-tiered systems approaches within educational settings
  • Interprofessional education and collaboration

Application Procedure

Please submit a complete application including: (1) a cover letter outlining (a) your professional experience and how it equips you to meet the teaching needs noted in this call, (b) your teaching experience, philosophy, and approach, with particular focus on areas of expertise and the types of courses you are prepared to teach, and (c) explanation of engagement in and dissemination of research/scholarship activities; (2) student evaluations for three courses taught within the past three years; (3) a current curriculum vitae detailing relevant academic and professional achievements; and (4) contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early application is strongly encouraged. The priority deadline for applicants is July 10, 2026.

Applicants will receive written notification when the file is complete. Please contact the Office of Faculty Affairs at ssw.facultyaffairs@usc.edu in the event of any difficulties with our online system.

The annual base salary range for this position is $90,000 to $125,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.