Assistant Professor, Social Work

The Department of Social Work at Florida Gulf Coast University invites applications for a full-time, continuing appointment, nine-month Assistant Professor position beginning August 2026. Faculty with experience at the Assistant Professor level are encouraged to apply. Candidate’s appointment will be teaching across the social work curricula in both the BSW and MSW programs. This position is a face-to-face position with teaching assignments primarily on the main campus and possibly at off-campus sites within our region.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Teach a 3/3 (Fall/Spring) load of core and/or elective social work courses per academic year with primary emphasis on clinical practice courses in both the BSW and MSW programs as assigned.
•  Plans, prepares, and teaches assigned courses, including developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Delivers consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
• Maintains the highest standards of classroom instruction and engages in reflective self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement.
• Holds regular office hours and provides academic advising and individual support to students.
• Utilizes the University's learning management system and other instructional technologies effectively.
• Collaborates with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program advancement.
• Ensures curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
• Establishes and maintains an active research program, including opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.
• Establish/continue a strong and independent program of research as described by university and college evaluation documents
• Demonstrates evidence of scholarly publication and grantsmanship.
• Engages in continued professional development and maintains professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
• Actively participates in departmental, college, and university committees and meetings.
• Contributes to community, institutional, and professional service in support of the University’s mission.
• Participates in faculty evaluation, student learning assessment, and required training activities.
• Communicates professionally and in a timely manner with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and excellence in all professional activities.
• Complies with University policies, procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate in Social Work (Ph.D./DSW) or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
• ABD will be considered if degree is to be conferred by August 7, 2026. If successful candidate is ABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of practice experience in clinical social work.
• Prior university level teaching experience is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and commitment to the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
• Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning goals.
• Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
• Ability to efficiently use computer applications and web-based tools to complete work tasks
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally
• Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online).
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning.
• Ability to contribute to our recruitment, retention, and support students
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.

• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.

• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment basis with an anticipated start date of August 2026.

Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/ scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida’s Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.

Required Application Materials

• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Scholarship
• Five (5) Professional References
• Copy of professional Social Work licenses

Review of applicant materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.