University of Delaware
College of Education and Human Development
Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
Temporary Instructor/Assistant Professor in Social Work
The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at the University of Delaware invites applications for an Instructor with an MSW or an Assistant Professor with a DSW or PhD in Social Work education. The temporary Instructor/Assistant Professor position at the University of Delaware (see HERE for a description of the position at UD), includes opportunities for classroom teaching and service responsibilities in the MSW Program. This position is a temporary, 9 month position. Continuation of this temporary position is contingent upon the availability of funding, performance, and departmental course needs. The start date of the position is August 15, 2026.
We are seeking applicants with a record of, or potential for, excellence in teaching and service in social work. Preference will be given to candidates whose interests enhance the mission of the MSW Program: https://www.cehd.udel.edu/socialwork/.
The MSW Program ascribes to education policy and accreditation standards (EPAS) established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The MSW Program is particularly interested in candidates who have exhibited a commitment to these social work competencies in teaching, service, and practice. Teaching needs in the program are in the areas of direct clinical practice and/or research methods.
Qualifications
- A Master’s degree, DSW, or PhD from an accredited social work program approved by CSWE.
- Two or more years of post MSW experience in a social work role.
- University level social work courses taught as the lead instructor.
- A demonstrated ability to develop positive relationships among an interdisciplinary team to support mutual graduate education goals.
- Eligibility for post MSW licensure as a social worker in Delaware.
- A record of excellence in teaching and service in social work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Teaching experience at the graduate level in social work that includes clinical direct practice coursework and/or research.
- Teaching experience in graduate level social work with in-person and online classes.
- LMSW or LCSW licensure eligible as a social worker in Delaware.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include teaching graduate courses in the MSW program, advising graduate students; and assuming a collaborative role in the development and growth of the MSW program. This role includes active participation in committees and other opportunities for service to the MSW program, College, University, state of Delaware, and social work profession.
About the Social Work Program
The Social Work Program has a strong tradition of excellence and leadership in scholarship, professional training, and community engagement in Delaware and nationally. The program maintains active partnerships with out-of-school time and youth development programs, social service agencies, health and behavioral health care systems, schools, aging and hospice services, nonprofit organizations, and other community-based organizations to provide diverse and high-quality practicum education experiences. Practicum placements span rural, suburban, and urban settings.
Social Work faculty conduct innovative research and publish in leading social work and interdisciplinary journals. They also serve in leadership roles within the profession at the state and national levels, including participation in organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR).
The University of Delaware MSW Program is in Candidacy status, on track for accreditation by CSWE, and maintains enrollment levels consistent with accreditation standards and best practices for faculty-to-student ratios.
About The College of Education and Human Development
University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), defined by its commitment to serve children, youth and families across educational, community and family settings, comprises three academic units, the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, the School of Education (SOE), the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS), as well as several centers for education, research and service.
In partnership with local, regional and national organizations, CEHD identifies critical, real-world problems in educational, community and family settings, especially within historically disadvantaged communities, and provides evidence-based solutions through ground-breaking and timely research that advances theory while informing practice. CEHD faculty contribute research to many areas within, mental health, education and human development, including early childhood, education and social policy, education leadership and administration, family policy and services, the learning sciences, literacy and language, social determinants of health, social emotional development, STEM education, and professional development for educators, social workers, and other helping professions in education, social service, and health settings.
Numerous foundations and federal agencies support CEHD research, including the Institute of Education Sciences, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, among others. Since 2019, faculty have garnered $26 million on average in external funding, and the college ranks among the top nationally in obtaining federal support for education and human development research. CEHD faculty are recognized for their contributions to national conversations about critical educational as well as human development and family issues, lead organizations working to address those issues, and provide a range of support to the agencies at the front lines of improving educational and social opportunities and outcomes.
Through 10 centers for research, education and public service, CEHD faculty, staff and students develop and maintain partnerships with schools, districts, social agencies and other community organizations to deliver services crucial to the education and human development of children, youth and families. CEHD centers support schools and districts in accessing and using research, deliver professional development for educators and leaders, support community members with special education needs and disabilities and provide instruction for children on a thriving children’s campus.
About the University of Delaware
Situated on the traditional homelands of the Lenape and Nanticoke Peoples, the University of Delaware (www.udel.edu), founded in 1743, combines tradition and innovation, offering students a rich heritage along with the latest in instructional and research technology. Located in scenic Newark, Delaware, within 2 hours of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., the University is one of the oldest land-grant institutions in the nation, one of 19 sea-grant institutions, and one of only 13 space-grant institutions. With external funding exceeding $200 million, the University ranks among the top 100 universities in federal Research and Development (R&D) support for science and engineering and has nationally recognized research (Carnegie rated, very high research activity) along with a Carnegie Community Engagement Certification.
How to Apply:
Using the online system at the University of Delaware, applicants should submit: (1) a CV, (2) a cover letter that explicitly describes their ability to meet the qualifications and responsibilities described above; (3) a teaching statement with evidence of and/or potential for teaching effectiveness; (4) a 1-page statement regarding the candidate’s commitment to the CSWE social work competencies including past efforts, as well as future plans in teaching, service and leadership. Applicants should describe their experience and commitment to supporting the success of a wide range of students, including those from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups, as well as students with diverse cultural backgrounds, identities, learning styles, and abilities; and (5) contact information for at least three references. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted. Candidates advancing in the application process may be asked to submit three letters of reference at a later date.
The University of Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran, as well as any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For the University’s complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Questions should be directed to Dr. Raphael Travis Jr., MSW Program Director and Search Committee Chair, at drtravis@udel.edu. The review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
