| Position Title: |
Assistant Professor of Social Work |
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| Location: |
Multiple Locations |
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| Department: |
33601 - Social Work
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| Advertised Salary: |
$71,000 to $74,000; Salary commensurate with education, experience, and other requirements. |
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Benefits:
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Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Faculty Health Benefit Plans
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| FLSA: |
Exempt |
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| Temporary/Continuing: |
Continuing |
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| Part-Time/Full-Time: |
Full-Time |
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| Union Group: |
Ferris Faculty Association (MEA-NEA) |
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| Term of Position: |
9 Month |
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| At Will/Just Cause: |
Just Cause |
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| Summary of Position: |
The College of Arts, Sciences and Education at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan seeks a diverse group of outstanding applicants for a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor position to teach online in our MSW program and in person in the BSW program at our Big Rapids and Traverse City campuses. We are recruiting candidates with expertise in the areas of school social work, research, mental/behavioral health, policy, macro practice, and community development. While supporting and encouraging research, Ferris State University is primarily a teaching university. The role includes curriculum development, student advising, participation in Department, College, and University academic-related activities.
• Teaching will include undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Candidates are expected to foster a meaningful learning experience for our students, faculty are expected to be student-oriented, advise, and integrate current technology into the learning environment.
• Additionally, faculty will participate in collaborative efforts to foster curricular efforts, participate in assessment of student learning, and further develop programmatic enhancement. Specifically, we expect the candidate to be willing to engage students outside the classroom, support and expand our existing academic initiatives, and be willing to mentor students beyond a traditional academic advising role.
• In support of teaching, candidates will engage in scholarly/professional activities and participate in department, college, and university committees.
• Off-campus and online teaching may be required.
• Courses are to be taught online or in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan by the first day of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris location.
We urge applicants with substantial social work education experience who are interested in teaching and mentoring our next generation of social workers to apply.
The anticipated start date of this position is August 2026. |
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| Position Type: |
Faculty - Temporary & Continuing |
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| Required Education: |
MSW from a CSWE accredited institution. |
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| Required Work Experience: |
Two years of post-MSW clinical practice experience.
Ability to work effectively with both faculty colleagues and diverse student populations, and contribute to a multicultural academic environment. |
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| Required Licenses and Certifications: |
Candidate must have/or be eligible and apply for a Michigan Social Work license upon hire. |
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| Physical Demands: |
- Office Environment
- Moving
- Repetitive movement
- Standing
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| Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: |
PhD or doctorate in social work or other related discipline.
Prior teaching experience at the college or university level. |
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| Essential Duties/Responsibilities: |
• Teach full-time during the 9-month academic year.
• Recruitment of students (including Dawg Days, Admitted Student Days, visits to high schools or career tech centers, and other University-outreach events) will occur throughout the academic year and include some Saturdays.
• Serve on program committees and represent the program(s) on College and University committees.
• Collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, assessment, and quality assurance.
• Candidate is expected to teach at both the Big Rapids and Grand Rapids campuses.
• Teach and coordinate elective courses in areas of expertise.
• Collaborate in design and implementation of additional undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Maintain records and conduct assessment and advising in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the university, college, school, department, and/or program.
• Perform duties in accordance with established University policies.
• Act as liaison between the program and professional organizations through active, individual involvement and, potentially as the program-appointed representative.
• Enthusiastically support student success through active involvement with individual students, student organizations, and student competitions, both within and outside of the classroom.
• Remain current in the profession.
• Maintain a safe and engaging learning environment.
• Use teaching-related technologies when determined appropriate.
• The position reports to the Department Chair or Director and the Dean.
• Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
• Ferris State University's philosophy places excellence in teaching as the first priority while encouraging involvement in scholarly activity.
• Work with colleagues to develop new curricular initiatives.
• Provide up-to-date coursework and course-related materials.
• Effective teaching by way of good communication, assessment of student learning, and adaptation to various levels of student participation.
• Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include advising students, orientation and registration of students, participation in university committees, keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (ex. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time).
• Faculty members may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. |
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| Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: |
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| Skills and Abilities: |
Ability to provide structured courses with clear learning outcomes.
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic and life experiences
Effective interpersonal skills. |
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| Required Documents: |
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcript 1
- Teaching Philosophy
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| Optional Documents: |
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of MSW degree. Transcripts must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. The individual hired will be required to submit an official transcript.
Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of doctoral degree if applicable. Transcripts must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. The individual hired will be required to submit an official transcript.
License (REQUIRED): Applicants must obtain and attach a copy of Michigan Social Work License upon hire.
Applicants must attach a teaching philosophy. |
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Initial Application Review Date:
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February 9, 2026 |
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| Open Until Position is Filled?: |
Yes |
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Posting Close Date:
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| EEO Statement: |
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. |
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Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD. |
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