Assistant/Associate/Full Professor and DSW Program Director

Tacoma, WAFull-timeNov 9, 2026

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Work Schedule: Full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position available September 1, 2027. The academic year is from September to May. Classes begin on September 7, 2027. New Faculty Orientation will take place on September 1, 2027.

General Description: The Pacific Lutheran University Department of Social Work invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position to start in Fall 2027. Applicants should be able to teach generalist foundation and practice courses, as well as advanced course content involving practice, theory, and research. Applicants should have experience teaching at the BSW, MSW, and, ideally, doctoral level (either DSW or Ph.D.). Position responsibilities will involve teaching three courses per academic year, developing a DSW program, pursuing CSWE accreditation for the DSW program, and serving as DSW program chair.

Diversity is a core value and foundational concept in the department, and we are committed to building and supporting an inclusive and diverse faculty, staff, and student community. Almost half of our current and recent graduating cohorts have been made up of students of color. Additionally, we have strong ties to the local community and place a strong emphasis on collaborative approaches to complex social issues. Our faculty seek to advance PLU’s vision of academic distinction through our emphasis on helping students find their own paths to meaningful and successful lives, engaging in student-faculty research and service projects, and serving the university, the department, and the community, and by. The BSW and MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; the BSW and has maintained accreditation since 1975.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Oversee tasks involving DSW program development, CSWE accreditation, staff recruitment, student admission, oversight, and evaluation. Teach 3 courses per year, including some combination of BSW, MSW, and/or DSW social work micro/mezzo practice courses, field seminar, introductory social work classes (HBSE), and elective(s) or interdisciplinary programs such as First Year Experience (FYEP) or International Honors (IHON), and study away opportunities. Serve in the department and contribute to the larger life of PLU through advising, committee work, and other service activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

We seek collegial faculty who view themselves foremost as educational leaders and possess a commitment to, and knowledge of, effective teaching strategies and program leadership. Familiarity with and commitment to teaching generalist and advanced practice social work courses. Commitment to and background working with, teaching, or mentoring diverse groups and/or diverse students. Ability to contribute to fostering diversity of the campus, the curriculum, and/or academic division. Commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching in a program that blends the liberal arts with a generalist-focused professional education in social work. Knowledge of CSWE accrediting standards. Interest in developing a DSW program and managing the CSWE accrediting process.

Required Qualifications:

Doctorate in Social Work. ABD will be considered, but doctorate degree must be in hand by the start date of the position. MSW from a CSWE accredited program plus two years-post MSW practice experience. Clearly defined scholarship agenda relevant to social work as well as a commitment to effective teaching and program leadership The applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States on hire date and legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience serving individuals, families, groups, and/or communities as a social worker. Teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Teaching experience at the doctoral level. Established record of scholarship. Experience with social work program development and leadership. Experience with social work program accreditation and/or reaccreditation. Current clinical license, or license eligible within 1 year.