Northwestern College seeks applicants for an assistant professor rank position, tenure-track, to begin August 2013 in this growing CSWE-accredited BSW program. This two-person social work department is known on campus as actively involved in multicultural/diversity initiatives as well as deeply invested in the local community service system. We are seeking an innovator who can enhance programming and has enthusiasm for networking in the community. The program seeks candidates who can enhance campus diversity.
Northwestern College is located in Orange City, a rural community of 6,000 people situated in northwest Iowa. While the town was founded by Dutch immigrants, it—like the rest of the region—has a growing Hispanic population. Orange City’s small size makes it a safe and desirable place to live and raise a family, yet it provides easy access to the metropolitan areas of Sioux City, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, SD. Orange City has excellent public and private school systems, a very active arts council and a thriving industrial sector as well as a new hospital, daycare/preschool, community fitness center and events center. Construction is under way on a new nursing home to be located near the town’s retirement community.
Responsibilities
Teach undergraduate social work courses across the curriculum. Courses are negotiable but could include HBSE, Social Work with Individuals and Families, Introduction to Social Work, Fundamental Ethics, and/or Social Policy. Coordinate Field Practicum. Participate in service, scholarship and teaching. After the first year, provide academic and professional advising services to students. Be an active member of the academic and professional community.
Field Director Responsibilities
Recruit agencies for student field placement; train and provide orientation and support for field instructors; assist students with the development of their student portfolio; prepare students for field placement; provide assistance to students with the interview process and in selection of their agency for field placement; provide a weekly seminar to students to discuss field placement, which includes review of their social work knowledge, values and skills and how these integrate into the practice setting; work cooperatively with field instructors to coordinate, evaluate and monitor the progress of the students in field placement; evaluate the overall experience of the student and the agency; review, update and distribute student practicum manuals; organize the organization of the field liaison workshop; conduct the ACAT/FPAAI testing for seniors.
Minimum qualifications
Master of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program
At least two years of full-time post-MSW social work experience
History of community or professional service
State licensed at the LMSW or LISW level (or the ability to complete this licensure)
Record of scholarship and/or grant development
Record of prior administrative experience and experience developing programs
Preferred qualifications
Earned doctorate in social work or related discipline. Candidates currently ABD are strongly encouraged to apply.
Teaching experience in undergraduate or graduate social work education
Evidence of a research agenda
Knowledge of CSWE standards
Familiarity with Blackboard course technology
History of engaged involvement with NASW
Affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, Northwestern College seeks candidates with an authentic Christian faith who will support the college’s mission, Reformed and evangelical identity, and commitment to Christian liberal arts as expressed in our Vision for Learning.
Submit an online application below. Additional application materials must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, and names of references and their contact information. Please send the documents electronically to bmeyer@nwciowa.edu. Screening of applications will begin October 2012 and the position will remain open until filled.
Northwestern College is a nationally recognized Christian liberal arts college of 1,200 students known for its rigorous academics, Christ-centered community, and outstanding student life and campus ministry programs. Founded in 1882, it is ranked as a top-10 Midwestern college by U.S. News & World Report and listed on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Nearly 80 percent of Northwestern’s full-time faculty have earned a doctoral degree or the equivalent in their field, and two have been named the Iowa Professor of the Year. The student/faculty ratio is 14:1.
