Part-Time Faculty: SWK 733: SWK Practice in Mental Health (Spring 2027)

The School of Education seeks a Part-Time instructor to teach SWK 733: SWK Practice in Mental Health (Spring 2027). Advanced practice course in clinical social work concentration. Focuses on integration of knowledge in SW program, while including group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and professional use-of-self perspective.

This course builds on foundational social work practice courses (SWK 601,

SWK 730, and SWK 732) and equips students with advanced skills and methods to work effectively with clients in various settings. A core focus is on the professional use-of-self, encouraging students to reflect on their values, biases, and strengths to foster meaningful and effective client relationships.

Students will also learn to approach human behavior holistically by integrating bio-psychosocial-spiritual and ecological-systemic models. These frameworks help students understand how factors like physical health, mental health, social environments, cultural contexts, and ecological systems shape clients' lives. By applying these models, students will design personalized interventions that address the unique needs of individuals, families, and groups while enhancing their skills in assessment and treatment planning.

The course offers practical training in evidence-based approaches:

Group Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychopharmacology

The course also highlights the importance of addressing issues of diversity and equity in practice. Students will examine how factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, power, and privilege shape clients' experiences and influence therapeutic outcomes. Through case studies, discussions, and real-world examples, students will develop the skills to navigate these dynamics with cultural humility and competence. Class sessions include discussions of field experiences, case presentations, and opportunities for collaborative feedback with peers and the instructor. Taken concurrently with the field practicum, this course provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to enhance their clinical social work practice.

Qualifications

• A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is required, with two plus years of post-master's experience.
• Previous undergraduate and graduate-level social work teaching experience is preferred.

Job Specific Qualifications

Not Applicable

Responsibilities

• Developing and/or updating a class syllabus.
• Preparation of lectures, projects, or other student assignments.
• Maintaining regularly scheduled office hours.
• Presenting instruction based on the competencies and performance levels of the course.
• Meeting all designated class periods.
• Submitting completed mid-semester progress reports and final grades according to University regulations.
• Grading student assignments and exams in timely manner.
• Completion and submission of CSWE competency-based student outcomes for department assessment/accreditation.
• Providing departmentally sanctioned forms for completed student evaluations.
• Building a positive rapport with students and other faculty.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume/CV and cover letter.