Assistant Professor

Utah State University•Logan, UT

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Utah State University’s Department of Social Work seeks a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor to advance research and teaching related to access to justice and community justice advocate (CJA)/worker programs. The role will complement the department’s growing CJA program and statewide access-to-justice efforts by helping build a research portfolio, support development of an academic certificate and eventual minor, and strengthen a network of service providers and collaborators. The successful candidate will study how CJA work affects individuals and organizations, and its effects on access to justice across connected systems, communities, and society. The position offers an opportunity to help shape CJA programs nationally and develop evidence about effective legal practice areas, training, management, and support. A broad range of methods is welcome; quantitative analysis is especially complementary to the existing research team. The position is housed in the Department of Social Work and works in connection with the Transforming Communities Institute (TCI), which is authorized by the Utah Supreme Court to train and certify CJAs to provide limited legal help in high-need areas. TCI trains social workers and other human services professionals to offer free legal triage and advice in consumer debt and housing. CJAs help community members navigate civil legal matters, including understanding rights, completing court forms, drafting responses, and preparing for hearings. The successful candidate will collaborate in strengthening the program’s capacity, sustainability, evidence base, and long-term impact. Research is the primary area of excellence and accounts for 50% of the role. Teaching accounts for 40%, involving graduate and undergraduate social work courses related to the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs. Service accounts for 10% and may be provided to the department, college, social work and legal professions, or broader community. The position is based in Logan, Utah.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution.
Professional experience in civil legal services or access-to-justice work, with demonstrated understanding of civil legal needs affecting individuals and communities.
Evidence of a community-engaged research agenda, skills, and scholarship related to access to justice.
Experience mentoring or supervising new or emerging legal professionals, law students, or allied practitioners.
Demonstrated commitment to expanding access to justice for vulnerable populations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across legal, academic, and community settings.

Nice To Haves

PhD in law, social work, or a related discipline.
Three or more years of professional experience in civil legal services, particularly in housing, debt, family law, or consumer protection.
Experience conducting community-engaged research or designing and evaluating programs related to access to justice or civil legal services.
Experience developing and teaching university or professional education courses, particularly practice-based or online courses.
Record of externally funded scholarship.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a community-engaged research agenda on access-to-justice issues, especially community justice work connected to TCI.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research.
Secure external funding to support research activities.
Teach graduate and undergraduate social work courses related to the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs.
Provide service to the department, college, social work and legal professions, and/or the broader community.
Collaborate to strengthen the CJA program’s capacity, sustainability, evidence base, and long-term impact.