Director of Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
About The Position
The College of Education, Sport & Human Sciences at Washington State University Tri-Cities (WSU Tri-Cities) seeks a visionary leader for the next Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program. Applications are invited for a 9-month, full-time, academic year position at either the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, (tenure track - permanent), or as an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor Clinical career track (non-tenure fixed-term faculty). The successful candidate is expected to begin an initial one (1) year renewable, administrative leadership appointment on August 16, 2026, which includes a pre-academic start date of August 1, 2026, but alternative start dates may be open to negotiation. The MSW Director is expected to develop a new program in social work at the master’s level (MSW) which includes the creation of materials required for the accreditation process through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The MSW Director is expected to initiate, contribute to, and lead all accreditation requirements from CSWE, as well as assist with the new degree proposal process at the university. The successful candidate is expected to provide outstanding teaching at the graduate level, design and manage curriculum, actively engage in scholarship, develop recruitment and retention strategies, guide and support the development of masters-level field education, contribute to professional and university service, and participate broadly in the social work department. As Director, the successful candidate will: Develop the new MSW degree proposal following the university process. Initiate and lead the CSWE accreditation process including submission of the Candidacy Eligibility Application, Benchmark documents, coordination of site visits, fulfillment of all pre-candidacy requirements. Guide and support the development of masters-level field education and community field placements. Develop and teach graduate courses in social work. Advise and mentor graduate students. Contribute to advancing social work education and research. Participate in service to the department, college and/or university through committee work, recruitment, and interaction with local and regional stakeholders. Develop, lead and sustain strategic community engagement initiatives with social service agencies across the Tri-Cities and surrounding region. Collaborate closely with other appropriate faculty throughout WSU, including but not limited to colleagues with interest and expertise in the applicant’s research areas.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Earned PhD in Social Work, Doctor of Social Work (DSW), or doctorate in a closely related field by time of hire.
- Two years of full-time post-MSW practice experience (direct or community practice).
- Experience in progressive leadership roles, including exhibited strength in scholarship, teaching, and program development.
- Demonstrated service experience on campus, in professional organizations, agencies, or communities.
- Excellent communication abilities in written and verbal forms.
- Meets the criteria for Clinical Assistant Professor, and: Currently serving in the rank of an Associate Professor or equivalent at a post-secondary institution, or At least five (5) years of academic experience in teaching, service (unit, college, university, and professional), and demonstrated success in grantsmanship, referred publications, and peer-reviewed presentations at national and/or international conferences, or A minimum of five (5) years of full-time, post MSW professional practice experience and demonstrated success in grantsmanship, referred publications, and peer-reviewed presentations at national and/or international conferences.
- Meets the criteria for Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Associate Professor, and: A minimum of ten years of full-time, post-MSW professional practice experience Expertise in clinical social work program development Consistent record of service Demonstrated clinical scholarly activities
- Academic doctoral degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program Demonstrated scholarly activities
- Currently serving in the rank of a tenure-track Associate Professor or equivalent at a post-secondary institution, or At least five years of academic experience in teaching, service (unit, college, university, and profession) and demonstrated success in grantsmanship, referred publications, and peer-reviewed presentations at national and/or international conferences. Record of accomplishments in teaching, research and service commensurate with department, college, and university standards for tenure at the level of associate professor.
- Currently serving in the rank of a Full Professor or equivalent at a post-secondary institution, or; At least five (5) years at the rank of associate professor with demonstrated expertise in teaching, a strong track record of externally funded grants and refereed national and/or international publications and peer-reviewed presentations; and held leadership positions in national and/or international professional organizations. Record of accomplishments in teaching, research and service commensurate with department, college, and university standards for tenure at the level of professor.
Nice To Haves
- Education experience, including the use of multiple digital or technology-supported teaching/learning platforms and mechanisms.
- Experience leading or significantly contributing to CSWE accreditation processes.
- Licensed as a clinical social worker in Washington or be able to obtain Washington State LICSW credential within twelve (12) months of hire.
- Three (3) or more years of experience in progressive leadership roles, including two years of academic leadership, and exhibited strength in both scholarship and teaching.
- Demonstrated experience with graduate social work program development and management.
- Experience leading social work programs at a research-intensive University.
- Experience leading social work programs that are embedded in colleges with active faculty practices.
- Experience with social work field education and professional social work development.
- Familiarity and experience in social work offered in Washington State.
- Experience teaching in programs delivered to students across multiple settings with an obligation to consider regulations and requirements in bordering states.
- Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of evidence-based social work interventions used in masters-level practice.
Responsibilities
- Develop the new MSW degree proposal following the university process.
- Initiate and lead the CSWE accreditation process including submission of the Candidacy Eligibility Application, Benchmark documents, coordination of site visits, fulfillment of all pre-candidacy requirements.
- Guide and support the development of masters-level field education and community field placements.
- Develop and teach graduate courses in social work.
- Advise and mentor graduate students.
- Contribute to advancing social work education and research.
- Participate in service to the department, college and/or university through committee work, recruitment, and interaction with local and regional stakeholders.
- Develop, lead and sustain strategic community engagement initiatives with social service agencies across the Tri-Cities and surrounding region.
- Collaborate closely with other appropriate faculty throughout WSU, including but not limited to colleagues with interest and expertise in the applicant’s research areas.
Benefits
- WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts.
- For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
