Professor of Practice & Director of Social Work Program

Ferrum College • Ferrum, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Ferrum College’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences seeks a dedicated social work professional to provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for its Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program. This full-time, non-tenure-track faculty and administrative position combines undergraduate teaching and professional mentorship with oversight of program operations, accreditation compliance, course scheduling, enrollment management, curriculum development, and budget monitoring.

The Professor of Practice & Director teaches undergraduate courses through face-to-face, hybrid, and online instruction; develops curriculum aligned with CSWE standards and current practice; advises and mentors students; and supports student retention, progression, and career readiness. The role also works with the Social Work Field Education Coordinator on placements and experiential learning, develops agency partnerships across Southwest Virginia, and incorporates contemporary practice topics such as trauma-informed care, telehealth, and rural service delivery.

The director maintains active professional engagement and Virginia social work licensure, leads accreditation and assessment activities, recruits and evaluates adjunct faculty and field instructors, and participates in institutional service. The appointment includes administrative course release and stipend support under College policies for directors of externally accredited programs. Appointments may be renewed based on institutional need, performance, and continued professional engagement.

Requirements

• Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution.
• At least two years of post-M.S.W. social work practice, as required for teaching social work practice courses under CSWE standards.
• Typically 2–5 or more years in social work practice, agency administration, clinical supervision, or academic program leadership.
• Active Virginia social work licensure (LSW or LCSW), or clear eligibility to maintain active licensure in Virginia.
• Demonstrated ability to manage programs, coordinate course schedules, and maintain accreditation compliance.
• Demonstrated potential or a proven record of effective teaching, field supervision, and student mentoring.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to undergraduate education, student development, and Ferrum College’s mission of student empowerment and rural service.
• Completion of Ferrum College’s Online Teaching Certification Course (OTCC), or willingness to complete it before delivering online courses.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in Virginia.
• Five or more years of post-M.S.W. professional practice and/or administrative leadership, particularly in rural or underserved community service systems in Southwest Virginia and Appalachia.
• Previous service as a CSWE Program Director, Field Education Director, or higher education administrator.
• Direct involvement with CSWE EPAS self-study preparation and accreditation site visits.
• Proficiency with learning management systems, particularly Brightspace D2L, and electronic assessment software such as Xitracs.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the B.S.W. program as Program Director for an externally accredited program.
• Plan semester course schedules and manage course rotations.
• Oversee compliance with CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, including reaffirmation self-studies, site visits, and annual reporting.
• Monitor the departmental operating budget in collaboration with the School Chair and Dean of Faculty.
• Recruit, onboard, and evaluate adjunct faculty and field instructors in accordance with institutional procedures.
• Coordinate departmental workflows with shared administrative support personnel.
• Teach undergraduate B.S.W. courses through face-to-face, hybrid, and online instruction using Brightspace D2L.
• Develop and revise curriculum to align with CSWE standards and current professional social work practices.
• Use experiential, project-based, and applied learning approaches to prepare students for generalist practice in rural and urban settings.
• Advise and mentor students on academic, professional, and career goals; maintain required virtual and on-campus office hours.
• Support student retention, engagement, academic progression, and career readiness.
• Work with the Social Work Field Education Coordinator to oversee field placements, practica, clinical sites, and community service-learning opportunities.
• Establish and maintain affiliation agreements and working relationships with public and private child welfare agencies, healthcare and behavioral health organizations, school systems, and community action partners throughout Southwest Virginia.
• Facilitate student networking and strengthen connections with community agencies.
• Incorporate topics including trauma-informed care, telehealth, and rural service delivery into instruction and field seminars.
• Maintain active professional involvement through practice, professional organizations, consulting, or public service; maintain active Virginia social work licensure as required for program leadership, clinical instruction, and field oversight.
• Incorporate current professional trends, agency standards, and policy developments into the curriculum.
• Promote Ferrum College through community engagement and external agency partnerships.
• Participate in faculty governance, committee work, assessment, program reviews, and recruitment initiatives.
• Execute the annual Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan (SLOAP) and upload accreditation data using reporting systems including Xitracs.
• Fulfill other professional and administrative responsibilities assigned by the Provost and Dean of Faculty.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan options (TIAA/CREF)
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal leave, and sick leave
• Tuition remission and educational benefits for employees and eligible dependents
• Professional development and licensure maintenance support
• Administrative course release and stipend support in accordance with College policies for Program Directors for Externally Accredited Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior