Research Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work- Social Research Institute (SRI)

University of Utah • Salt Lake City, UT

69d

About The Position

The University of Utah, College of Social Work, Social Research Institute (SRI) invites applications for a 12-month career-line faculty position at the rank of Research Assistant Professor to serve as the Center Director, VSWT Services. The director would have responsibilities directing and overseeing operations and strategic planning of operations and logistics functions, including transportation, storage, vendor selection, distribution, or inventory control, as well as non-manufacturing operational policies, objectives, and initiatives of a large and multifaceted area or department within the University. Supports the University of Utah's goals and mission. Acts as a catalyst between departments, faculty, staff, students, and external entities to ensure continuity and quality of service. The Center Director will lead the development and activities of the newly created VSWT Service Center. The Center aims to take the University of Utah's VSWT program and its technologies nationwide. The director will carry out the mission and vision of the VSWT Center as guided by the two faculty co-administrators and the advisory board. The Virtual Skills and Workforce Trainer (VSWT) platform represents a pioneering advancement in child welfare training, employing evidence-based learning approaches, virtual reality (VR), and other cutting-edge technologies to provide a robust platform for social workers to develop essential skills. By addressing the limitations of traditional training methods using a deliberate practice approach, VSWT enhances the consistency and quality of social work practices. This innovative approach addresses critical gaps in traditional training methods by offering an immersive and interactive platform for skill development where trainees can practice to competence. This is a non-tenure track position intended to be a long-term position within the University's Career-Line Faculty structure, with a renewable contract.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as a leader in instructional technology for social workers, especially in child welfare
• Proven ability to establish connections with agency administration and other decision makers, especially in the field of child welfare education and training
• Business acumen, including successful entrepreneurial experience and skills
• Evidence of collaborative decision-making style and supportive approach to supervision of co-workers

Nice To Haves

• 10+ years of experience in adult instructional technology, including executive leadership experience
• Extensive knowledge of Utah's VSWT suite of instructional technology products
• Knowledge of the education and training needs of social workers
• Strategic thinking combined with attention to detail
• Deep understanding of higher education and child welfare policies, including accessibility compliance
• Bachelor's degree or equivalency (two years of related work experience can be substituted for one year of education); plus, eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations, and effective communications skills required
• Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, or related area preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts regarding national expansion and partnerships for the VSWT Service Center
• Direct programs and projects
• Supervise employees and contractors
• Oversee the redesign and upkeep of the VSWT Service Center website and support materials
• Guide the center's communications and marketing campaigns
• Provide insights on instructional technology products and product improvement
• Directs the development and implementation of operations and logistics objectives that are consistent with the University of Utah's goals and objectives
• May develop logistic plans and procedures to ensure that internal university and external entities' needs are met
• May be responsible for grand scale scheduling and coordination of large, multi-functional areas or departments
• Responsible for evaluating current and proposed systems and procedures and determining implementation of changes as needed
• Provides strategic direction by setting short and long-term goals, estimating budgetary requirements for staff, space and equipment planning, and implementing special projects and policies
• Develops strategies consistent with the University of Utah's continuous quality improvement program
• Oversees all aspects of staff management including recruitment and retention of assigned staff
• Forecasts staffing, capital and operating budget needs in evaluating and reporting on market sensitivity, financial analysis, space utilization review, staff performance evaluation, etc.
• Ensures customer/patient satisfaction by analyzing complaints, concerns and suggestions and providing appropriate follow-through
• Oversees the analysis and determination of appropriate staff mix to support customer/patient needs
• Ensures competency of management/supervisory staff through the development and/or presentation of educational programs and through on-going staff performance evaluation
• Markets and promotes new and existing programs and services to internal and external customers
• Participates in university-wide committees to establish customer/patient service and administrative plans and policies
• Facilitates cooperative and collaborative community and institutional relationships

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree