MSW Adjunct Faculty Pool 2026-27 (External)

Portland State University’s School of Social Work (SSW) envisions a world where all people lead fulfilling lives in affirming, just, and equitable communities. Rooted in justice, relationship, and community collaboration, the SSW advances knowledge and creates social change through teaching, research, practice, and advocacy. Our core values include collective care, responsive learning, knowledge that serves, community partnership, and social change.

The SSW provides accessible interdisciplinary educational opportunities and actively works to bring about structural change through its teaching, training, workforce development, research, and advocacy. The School offers three undergraduate majors (Human Services, Child, Youth, and Family Studies, and BSW) and two graduate programs (MSW and PhD).

About the role

The PSU Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, ranked among the top 25% of all social work programs nationally, serves students across the U.S. through its online option and statewide through on-campus and satellite locations. The program prepares master’s-level social workers for practice and leadership with diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.

This adjunct faculty pool is open to subject-matter experts interested in teaching on campus in Portland, in the online program, or at satellite centers in Bend and Eugene, Oregon. Applicants who demonstrate alignment with the School’s mission, values, and vision—particularly those with knowledge of and commitment to racial equity and anti-oppressive, social justice-oriented frameworks—are strongly encouraged to apply.

Each academic year, the School recruits a part-time faculty pool to teach across its programs. While applicants may express preferences, instructors may be assigned to teach anywhere in the curriculum. The School is committed to hiring a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Candidates with lived experience from communities of color, women, persons with disabilities, low-income communities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and members of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to fill vacancies throughout the 2026–2027 academic year.

Responsibilities

• Attend orientations to teaching and course preparation.
• Prepare and update course syllabi prior to the start of the term.
• Personalize the course shell in Canvas (LMS) before the course opens, including developing an introductory video, assignment explanation videos, and ten weekly content videos for online courses.
• Contact students enrolled in the course within the first week of the term to introduce yourself.
• Respond to student emails or phone calls promptly and acknowledge requests for assistance in a timely manner.
• For online courses, engage with students at least three times per week and participate in discussion boards.
• Grade and return assignments with robust feedback within a reasonable timeframe.
• Hold required office hours (including evening and weekend options for online students).
• Address student conduct concerns (professional, ethical, or academic) promptly.
• Submit final course grades for all students in the assigned class.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related field.
• Two years of post-degree practice experience in social services.
• For seminar and liaison positions: two or more years of combined experience in one or more of the following:
  • Faculty liaison work.
  • BSW/MSW practicum instruction.
  • Staff supervision.
  • Social work education, training, or community service in higher education.
• Must reside in Oregon or Washington for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous graduate-level teaching experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and anti-oppressive, social justice-oriented frameworks.
• Ability to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Effective communication and collaboration in diverse, multicultural settings.
• Adherence to PSU’s policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and Professional Standards of Conduct.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Pay

Adjunct faculty are paid per credit hour, in accordance with the AFT Collective Bargaining Agreement.