Term Faculty Specialist I - Professional Specialist

This is a full-time, non-tenure-track, fiscal-year appointment based on the main campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

About the Role

The successful candidate will serve as a teaching faculty member in the School of Social Work, contributing to undergraduate and graduate social work education through teaching, advising, student engagement, service, and collaboration with faculty and community partners. The position may include teaching and professional engagement in areas such as trauma, practice, field education, and related fields within the curriculum.

Responsibilities

Essential Roles

• Teach approximately 15 credit hours per semester in undergraduate and/or graduate social work courses, delivered in face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats, including courses related to trauma, practice, field education, and other areas of the curriculum.
• Design, update, and deliver course content consistent with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
• Support student learning, engagement, and academic success through effective instruction and mentoring.
• Participate in curriculum implementation and assessment activities within the School of Social Work.
• Maintain regular office hours and provide timely communication and feedback to students.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, field education personnel, and community partners to support program goals and student success.

Other Duties

• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional committees, supporting institutional development and policymaking.
• Participate in accreditation, assessment, recruitment, retention, advising, and other programmatic activities as assigned.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director of the School of Social Work.

Requirements

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution.
• Valid Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW) issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), or eligibility to obtain licensure prior to start date.
• Minimum of three (3) years of post-MSW professional experience, preferably including experience in trauma-informed practice, field education, or related practice settings.
• Experience with or demonstrated capacity for college-level teaching, curriculum development, or professional training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate (PhD, DSW, or related degree) in social work or a closely related field; ABD candidates with a projected completion date will be considered.
• Prior teaching experience in higher education.
• Experience with online or hybrid instructional delivery.
• Experience with CSWE accreditation standards and competency-based education.

About the University

Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Southwest Michigan, is a vibrant, nationally recognized student-centered research institution with an enrollment of over 18,000. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and fosters significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies WMU as a doctoral university and one of just 185 public universities in the nation conducting research at a high level.

About the College

In 1976, pioneering allied health and human services professional programs united in the WMU College of Health and Human Services, carrying on a tradition of excellence and innovation that began in 1922 with the establishment of the occupational therapy program. The college offers high-quality, nationally ranked academic programs; exceptional students and faculty; unmatched clinical education; many regular opportunities for interprofessional education; state-of-the-art teaching facilities; outreach, service, and community engagement; and a strong research record.

The college is composed of departments, schools, centers, and clinics, including the School of Social Work. Departments include Blindness and Low Vision Studies; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; Physician Assistant; and Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. The college's schools include Interdisciplinary Health Programs, Nursing, and Social Work. The college also operates the Center for Disability Services, Aging Services, the Resiliency Center for Families and Children, and the Unified Clinics.

The mission of the College of Health and Human Services is to engage every person in an experiential, interprofessional, and inclusive academic environment that inspires compassion, integrity, and advocacy. The college prepares learners to thrive in health and human services careers that are high in demand, high in purpose, high in satisfaction, and unsurpassed in impact.

About the Department

The School of Social Work at Western Michigan University is home to high-quality bachelor's and master's degree programs in social work. The curriculum emphasizes social, economic, racial, and environmental justice and is grounded in evidence-based practice to prepare students for effective, ethical, and compassionate professional work. With a dedicated team of 16 full-time faculty members, the School serves approximately 500 social work students across both undergraduate and graduate programs. Courses are offered at two locations—Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids—providing flexible access and strong community connections for students throughout West Michigan.

Pay

Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package.

Expected start date: August 15, 2026.