Adjunct Faculty (MSW)

Job Description:

The Pacific Oaks College Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Program invites applicants to apply for the online adjunct faculty pool for positions beginning in the 2024/2025 academic year. Pacific Oaks College MSW students represent a wide range and diverse cross-section of the national population. Our non-traditional students work full-time, have families, and possess a variety of employment and life experiences. The program, having received full accreditation in 2024, is experiencing rapid enrollment growth and is seeking well-qualified, highly motivated, well-organized individuals with online teaching experience to teach courses in the online, asynchronous program.

MSW courses are fully built, and our adjuncts are not responsible for creating syllabi or curriculum.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Adjunct Faculty member in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in the School of Cultural and Family Psychology. This role involves teaching MSW-level courses across various tracks, including part-time, full-time, and Advanced Standing programs. The adjunct faculty member is expected to bring their expertise as a scholar and practitioner to create an engaging learning environment that supports the diverse needs of our students. This position requires a commitment to academic excellence, adherence to program standards, and a dedication to fostering a culturally responsive and inclusive classroom.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED (The degree of supervision exercised over this position):

The incumbent is assigned duties according to specified procedures and receives detailed instructions. Work is checked frequently.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Deliver assigned MSW courses through online instruction, ensuring the highest quality of teaching.
• Respond promptly and consistently to student inquiries, providing support and guidance throughout the course.
• Maintain timely and consistent communication with the department or core faculty regarding student progress and classroom dynamics.
• Submit grades according to established deadlines.
• Develop proficiency in Canvas, the learning management system, with training provided as needed.
• Actively participate in MSW adjunct faculty meetings once per semester while teaching.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Is regular attendance an essential function?  ☒ Yes          ☐ No

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Expertise in Social Work Practice: Deep understanding of social work theories, methods, and practices, with the ability to effectively translate this knowledge into online teaching.  
• Familiarity with CSWE Competencies: Strong knowledge of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competencies and standards, ensuring that course content aligns with these guidelines.
• Anti-Oppressive and DEI Pedagogy: Commitment to anti-oppressive teaching practices and the integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles in all aspects of instruction, consistent with the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to maintain clear, consistent, and professional communication with students, faculty, and staff.
• Technological Proficiency: Competence in using learning management systems, particularly Canvas, to create an engaging and effective online learning environment.
• Adaptability and Responsiveness: Ability to respond promptly to student inquiries and adapt teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution is required;
• PhD in Social Work or a closely related field and/or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential is preferred.

Experience:

• Teaching Experience: Previous graduate-level teaching experience is preferred, demonstrating the ability to deliver content effectively in an online format.
• Clinical Experience: A minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in social work practice is required, showcasing exemplary professional expertise.
• Professional Expertise: Proven track record of professional excellence in social work, with a commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS (Describe environment including exposure to heat, cold, fumes, etc.)

• Office environment; typically, 70 degrees
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderately noisy while in the office
• If remote,
  • The work environment must be in a quite space
  • Must have adequate bandwidth & technology to perform all duties

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Computer/Laptop

• Telephone
• Copier, scanner and fax machines

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL TASKS: (Check all that apply):

Physical Demands:

☒ Standing                        ☒ Lifting:  3 Lbs.              

☒ Pushing/Pulling ☒ Walking                     ☒ Hearing

☒ Speaking ☒ Reaching                  ☒ Writing

☒ Seeing              ☒ Other:  Typing & Prolong sitting

Physical Environment - Exposed to: 

☒ Noise                        ☒ Other:  Dust

Mental Demands: 

☒ Reading                          ☒ Frequent Interruptions          

☒ Periods of Concentrated Attention   

☒ Detailed Work              ☒ Irregular Work Schedule

☒ Frequent Contact with People

☒ Frequent Deadlines      ☒ Multiple Concurrent Tasks

TRAVEL: (% of total time): No Travel

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The noise level in the work environment is usually quite to moderately noisy while in the office.  The office temperature is about 70 degrees.  If remote, the work environment must be in a quite space.

DECISION MAKING:

The position is governed by the policies of Pacific Oaks, along with established procedures for the department. Independent judgment is required in the supervision of personnel as well as in the carrying out of the department's strategic goals and budget management.

CONTACT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Routine exchange or presentation of information.

Responsible for demonstrating professionalism and leadership in resolving conflicts with students and employees.  Recommends alternative approaches to solve problems and conflicts. 

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not require the management of budgets, but it is required to follow Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals.

DISCLAIMER:

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustrations of the various aspects of the position and types of responsibilities that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position and does not preclude management from assignment duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.  This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as needs of the employer and requirements of the position change. 

Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment of any type. In keeping with this commitment and as required by Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 and all other applicable federal and state laws, Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination and harassment against its employees, students and applicants in its programs and activities based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, age (over 40), medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information or characteristics protected by the state or federal employment harassment and discrimination laws.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $25.00-27.50 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.pacificoaks.edu/about/careers-pacific-oaks/

Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Pacific Oaks offers equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, housing status, source of income or military status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.