Job Details

MSW Adjunct Faculty Pool 2025-26 (External)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please submit a brief cover letter, resume/CV, and 3 professional references (contact name, phone number and email address). In your cover letter specify areas of expertise, teaching interests (specific targeted populations if any), what makes you qualified to teach in these areas, and evidence of teaching/training effectiveness if applicable.

NOTE: The applicants for the School of Social Work Adjunct Posting will be in an open pool. If you have not been contacted about your application, it will remain active in the pool for the remainder of the academic year. There are no guarantees that the school will be hiring for any particular course. Adjunct positions are required to re-apply to PSU every academic year.

The MSW Program will collect applications on an ongoing basis to fill vacancies throughout the academic year. Review of applications occurs as new sections or instructors are needed.

Position Announcement

Proposed Start Date: 09/16/2025

Working Title: MSW Adjunct Faculty Pool 2025-26 (External)

Position Number: D97731

Representation: AP - AFT, Local 3571

Position Summary

The PSU 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, PSU SSW advances knowledge and creates social change through teaching, research, practice, and advocacy.

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

This position is open to subject matter experts interested in teaching on campus in Portland, in our online program, or in our satellite educational centers in Bend and Eugene, Oregon. Applicants who demonstrate an interest in and ability to realize the mission, values, and vision of the School are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly those with knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to racial equity and critical, anti-oppressive, and social justice-oriented frameworks.

Part Time Faculty/Adjunct Instructor Duties Include:

• Attend orientations to teaching and course preparations
• Prepare course syllabi and update prior to the course open date, or the first day of class
• Prepare and personalize course shell for instruction on Canvas (LMS) prior to course open date, including developing introductory video, assignment explanation videos, and ten weekly content videos for online courses
• Make contact with students enrolled in their courses within the first week of the term to introduce self
• Respond to student emails or phone calls and acknowledge their requests for assistance in a timely manner
• For online courses, faculty are in contact with students at least three times per week and engaged with student discussion boards
• Grade and return papers, providing robust feedback within a reasonable time for assignments submitted in Canvas
• Provide required office hours for students to meet with you in person or online; online students tend to need evening and weekend options
• Address observed student conduct concerns (professional, ethical, or academic) in a timely manner
• Submit final course grades on Canvas for each student in assigned class.

Minimum Qualifications

M.S. or M.A. in Social Work (or closely related field) and two years post-degree practice experience in the field of social services. Seminar and Liaison positions require: two or more years in combination of the following: field liaison; or BSW/MSW field instructor; or staff supervisor; or social work educator, trainer, or community member in service to social work higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous graduate teaching experience.
• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSUs policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
• Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Required Professional Standards of Conduct

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff.

Compensation

Compensation: Adjunct faculty are paid per credit hour, per the AFT Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Application Instructions

Please submit a brief cover letter, resume/CV, and 3 professional references (contact name, phone number, and email address). In your cover letter specify areas of expertise, teaching interests (specific targeted populations if any), what makes you qualified to teach in these areas, and evidence of teaching/training effectiveness if applicable.

NOTE: The applicants for the School of Social Work Adjunct Posting will be in an open pool. If you have not been contacted about your application, it will remain active in the pool for the remainder of the academic year. There are no guarantees that the school will be hiring for any particular course. Adjunct positions are required to re-apply to PSU every academic year.

The MSW Program will collect applications on an ongoing basis to fill vacancies throughout the academic year. Review of applications occurs as new sections or instructors are needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled