INTRODUCTION

The University of Connecticut School of Social Work invites applications for one full-time (9-month appointment) tenure-track open-rank faculty position. We are seeking applicants with research and practice expertise in community organizing, economic justice, environmental justice, and social welfare policy. Of particular interest are applicants committed to research on social and environmental inequities associated with climate change and urban development and innovative strategies that strengthen individual and community capacities to reduce inequities and increase access to resources in a changing environment, particularly for marginalized communities.

The University of Connecticut School of Social Work is a national leader in graduate social work education with a tradition of educating and serving diverse populations. We are ranked in the top 12% of schools of social work nationally and number one in Connecticut. More than one-third of our 400 students and our 27 faculty members belong to underrepresented groups in higher education. The School’s research doctorate is the only public social work Ph.D. program in the region. Areas of distinction include mental health, trauma and violence prevention and reduction; international social work and human rights; immigrant and refugee studies, social, and health disparities; diversity and cultural competence; and policy analysis, advocacy, and community organizing. Interdisciplinary collaborations are maintained with units across the University and we have an extensive collaboration network with public and private human service agencies for both research and training.

The UConn School of Social Work is located on the vibrant downtown Hartford regional campus. This neighborhood campus includes other UConn graduate and undergraduate academic programs and research centers, cultural institutions, and state and city government offices. This situates us ideally for carrying out our central academic mission and provides enhanced opportunities for building upon our existing community collaborations and expanding to new ones within a multicultural capital city.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain an active research and publication agenda. Seek and acquire external funding, where appropriate. Teach across the curriculum in BSW, MSW, and/or Ph.D. programs, as appropriate, and demonstrate effective instruction. Advise and mentor students in research, outreach, and professional development. Serve on doctoral student committees and as a major advisor, as appropriate, and participate in University, School, professional, local, and national level service. Other expectations will be determined by rank.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An MSW and Ph.D. in social work or a related discipline are required. Applicants must show evidence of an active scholarship and teaching agenda in community organizing, economic justice, environmental justice, and/or social welfare policy. A minimum of 3 years of practice experience in one of the above areas is required. A demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, advising, and mentoring. A commitment to the School of Social Work’s mission of advancing knowledge and community engagement to achieve human rights and social justice. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Applicants at the Assistant Professor level must have an earned Ph.D. in social work or related discipline by August 23, 2023, and have strong indications of scholarly promise and productivity in this area of scholarship.

Applicants at the Associate Professor level must have an earned Ph.D. in social work or related discipline and evidence of high-impact scholarship and prior external funding support, where appropriate, as well as national leadership and reputation in community organizing, economic justice, environmental justice, and/or social welfare policy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Ph.D. in social work is preferred. Demonstrated record of scholarly publication and external funding. Demonstrated excellence in teaching community organizing, economic justice, environmental justice, and/or social welfare policy. Experience in or commitment to working collaboratively within the School and across the University on inter-professional research initiatives. Commitment to and/or experience in promoting and fostering a learning environment supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated use of theories that inform the applicant’s research and teaching. A commitment to and/or anti-oppressive theories and practice.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2023. Initial salary commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/23977 and submit the following application materials:

• Current curriculum vitae.
• Cover letter that comments on the relevant minimum and preferred qualifications.
• Research statement that describes the candidate's research and extramural funding trajectory and explains how the candidate’s research agenda aligns with the priorities of the School and this position.
• Commitment to diversity statement.
• Representative samples of up to three (3) publications.
• Names and contact information of three (3) references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants can address questions by email to:

Jennifer Manuel, PhD
Search Committee Chair
University of Connecticut
School of Social Work
38 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06103 
jennifer.manuel@uconn.edu

References will not be contacted without the prior permission of the candidate. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.