Clinical Assistant/Associate Professor of Social Work (MSW Faculty / Clinical Therapist)

Description of Job Duty:

The Department of Sociology and Political Science at Tennessee Tech University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Clinical Assistant or Associate Professor of Social Work beginning August 1, 2027.

This position is an exciting opportunity to join the faculty of Tennessee Tech's developing Master of Social Work (MSW) program while maintaining an active clinical practice through the Tennessee Tech Center for Addiction Prevention and Support (CAPS), an integrated outpatient mental health and substance use clinic.

The successful candidate will teach graduate, as well as undergraduate, social work courses, provide outpatient mental health services, supervise MSW students in clinical training, participate in curriculum development and assessment, and contribute to the continued development and accreditation of the MSW program.

This appointment is designed for clinicians who enjoy integrating teaching with practice and preparing the next generation of social workers.

Teaching Load
 

The standard clinical faculty teaching load is eight courses per academic year (4/4).

Faculty assigned clinical responsibilities through CAPS will receive reassigned time (course reduction), each semester to support direct clinical services, student supervision, and integration of classroom and clinical education. Teaching assignments will be determined in consultation with the Program Director and Department Chair.

About the Program
 

The Tennessee Tech University Master of Social Work Program prepares advanced generalist practitioners to improve the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through evidence-informed practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership in behavioral health. The program emphasizes integrated mental health and substance use treatment, rural practice, workforce development, and experiential learning through the Tennessee Tech Center for Addiction Prevention and Support (CAPS).

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Application Review Date

Review of applications begins October 26, 2026.

Essential Functions:

Teaching

The successful candidate will:

• Teach graduate social work courses with micro/clinical focus as well as ability to teach a variety of social work courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 
• Deliver instruction using face-to-face and online formats. 
• Develop engaging, evidence-based learning experiences. 
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. 
• Participate in curriculum assessment and continuous improvement.
   

Clinical Practice

The successful candidate will maintain an active clinical practice through Tennessee Tech's Center for Addiction Prevention and Support (CAPS), including:

• Providing individual psychotherapy. 
• Conducting biopsychosocial assessments and diagnostic evaluations. 
• Developing evidence-based treatment plans. 
• Maintaining timely and accurate clinical documentation. 
• Participating in interdisciplinary case consultation.  
• Providing crisis assessment and intervention when appropriate. 
• Delivering services consistent with ethical, legal, and professional standards.
   

Student Clinical Training

The successful candidate will:

• Provide supervision and mentoring to MSW students completing clinical training experiences. 
• Integrate classroom instruction with applied clinical practice. 
• Assist students in developing clinical assessment, diagnostic, documentation, and treatment planning skills. 

• Model ethical and culturally responsive clinical practice. 

   

Program Development and Service

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with development of the new MSW curriculum.  
• Participating in assessment of student learning outcomes. 
• Supporting implementation of CSWE accreditation standards. 
• Assisting with preparation of accreditation reports and required documentation. 
• Participating in department, college, university, and community service. 
• Developing collaborative relationships with community behavioral health agencies. 

Physical Demands:

Those typical of an office/classroom environment.

Special Instructions:

Applicants will be required to electronically upload the following:

• Cover letter 
• Curriculum vitae 
• Statement of teaching philosophy 
• Statement describing clinical practice philosophy 
• Unofficial graduate transcripts 
• Contact information for three professional references  
   

Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required documents are incomplete and will not be considered.

Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience. Full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-track position to begin August 1, 2027.

Benefits Information:

Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program. 
• Earned doctorate in Social Work (DSW or PhD) or closely related discipline by the appointment date. 
• Minimum of two years of post-MSW professional practice experience. 
• Current License (LMSW) or eligibility for Tennessee social work licensure. 
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. 
• Ability to teach in both undergraduate and graduate social work programs. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 
• Experience providing outpatient mental health services. 
• Experience supervising social work students or early-career clinicians. 
• University teaching experience. 
• Experience with online instruction. 
• Experience in CSWE accreditation or program assessment. 
• Experience in substance use disorder treatment and recovery-oriented practice. 
• Experience with integrated mental health or interdisciplinary practice. 
• Grant writing or program development experience.