Assistant Professor of Social Work

Department Sociology, Anthropology & Social Work, Chair Compensation $71,500.00 to Negotiable Annual General Description/Primary Purpose: The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work is seeking a 9-month, tenure earning Assistant Professor of Social Work. The position will report to Dr. Gordon Rakita, Chair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. Position responsibilities include the following: teaching two courses each semester, maintaining an active research agenda, and engaging in meaningful service to the Department, University, and discipline. UNF faculty are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic excellence in all phases of instruction, research/scholarship/creative activity, and service. The successful candidate will teach courses in areas including theory, multicultural social work practice, advanced generalist practice, and advanced practice electives. Successful candidates must demonstrate the commitment and capability to provide an excellent learning environment to students, work with student-centered methods of instruction, and contribute to the continuing development and implementation of curricular content. Applicants must describe their experience working with, teaching, and/or mentoring students with different levels of preparation and/or a variety of prior academic experiences. In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active research agenda, including publishing in peer-reviewed outlets and securing external research funding, and make meaningful service contributions to the Department, University, and discipline. Areas of research and teaching expertise are open; successful candidates will expand on the program faculty’s existing expertise and course offerings. This campus-based, in-person position will serve the Department’s CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs. The mission of the UNF Social Work program is to prepare students with the generalist knowledge, values, and skills to provide effective social work services to diverse client systems in a variety of practice settings, and our curriculum is aligned with CSWE’s 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. We seek applicants whose scholarship includes advancement of human rights and social, racial, economic, and/or environmental justice. Faculty at UNF are on flexible teaching loads, typically teaching between four to six courses per year, with newly hired faculty on a reduced load of two courses per semester for the first three years. Continued reduced teaching loads may be offered to faculty demonstrating significant accomplishments aligned with the university’s strategic plan (). Startup funds are available and negotiable. Anticipated Start Date: The position is expected to begin on August 3, 2026. Working Hours: Varies Supervision Exercised: This is not a supervisory role. About the Department: UNF, a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution, is situated in the vibrant city of Jacksonville, Florida. With six colleges and a student body of approximately 17,000, UNF is committed to fostering academic excellence and community engagement. In recent years, UNF has transitioned to an R2 institution with an increasing focus on research while maintaining excellence in teaching. The position is within an interdisciplinary department comprised of 20 full-time faculty across undergraduate programs in Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. The Department also houses the Northeast Florida Center for Community Initiatives. It is expected that applicants will demonstrate clear evidence of potential for impact in research, teaching, and community engagement. Further, applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the UNF Social Work Program’s mission and articulate how their research, teaching, and community engagement contributes to this mission. For more information about the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work visit: . Required Qualifications: All candidates are required to have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, two or more years of post-MSW practice experience, and an earned doctorate in Social Work by August 1, 2026. Candidates are also required to have experience teaching at the university level. Preferred Qualifications/Skills: Although not required, we prefer candidates with clinical experience who are Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) in Florida or equivalent. Required Licensure: N/A Additional Application Materials Required: UNF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted online through the Human Resources website, In addition to completing an online application, applicants should be prepared to provide the following required documents and information: - Cover letter - Current curriculum vitae - Unofficial transcripts - Teaching philosophy addressing pedagogical approach and effectiveness - Copies of relevant syllabi - Copies of recent publications - Names, phone numbers, and email address of three professional references The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials by the date of hire. Additional Requirements: Applicants may be required to upload additional documents based on their responses to the Foreign Influence Review questions. - Passport (all pages including blank pages) and - Form DS-160 (if ever submitted. If not, upload an explanation) Job Posting Close Date: Open until filled How to Apply: Applicants must complete an online application at and submit the documents required by the application. Please list contact information for three professional references. Initial review of applications will begin on February 2, 2026. Additional Job Details: If you have any questions about this position, please contact Dr. Jennifer Spaulding-Givens, Associate Professor of Social Work and Chair of the Social Work Search Committee, at . Statement(s) of Understanding This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check. The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator Equal Opportunity The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation. Carnegie UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.