Open Rank Practicum Education Faculty Positions

Open Rank Practicum Education Faculty Positions

University of Southern California

Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

About the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is recognized as one of the most innovative in the nation. Our research and teaching environment is vibrant, interdisciplinary, and highly supportive. We provide educational leadership in the areas of behavioral health; child and family systems; aging; organizations and policy transformation; social work in non-profit, governmental and private sector contexts; housing insecurity; serious mental illness; and military health. Our transformative approach to virtual instruction is recognized as groundbreaking. Our commitment to advancing the science of social work and as advocates for social justice has generated a new dialogue throughout the profession.

Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Mission Statement

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work champions social justice for the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through innovative teaching of evidence-informed and practice-based skills, pioneering transformative research, and cultivating leadership for social change.

Qualifications Sought

Practicum education faculty must hold an MSW with a minimum of five years of post MSW related experience to include a minimum of two years supervising MSW interns. Candidates must be able to facilitate integrative seminars and practicum experiences, focusing on supporting student learning and application of social work competencies outlined in the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).  Knowledge of and ability to teach related to evidence-based practices is also desirable. Leadership in supporting students’ professional development, developing and supporting agency placements, and fostering community partnerships is an expectation.  Candidates should have effective communication skills, the ability to disseminate ideas and educational expertise to the profession, community constituents, and other stakeholders, and support for the School’s strong orientation to the science of social work and commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ideally, applicants will have exceptional credentials in a variety of areas of expertise, and demonstrated experience across micro, mezzo and macro practice. In keeping with our focus on diversity and global issues, we seek faculty who have strong professional profiles in regard to practicum education and service involving Latinx, Asian, Hawaiian-Pacific Islander, African American, and/or Native American populations. We are particularly interested in faculty with expertise in child welfare, juvenile justice, aging, integrated healthcare, homelessness, military and veterans, LGBTQIA , telehealth, mental health, co-occurring disorders, substance abuse, refugee/immigration, community organizing, advocacy and workforce development. An LCSW and/or a PhD, DSW, or doctorate is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

In addition to the MSW program, the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work will offer a BSW Program beginning in fall 2026. Practicum education faculty teach 6-8 practicum classes in our MSW and BSW programs each calendar year in a variety of flexible teaching arrangements, which factor in assignments as practicum liaisons, student placement responsibilities, and agency placement development. Practicum faculty are expected to teach both online and on campus for the 12-month academic calendar (fall, spring and summer). While practicum faculty are not required to contribute to scholarship, many do through publications, presentations, and trainings with a focus on educational assessment, innovative pedagogy, practicum education curriculum, policies, and related issues. Practicum faculty hold leadership roles nationally, internationally, and within the School and University.

Appointment

Practicum education faculty are appointed at the assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor ranks, with opportunities for promotion and other forms of School and University recognition. The appointment is for a 12-month practicum education position.

Locations

Available position(s) are located at the University Park Campus in Los Angeles. Some local practicum related travel is required for all full-time practicum faculty during the academic year.

Application Procedure

Please submit: (1) a letter of application outlining experience in practicum education, classroom instruction, curriculum development, agency liaising, placement development and/or practicum instruction within a community agency; (2) evidence of teaching performance; (3) a curriculum vita; and (4) contact information for three academic references.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early application is strongly encouraged. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. 

Applicants will receive written notification from the Search Committee Chair, Kelley Macmillan when the file is complete. Please email the Office of Faculty Affairs at ssw.facultyaffairs@usc.edu in the event of any difficulties with our online system.

The annual base salary range for the following faculty ranks in this posting are: Assistant Professors: $84,000-$95,000; Associate Professors: $95,000-$120,000; Professors: $120,000-$145,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. 

USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, color, gender, creed, and background. The University particularly encourages women, members of underrepresented groups, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply. USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

Salary : $84,000 - $95,000