Assistant Professor, Social Work
Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The School of Social Work within the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), seeks candidates for a 9-month, tenure-track position for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 2027. Upon initial appointment responsibilities include: teaching in the BSW and MSW programs, advising BSW students, research and scholarship, and providing service to the for this profession, school, college, university and the community. Currently, the typical teaching position load for research-active faculty is three courses per semester.
We are a school that values diversity and interprofessional research, teaching, and service. Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. We seek colleagues who value finding joy in work, strive to have a healthy work/life harmony and embrace an engaging collaborative culture.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
- Master of Social Work degree and a PhD in Social Work or a related field from an accredited institution. Persons who are ABD will be considered; the doctorate is required by the start date for appointment as Assistant Professor for the 2027–2028 academic year. If the doctorate is not conferred by the start date, the candidate will be appointed at the rank of Lecturer for one year and must obtain the doctorate within the first academic year of employment to be appointed as an Assistant Professor.
- Three years of post MSW Practice Experience
- Qualified candidates will demonstrate potential for excellent teaching and scholarly productivity.
- Candidates should be able to teach in at least two areas of the BSW and MSW Foundation curriculum.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Persons interested in teaching practice must have at least three years of direct practice experience. Those candidates who qualify for clinical licensure are preferred.
- Candidates who have research, teaching, and/or practice experience with diverse populations are preferred
- Experience with AI use in educational and professional settings
Required Certifications or Licensure
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The School of Social Work (SSW) is dedicated to the development of excellent social workers through in-depth education, professional partnerships, applied research, regional engagement, and community outreach and impact. Our School prepares our students to help individuals, families, and groups discover and build upon their own strengths and external resources to meet the challenges of poverty, discrimination, health and mental health issues, and other difficult life situations. UNCW Social work graduates work in social service, health, and mental health agencies in Southeastern North Carolina, throughout the state, and across the country. The School of Social Work is located in McNeill and Veteran’s Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that includes offices, classrooms, a large lecture hall, computer laboratories, a Student Learning Commons and Success Center, and a state-of-the art Simulation Learning Center. Using simulation, we strive to create a realistic environment and a powerful learning experience that promotes cognitive, affective, physical, and social development for Social Work students, while incorporating interprofessional collaborative experiences with students across the other degree programs in the College.
The SSW offers both the BSW and MSW programs from the strengths perspective, with emphasis on practice labs, small classes, and specially reinforced field instruction. The MSW program offers both clinical and macro concentrations. Specialized coursework includes solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and motivational theories, as well as community-engaged and leadership practice.
We are proud to offer the following programs: full-time Bachelor’s in Social Work programs on the main campus in Wilmington and HS2SW online, a full-time and advanced standing Master in Social Work program in Wilmington, part-time Master in Social Work program in Wilmington, and four courses towards LCAS credentialing in substance use disorders and addictions.
College/School Information
The College of Health and Human Services was created in July 2010 to provide UNCW with a new mechanism to link and focus its health-related research, professional continuing education, and health knowledge dissemination and application. In the formative stage of development, the CHHS is currently home to three professional schools: School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Social Work. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a dynamic College that seeks to be nationally recognized for its inter-professional collaboration, community engagement and impact, and implementation science. The faculty, staff and students of the CHHS are committed to the pursuit of excellence and enhancing health and quality of life across the lifespan for individuals, families and communities in southeastern North Carolina and beyond.
University Information
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
EEO Statement
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Number of Openings
Multi-Positions
Special Notes to Applicants
Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.
Please note that a minimum of three professional references are required for all applications.
Position Type
Permanent
Job Posting Date
10/21/2026
Job Close Date
11/23/2026
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vita
- Cover Letter
- Writing Sample
- List of 3 Professional References
