TT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of Psychology & Counseling/ UMKC School of Education, Social Work &

Hiring Department

UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

SCHOOL of EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK, and PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Department of Psychology and Counseling

The Department of Psychology and Counseling, within the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences, at the University of Missouri-Kansas City seeks to hire a 9-month, tenure-track, benefit-eligible, Assistant Professor in Counseling or Counseling Psychology to begin in Fall 2027.

Our Department has a master’s program in Counseling (accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council [MPCAC]), an undergraduate program in Psychology, and a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology (accredited by the American Psychological Association [APA]). The School Counseling emphasis area within our master’s program is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Our Department also houses the Community Counseling and Assessment Services (CCAS) clinic, an in-house training facility that provides services to the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. We are excited to support and grow our graduate and undergraduate programs, and CCAS, through this Assistant Professor position.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling is a community of 16 psychological scientists, practitioners, and educators who are dedicated to supporting our students’ academic and career success. We take pride in the interdisciplinary perspectives that we bring to our academic training programs, and we seek a colleague who values such perspectives and who shares our commitment to students’ achievement and academic excellence. Our faculty actively collaborates with a wide range of partners, including multifarious communities, schools, mental health settings, and medical organizations across our campus, the region, and the nation. Please visit our website for a full description of our Department, programs, faculty, and resources.

Job Description

The Department of Psychology & Counseling seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor candidate with training in Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or a related field. While the area of research expertise is open, preference will be given to applicants who can fulfill the teaching needs in our program, including assessment, career counseling/development, working with children/adolescents, couples and family counseling, and substance abuse. We seek applicants who:

• demonstrate potential for excellence in research;
• will contribute to our Counseling MA program, as well as to our other academic programs;
• show dedication to graduate and undergraduate teaching through various modalities, including in-person, blended, online synchronous, and online asynchronous; and
• will be excited to advise and mentor our graduate and undergraduate students, including the opportunity to mentor students in our PhD program in Clinical Psychology.

The candidate selected for this position will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary group of faculty and staff. This is an on-campus faculty position.

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• maintain an active research program that contributes to the Department’s and School’s commitment to encourage inclusive excellence and lead change through innovative research;
• maintain a record of peer-reviewed publications;
• seek and secure external funding as needed for sustained research productivity;
• advise students in our Counseling MA program, as well as have opportunities to mentor students from our BA and PhD programs;
• demonstrate teaching excellence in graduate and undergraduate courses;
• effectively collaborate with faculty in program development and in support of our teaching, research, and mentoring missions;
• collegially engage with faculty and staff across the School; and
• engage in Departmental, School, University, and/or disciplinary service.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a doctoral degree in Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or related field (awarded by 9-1-27) and be licensed or license-eligible (LP, LPC, CSC) in Missouri.

Preference will be given to candidates with prior university teaching experience; a record of scholarship commensurate with the Assistant Professor rank; and prior clinical supervision.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary is commensurate with credentials, experience, and demonstrated potential for success in externally funded research. Full time [100% FTE], benefit-eligible, 9-month ranked academic appointment to begin Fall Semester 2027. Summer teaching may be available beginning summer 2028. Our academic schedules and workloads provide for a positive work/life balance.

Application Materials

For consideration, you must apply online at www.umkc.edu/jobs, click on Academic Positions (Job Opening ID 61719). Please complete the application and questionnaire.

Please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload it as a resume attachment. Limit the document name to 50 characters. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). The maximum file size limit is 11 MB. Required materials include:

1. a cover letter outlining research and teaching interests;
2. a current Curriculum Vitae;
3. teaching evaluations (if available);
4. reprints or links to reprints for up to three publications;
5. current contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation will be requested for finalists.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to the Search Committee Co-Chair, Dr. LaVerne Berkel (berkell@umkc.edu).

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.
• Reasonable accommodations may be requested during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.

We will contact references and request higher educational transcripts for all candidates that advance to the finalist stage. The candidates hired for these positions will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on January 11, 2027, and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.

Other Information

The University of Missouri—Kansas City (UMKC) is the largest comprehensive, fully accredited university in the Kansas City area. In February of 2025, UMKC was one of 187 universities in the country designated as a Very High Spending and Doctorate Production (R1) institute by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. As one of four universities of the University of Missouri system, it offers traditional and interdisciplinary programs. Few urban universities have the depth and breadth of disciplines (ranging from Medicine to the Performing Arts) offered at UMKC. Academics - Home Suite | UMKC

To recast the institution’s investment strategy and academic landscape, UMKC recently launched the newly designed School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences as part of its UMKC Forward initiative. The School prepares educators, educational leaders, mental health and human service providers, and researchers that engage in critical thinking, promote an environment of inclusive opportunity and excellence, uphold ethical and professional standards, collaboratively transform marginalized communities, and embrace continuous learning and growth. School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences | UMKC

Community Information

Kansas City is a vibrant, fast-growing metropolitan area that blends Midwestern charm with urban energy. In recent years, the city has experienced remarkable development, expanding its cultural districts, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, and cultivating a thriving innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a strong focus on smart city planning, sustainability, and inclusive growth, Kansas City is a place where progress and possibility go hand in hand.

Home to nationally recognized arts institutions, championship sports teams, a new international airport, and a celebrated culinary scene, Kansas City truly offers something for everyone. The city’s cost of living remains affordable even as it experiences rapid growth and revitalization, making it an ideal place to build both a meaningful career and a fulfilling personal life.

UMKC is situated in the heart of the city, with close ties to its leading industries, vibrant communities, and cultural centers. Whether you are drawn to miles of scenic trails, dynamic neighborhoods, or the chance to be part of a city on the rise, Kansas City is a place where new faculty can thrive both professionally and personally.

Visit Kansas City: Find Events, Things to Do & More

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.