The Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) is a specialized center within the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) at University of Denver, which intentionally elevates the value of the living world and the interrelationship and health of people, other animals, and the environment. This is accomplished through natural and social science-informed education, applied knowledge, research and advocacy, with an ethical regard for all species. Focusing on three core areas of: Therapeutic Human-Animal Interactions, Animals in Communities and Conservation Social Work, IHAC operationalizes our mission through innovation in education and research.

IHAC has effectively trained practitioners in ethical, evidence-based human-animal interactions since 2006. Our signature suite of professional development programs (IHACPro) provides comprehensive education, training, and expert feedback for students to integrate animals and other nature-based modalities into their practice. First of their kind in the world, these university-based programs operate at the highest standards of competency and best practice. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for these courses are granted on official University of Denver transcripts. IHACPro is managed in direct accordance with the mission and values of the Institute and offers top-notch education and instruction for students from around the world. Learn more about IHACPro here: https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-about-human-animal-interactions

Position Summary
IHAC is currently seeking Adjunct Instructors to teach in our Animals and Human Health (AHH) continuing education certificate. This flagship certificate program of IHAC began in 2006 and has trained over 600 students to date. The AHH course progression includes three online classes and one Capstone session. The four courses available for adjunct instructors to teach are: Animals and Human Health Core, Applications of Animal-Assisted Interventions, Animal Partners in Animal-Assisted Interventions, and the AHH Capstone. Adjunct instructors in the AHH certificate program teaching pool can expect to teach between 1-3 courses per year, on a per-contract basis. In addition, adjunct instructors in this program are invited to attend bi-monthly IHACPro instructor meetings via Zoom, professional development trainings hosted by the University of Denver and other events hosted by IHAC, and have access to the DU library and resources. These positions are directly supervised and managed by the IHACPro Program Manager, with the oversight of IHAC directors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in social science, education, healthcare, animal studies or other related field.
• 2+ years of experience teaching, with a preference for online education programming for adult learners. This can include facilitating trainings, supervision, mentorship, or other forms of non-classroom based teaching experience.
• 4+ years of relevant professional experience in the field of Human-Animal-Environment Interactions and/or Animal-Assisted Interventions. Two of these years can be substituted for education that directly aligns with the field of Human-Animal-Environment Interactions (e.g. Animal-Assisted Social Work certificate, Anthrozoology degree, Veterinary Social Work degree).

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or Doctoral degree in social science, education, healthcare, animal studies or other related field.
• 3+ years of experience teaching, with a preference for online education programming for adult learners.
• Experience with virtual learning management systems, such as Canvas.
• Advanced knowledge of teaching pedagogy and course design for adult learners in virtual formats.
• Demonstrated skills in creating inclusive learning experiences for students of various backgrounds.
• Current and ongoing professional experience in the field of Human-Animal-Environment Interactions and/or Animal-Assisted Interventions.

Course Rate

8 week courses = $3,000 (senior instructor rate* $3,300)
6 week courses = $2,300 (senior instructor rate* $2,600)
Capstone: 4 weeks plus 2 days live = $1,500

*Eligibility for senior instructor rate after teaching 10 courses.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, available market information, and course enrollment, but not based on a candidates sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.