Instructor/Associate Director, Practicum Education

The Department of Social Work at Winthrop University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Instructor of Social Work/Associate Director of Practicum Education. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, student engagement, professional social work education, and the preparation of competent, ethical, and culturally responsive social work practitioners. Additionally, the successful candidate will provide leadership and administrative support for the planning, coordination, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of practicum education within the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. The position requires a commitment to student-centered teaching, inclusive educational practices, and integration of social work theory, research, policy, and practice.

Position Responsibilities     

• Teach undergraduate and graduate Social Work courses.
• Deliver instruction in face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning environments.
• Provide academic advising and mentoring to undergraduate and graduate social work students.
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings, faculty development activities, and other assigned university responsibilities.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives and maintain collaborative relationships with social work practitioners and community organizations.
• Assist the Director of Practicum Education in the overall administration and coordination of practicum education for undergraduate and graduate social work students.
• Coordinate practicum education activities across traditional, advanced standing, online, and other approved program delivery formats.
• Establish, cultivate, and maintain relationships with social service agencies, healthcare organizations, schools, government agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Identify and recruit new practicum placement sites that provide meaningful learning opportunities aligned with program competencies.
• Assist with the development, review, and maintenance of agency affiliation agreements.
• Provide orientation, training, consultation, and ongoing support to agency-based practicum instructors and supervisors.
• Serve as a liaison between the Department of Social Work and community partners to promote effective collaboration and address practicum-related concerns.
• Assist BSW and MSW students in identifying practicum placements appropriate to their educational preparation, professional interests, and learning needs.
• Demonstrate a commitment to collegiality, shared governance, and the mission of Winthrop University.

About the College     

To learn more about the College of Arts & Sciences please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/cas/

About Winthrop University  

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 5,200-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 18 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Benefits          

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx.

Background Check   

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Position Availability: 01/01/2027

Required Qualifications       

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
• Minimum of two years of post-MSW professional social work practice experience.
• Minimum of two years of practicum education experience at a CSWE-accredited social work program.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social work theory, practice, policy, research, and professional ethics.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to teach and mentor students from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds.
• Experience with practicum placement management systems, learning management systems, and electronic student records.
• Demonstrated experience with program assessment, accreditation reporting, and continuous quality improvement.
• Experience developing community partnerships and coordinating student placements across multiple service settings.

Preferred Qualifications       

• Previous teaching experience in higher education, particularly in a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program.
• Experience developing and delivering online and hybrid courses.
• Previous experience coordinating or administering practicum education in a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program.
• Experience serving as an agency-based practicum instructor, faculty practicum liaison, or practicum education administrator.

Employment Conditions      

This is a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-track faculty appointment with additional summer responsibilities supported by a separate summer stipend.

Application Instructions       

Applicants must submit:

• Letter of application, including teaching philosophy
• Curriculum vitae (CV), including the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three (3) professional references from whom letters of recommendation have been requested
• Copies of all graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review; official transcripts are required prior to final appointment)

Application process closes on 11/02/2026.