Job Description
Education - Full-time
The Social Work Program
The Kuyper College social work program is designed to prepare students for entry-levelgeneralist social work practice as well as for entry into graduate education within a biblical, Reformed framework. Our graduates demonstrate a high level of success in finding employment in a variety of social work and faith-based ministry settings.
Kuyper College offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree with 21 credits in Bible/Theology. It is accredited by both the Association for Biblical Higher Education and theHigher Learning Commission. The social work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The mission of Kuyper College’s baccalaureate social work program is to equip students with the knowledge, values, and skills for generalist practice in entry-level social work positions within the framework of a biblical, Reformed world and life view.
Since 1970, Kuyper has offered a minor in social work to students. In 2003, the social work program was awarded the BSW degree, the highest level of undergraduate social work accreditation. Social work has evolved into one of the biggest majors in the college. The program is administered with two full-time faculty and three adjunct instructors. Social work is unique with its small classes, personal attention, international placements, low cost and Christian emphasis. Upon graduation, our students report confidence in their knowledge and skills of the profession, which enables them to be successful in graduate studies and their employment searches.
Position Description
This tenure-track social work professor and program director position provides an opportunity to teachcourses, ensure the college’s accreditation with CSWE, and work with the advisory board. The successful candidate must be a visionary individual with an enthusiastic and contagious Christian faith who is committed to leadership at a social work (CSWE) accredited Christian college where the integration of faith, student experience in best practices, and academic excellence is paramount.
The successful candidate will bring to the role a deep-seated personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, displaying a Christ-centered servant leadership that integrates faith and work. Critical to this is a demonstrated ability to articulate and promote a biblical, Reformed perspective in higher education. This would include a commitment to the Kuyper College Doctrinal Statement and to the Statement of Allegiance for Kuyper College.
The successful candidate should also bring a distinguished record of academic and scholarly achievement. Candidates whose leadership abilities and outstanding accomplishments in social work could translate well to academia also are strongly encouraged to apply and will receive serious consideration.
Summary
The position of Professor of Social Work/Program Director is responsible for preparing and teaching a wide variety of social work courses as part of a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) curriculum. Being able to research and integrate current evidence-based social work practices is crucial. This position also serves administratively as Program Director, thereby being responsible for achieving and maintaining program accreditation, program development, advancing, and marketing the program. This job is also responsible for co-advising Social Work majors toward academic, career, and life success. Service to the Kuyper College community and the social work profession is encouraged. Professional development is expected.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Doctoral degree preferred; MSW required, Social Work license preferred; Experience in higher education, teaching, program development and experience in the social service field is required. Demonstrates the ability to integrate faith into the learning environment. Knowledge of standard policies and procedures required.
Communication Skills:
This position requires drafting correspondence; proofreading correspondence for spelling, grammar, and content errors; training or instructing employees; and/or performing other tasks requiring a significant level of communication skills. Maintain and handle confidential information. Significant communication with alumni and supporters, admissions staff members from other institutions, and Kuyper College faculty and administrators. Needs a substantial and effective communication with prospective students and families, current students and families, and high school guidance counselors, administrators, and church leaders.
Decision Making/Judgment
This position requires independent judgment in setting priorities and organizing work to accomplish results. Some of the responsibilities of this position are performed in accordance with existing procedures and instructions.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of and capacity to effectively utilize database software, internet software, spreadsheet software, and word processing software. Knowledge of Google Suite is preferred.
Other Skills and Abilities
Self-motivation
High energy
Ability to effectively interact and work with all types of people, including those of a different race, age or gender
Ability and desire to understand Kuyper College is needed
Ability to travel and be alone for long periods of time
Enthusiastic supporter of Christian higher education, ministry-focused Christian leadership, and the goals of Kuyper College is necessary
Kuyper College administers all programs—admissions, financial aid, employment, instruction, housing and services—without regard to race, color, age, sex, height, weight, national origin, handicap, familial or marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
The Process
A committee composed of Kuyper College faculty and social work alumni is leading the search for the next Professor of Social Work/Program Director. The committee’s task is to review and screen the applicants through written materials, interviews, recommendations and reference checks. The selected candidates will be interviewed by the search committee and other members of the leadership team. The deadline for the application is December 12, 2020.
If, after carefully and prayerfully considering this opportunity, you are interested in being considered for this position, we invite you to contact us and submit the following application materials:
1) A letter of interest.
Highlight any information that you feel would be particularly helpful in determining your fit with the Professor of Social Work/Program Director position at Kuyper College.
The letter should also include a description of your Christian faith development and commitment and how it will be reflected in your academic leadership at Kuyper College.
2) A current resume or curriculum vitae.
3) The names, positions and contact information (telephone and email) for three references.
One should be from someone in an academic setting and knowledgeable enough of your career to comment on your suitability to serve as the Professor of Social Work/Program Director.
One should be from someone in a professional setting and knowledgeable enough of your career to comment on your suitability to serve as the Professor of Social Work/Program Director.
One should be from your pastor or a church leader who knows you well.
References will not be contacted until after we have received specific permission from you to do so.
Please feel free to contact us at any stage in the process for more information and to ask questions. Send all of
the above application materials and any other correspondence electronically as PDFs to:
Michelle Norquist
Professor of Social Work/Program Director Search Committee Chair
(Director of Library Services, Kuyper College)
SocialWork.search@kuyper.edu
616-988-3660