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The University of Southern Maine’s School of Social Work (SSW) invites applications for one full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2026.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated success in engaged and experiential teaching approaches, an active research agenda that contributes to and enriches our profession, and an interest in service on the School, College, and University levels. Our faculty are expected to teach in at least two areas of our curriculum with both BSW and MSW students.

About the USM School of Social Work:

Our School of Social Work (http://usm.maine.edu/swo) is located on USM’s Portland Campus in a central part of the city. Our programs are growing, currently serving 100 BSW and 150 MSW students. While the majority of our courses are delivered in weekly face-to-face classes, we have 45 students in an online low-residency MSW cohort. Our BSW and MSW programs are both accredited under the Council on Social Work Education, and our next accreditation cycle begins in 2028. We prepare undergraduate students in generalist social work practice and graduate students in advanced social work practice. The University of Southern Maine (USM) is dedicated to providing students with a high-quality, accessible, affordable education.

Within our school, we have a collegial climate based on shared social work values. We embrace engaged and interactive teaching, offering as many opportunities for in-class applied learning as possible. Many of us collaborate on research and support each other in developing new classes and in supporting our students.

Our full-time tenure track faculty teach a 3:3 load across BSW and MSW programs, in at least 2 of the following curriculum areas: research; human behavior and the social environment; social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities; and/or social policy. We are expected to maintain active research and service agendas. In the 26-27 academic year, the successful candidate will have a course release to facilitate participation in our new faculty orientation across the Fall 2026 semester.

About the University:

The University of Southern Maine (https://usm.maine.edu/) is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University (https://usm.maine.edu/about-our-university/) .

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

The targeted starting date for this position is Fall 2026 and will pay a base salary of $65,000 plus benefits. Candidates must reside within commutable distances from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon our university culture of "student focused every day" and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities, meetings, and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively.

The University of Southern Maine provides highly competitive benefits (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/benefits-and-wellness/#xd\_co\_f=OTZlMjgzOTAtNWZlOS00NDI4LWI0ZTMtNThjMGVjNDRkOTA3~) that include health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and tuition discounts for spouses and eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution; and more. To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-AFUM.pdf) .

Required Qualifications:

+ An MSW degree

+ A Ph.D. /D.S.W. in social work or related discipline by the time of appointment.

+ Evidence of a minimum of 2 years post-MSW social work experience

+ Evidence of effective, interactive, and engaged teaching

+ Active scholarly agenda leading to peer-reviewed publications

+ Effective written and oral communication skills.

+ Commitment to student engagement, advising, and mentorship.

+ Collegial, team-oriented approach to academic collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Evidence of college-level teaching ability, commitment to diversity, student success, active learning, and community engagement is preferred.

+ Evidence of teaching and research approaches that will contribute to the university’s commitment to building a culturally diverse team of leaders, faculty, and student experiences.

How to Apply:

Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page or at USM Careers (https://fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX\_1/jobs?lastSelectedFacet=ORGANIZATIONS&mode=location&selectedOrganizationsFacet=300000014113625) and submit the following materials:

+ A curriculum vitae which fully describes your qualifications and experiences with specific reference to the required qualifications.

+ A comprehensive letter of interest which includes your interest in USM and this position, as well as your strengths and experience.

+ A separate statement of your teaching philosophy and approach with students.

+ A separate statement of your research interests, accomplishments, and future goals.

+ Names and contact information for at least three professional references.

Review of completed applications will begin on September 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

For any inquiries, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Rachel Casey, at [email protected].

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

At this time, the University of Southern Maine is unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) (https://usm.maine.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report/) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.

EEO Statement:

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)