Contributing Faculty

Job Description

Contributing (part-time) faculty report to the Academic Program Director for Social Work programs to provide instructional and curriculum development service in the Master of Social Work program.  Faculty members are critical in creating, maintaining, assessing, and reflecting upon a learning environment where academic discipline interweaves with the School of Social mission to support student learning.  Faculty members are expected to adhere to all Walden University faculty expectations, which are clearly set forth to the faculty member at the start of his/her employment with the University.

Responsibilities

What to Expect as a Walden Faculty Member

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide course instruction, course content development, and other curricular activities as needed Provide residency instruction
• Provide academic advising and mentoring
• Promote a social work professional identity with students.
• Engagement in scholarship
• Service on university and school committees, as well as school initiatives as needed

Part-time, School of Social Work faculty are responsible for instruction, assessment, advising, committee work, and service to the School of Social Work. Other duties may include grant management, research, or specific academic endeavors.  

Training
All new faculty members receive specific training from Walden University in the techniques of online teaching; use of an electronic learning platform; specifics of the policies, procedures, and degree programs of the School or College in which they are going to teach; socialization into the Walden University culture; assessment of academic integrity of student work (including use of www.turnitin.com); and research supervision of theses and dissertations. Teaching and mentorship assignments are contingent upon successful completion of required training. There are a maximum of 2 attempts allowed for the required training. Training must be accomplished within 6 months.  During the first term of teaching, faculty members may be assigned a faculty peer mentor (senior colleague) or other resources from the program as an extension of their new instructor training.

Course Teaching/Availability
Faculty members are assigned courses, which are taught using the Learning Management System (LMS),and are responsible for interacting with students within the LMS. Discussion Boards for classrooms are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Faculty members are expected to be in the classroom a minimum of 4 days per week and responses to student questions must be posted within 48 hours. The university suggests regular and predictable availability, such as online office hours or regular online chats; office hours may be required based on program or college policy.

Research Mentorship
Faculty mentors may be assigned to work one-on-one with students to help students meet the research requirements of their degree. Faculty members are responsible for the provision of timely feedback, approval, assessment, and evaluation of each student's work within the classroom.
 
Residencies
Graduate-level faculty may be invited to attend Residencies held domestically or internationally, where they will teach face-to-face intensives and colloquia, and facilitate school and university-wide discussions. Contributing (part-time) faculty may be invited to participate but are not required to attend.

Completes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
The successful candidate will have:

• An earned doctorate in the area of Social Work, Human Services or related field required
• MSW from a Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program required.
• Intellectual and professional contributions to the field, including professional publications and conference presentations.
• Three to five years teaching experience at the graduate or undergraduate level as appropriate to the program.
• A minimum of two years of post-graduate level practice experience required.
• Experience with providing distance education including a commitment to advocating for the learning and development needs of students earning their degrees in a distance learning environment preferred.
• Evidence of compatibility with the Walden University mission of positive social change, broad access and professional excellence and our values of quality, integrity and student-centeredness.

Tools/Technical Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Incumbents will be evaluated, in part, based on performance of each essential function. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Licensing/Certification
Faculty members must be appropriately credentialed, possess an earned degree from an accredited institution or an institution that is recognized by a country's ministry of education in the discipline being taught, and may be expected to be licensed or license-eligible to teach in specific programs. Faculty members must maintain their licenses and any appropriate certifications to continue to teach at Walden University. Faculty members are also expected to maintain currency with research by reviewing articles, journals, and presentations. If participating in research, the faculty member may publish and acknowledge Walden University.

Travel
Contributing faculty members may have the opportunity to travel to university events and residencies. When traveling to these events, the faculty member will be expected to fully participate in the event. For core faculty, there will be required travel throughout the year.