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Social Work Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Social Work Instructor information

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$5

$16

$25

How much do social work instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for social work instructor in Portland, OR is $17.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Social Work Instructor vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Work InstructorSocial Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in social work or related field, teaching certification (if applicable)Bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, state licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, colleges, universitiesCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, government
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, academiaHealthcare, social services, government agencies
Primary FocusTeaching, curriculum development, researchClient support, case management, advocacy

While both roles require social work credentials, Social Work Instructors focus on education and training future social workers, whereas Social Workers provide direct client services. The work environments differ, with instructors in academic settings and social workers in community or healthcare settings. Both roles are vital in the social services industry but serve different functions within the field.

What Does a Social Work Instructor Do?

As a social work instructor, you teach courses on subjects like social services, family studies, and anthropology to students in college. You explain what social workers do, how conditions like autism affect the people social workers support, and how other people in a support network contribute to worker efforts. Social work instructors often teach topics like group behaviors, societal trends, cultural differences, and how to explain complex issues to people with mental disabilities. Some instructors develop original instructional materials, write books or articles, or research social work. On rare occasions, you may be asked to advise government agencies that provide social services.

What are social work instructors?

Social work instructors are educators who teach courses related to social work in colleges, universities, or training programs. They are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, developing curriculum, and evaluating students' progress. Many social work instructors also conduct research and stay current with trends and best practices in the field. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in social work, emphasizing ethical practice, cultural competence, and effective intervention strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Work Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Work Instructor, you typically need an advanced degree in social work (MSW or PhD), substantial field experience, and a solid understanding of social work theory and practice. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), online teaching tools, and accreditation standards is often required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help instructors engage students and foster a supportive learning environment. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, professional development for students, and adherence to educational standards in a dynamic academic setting.

How do Social Work Instructors typically balance teaching responsibilities with staying current in the field of social work practice?

Social Work Instructors often balance their teaching duties with ongoing professional development to ensure their knowledge remains relevant. This may involve participating in conferences, engaging in research, maintaining licensure, or consulting with community organizations. Many institutions encourage instructors to integrate real-world case studies and up-to-date best practices into their curriculum. Collaboration with practicing social workers and interdisciplinary faculty is also common, helping instructors provide students with practical and contemporary insights. Balancing these responsibilities requires effective time management and a commitment to lifelong learning.
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Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

George Fox University's The School of Social Work is seeking applications for adjunct instructors to teach in the BSW and MSW programs. Applicants should have a broad generalist background in social work or a related field and have expertise in one or more of the course subject areas listed below.

Courses at the BSW level include Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Statistical Procedures, Research Methods, Diversity, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Family Violence, Death, Loss, and Grief, as well as Field Seminars. Courses at the MSW level include DSM-V, Social Work Practice and Field Practicum. Field faculty lead a weekly seminar and also conduct agency visits for students in the seminar.

Job Responsibilities Include, but Are Not Limited To:

  • Course delivery, preparing teaching materials, grading, and accurately maintaining student records through the Canvas learning management system.
  • Maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment when teaching through in-person, online, hybrid and/or distance delivery modalities.
  • Support is available for teaching technology.
  • Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
  • By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
  • Demonstrated experience working cross culturally with respect, appreciation and humility.
  • Other duties as assigned.

We're Looking for Candidates Who Have:

  • The preferred degree for interested applicants is a Masters in Social Work, however, related degrees will be considered.
  • Previous teaching experience is desirable.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States. This position does not offer visa sponsorship; therefore, only applicants who do not require sponsorship for employment visas, now or at any point in the future, should apply.
  • A commitment to the University's Theology of Racial and Ethnic Diversity.
  • A desire to work with a diverse community of students and employees who represent various cultures, backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, political views, and expressions of Christian faith.
  • A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church. In addition, employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Job Information:

  • Working Conditions: Physical requirements are similar to those of normal teaching environments.
  • Department: Master of Social Work (MSW) or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
  • Compensation: Adjunct faculty are paid on a per credit hour basis, commensurate with education and experience.

Application Procedure:

  • Kindly apply through the Careers at George Fox University webpage.
  • When completing the online application, please upload the following as Word or .pdf documents in the section marked Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and Essay Requirement:
    • Letter of Interest
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Integration of Faith and Learning Essay:
      • George Fox University is committed to the idea that one of the primary responsibilities of Christian higher education is to help students develop a uniquely Christian worldview. As teachers and mentors, it is important for George Fox University faculty members to integrate Christian faith and principles in all aspects of their lives. As an essential part of the application process, the University will carefully consider your response to the following: In a one-page essay (about 300 words) describe your personal Christian faith, as well as how your faith informs your teaching, scholarship, and service (including service and leadership in your church and/or in Christian ministries).
    • Other supporting materials may be requested at a later stage of the review process.

Contact Information:

  • Have questions or need assistance with our application process? Contact Georgefoxcareers@georgefox.edu
  • Have questions about this position? Contact Erin Johnson, Associate Dean, Behavioral Health Sciences at ejohnson@georgefox.edu

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at once. Review of applications will begin on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled. Please note: This position is subject to close at any time, regardless of the date on the posting.




George Fox University has been transforming student's lives for over 125 years. We are a Christ-centered community that prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion. Our vision is to be the Christian university of choice known for empowering students to achieve exceptional life outcomes. We put students first, with Christ at the center of our work, embracing change in order to improve. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in creating transformational experiences for our students.

Being a part of our community means a commitment to faith and to a lifestyle that is consistent with the university's mission as described in the Statement of Faith and Community Lifestyle Statement on our website.

As a Christ-centered community, George Fox University is an institution that values diversity as an essential dimension of God's design for human communities. In seeking to become a more inclusive community, we especially encourage applications from women and candidates from racial and ethnic backgrounds that are underrepresented in our community.


What is most appealing about working at George Fox University?

  • Faith-friendly: Our culture is unique for higher education. At George Fox you can pursue academic excellence while integrating scriptures, praying with staff members and students at work, and helping to make an impact on the world in a way that promotes Christian values.
  • Unapologetically Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God's Word.
  • Live out your calling: You are able to use your God-given talents and abilities while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings, at which they will be able to glorify the kingdom of God just as they have seen you do.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The university is an equal-opportunity employer. Every employee has the right to work in surroundings free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. It is our policy to make decisions about applicants and employees without regard to sex, age, race, color, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status to the extent prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law. This prohibition applies not only to the recruiting and hiring process but to all facets of the employment relationship, including promotion, pay, training, classification, performance reviews, discipline, and termination.

George Fox is owned by the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church and its mission is distinctly Christian. Employees are required to agree with and abide by the university's faith statement and its statement of community responsibilities. Within the context of this agreement and commitment, employment opportunities are otherwise available to all persons on the basis of their experience and skills.

In the recruiting process, the university may make special effort to solicit applicants from underrepresented groups. This is done as an affirmative step to increase the representation of these populations in the university's workforce to better match their availability in the labor market. Hiring decisions are based on the applicants' qualifications as they relate to the needs of the position.