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Social Work Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview The School of Social Work at Salem State University invites applications for one tenure-track positionwith primary teaching responsibilities in our BSW program and opportunity to also teach ...

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Social Work Professor information

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$11K

$56K

How much do social work professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for social work professor in the United States is $54,019.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social work professor?

Social Work Professors are educators and researchers who teach social work courses at colleges or universities. They develop curriculum, guide students in understanding social work theories and practices, and often conduct research in areas such as social policy, community welfare, or clinical practice. In addition to teaching, they may supervise student internships, mentor future social workers, and contribute to academic publications. Their work plays a vital role in preparing students to enter the social work profession and advance the field through scholarship.

What does a social work professor do?

A social work professor provides instruction and prepares students for careers in social services. You develop curricula, provide a syllabus, track attendance, administer tests, record grades, and assist students throughout the class. You teach the skills necessary for field work, provide training related to the subject, and help students realize their future goals, all while creating an engaging, positive learning atmosphere. You also collaborate with other professors in the department on the content of courses. A social work professor also continues professional growth with research and publications as well as participates in college community activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social work professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Work Professor, you need an advanced degree in social work (typically a Ph.D. or DSW), a strong background in research, and experience in academic instruction and curriculum development. Familiarity with learning management systems, research databases, and accreditation standards is essential. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and cultural competency are vital soft skills for fostering student growth and engaging diverse classrooms. These skills are crucial for preparing future social workers, advancing the field through research, and ensuring academic excellence.

What types of collaboration can a social work professor expect with community organizations and agencies?

Social Work Professors regularly collaborate with local and regional agencies to enhance both their teaching and research. These partnerships may involve coordinating student field placements, developing community-based research projects, or serving as consultants for program development. Such collaborations not only provide students with real-world learning experiences but also allow professors to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in social work. Building these relationships is essential for impactful teaching and often creates opportunities for professional growth and service.

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

AspectSocial Work ProfessorSocial Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Social Work, academic credentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work, state licensure often required
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, government
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, academiaHealthcare, social services, government agencies
Primary FocusTeaching, research, academic mentorshipDirect client services, case management, advocacy

Social Work Professors primarily focus on teaching and research within academic settings, requiring advanced degrees. Social Workers engage directly with clients in community and healthcare environments, often needing licensure. Both roles are integral to the social work industry but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What cities are hiring for Social Work Professor jobs?

Cities with the most Social Work Professor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Work Professor jobs?

The most popular types of Social Work Professor jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Social Work Professor jobs?

The top employers for Social Work Professor jobs are:

What states have the most Social Work Professor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Social Work Professor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Social Work Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,019 per year, or $26 per hour.

Social Work Professor

Salem, MA • On-site

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

***DO NOT APPLY ON MASSCAREERS.*** 

*** Applications submitted on MassCareers will not be considered.***

Applicants must apply on the Salem State Career site to be considered.

Overview

The School of Social Work at Salem State University invites applications for one tenure-track positionwith primary teaching responsibilities in our BSW program and opportunity to also teach in our MSW program beginning in September 2027. The ideal candidate will work as a collaborative member of a faculty dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, equity, and student success. Faculty duties include teaching, academic advising, participation in shared governance, committee work, program coordination, and curriculum development guided by a faculty focus on equity-minded teaching and transformative learning.
The School of Social Work offers both an MSW and BSW education to approximately 500 students. Our students come to Salem State University from 38 states and 48 countries and reflect the demographics of the greater Boston community in which we live. The MSW Program offers students a comprehensive graduate experience focused on integrated practice for health and behavioral health. The BSW program provides a generalist social work education and prepares students to be catalysts for social change founded in the values of social justice, inclusion, diversity and cultural humility.
 

At Salem State University, we are passionate about fostering academic excellence and supporting the learning and growth of our students. We seek faculty who are dedicated to teaching and who thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment. Our strong focus on civic engagement and the success of our students, many of which are first-generation students, ensures that your work will have a meaningful impact both within the university and beyond. Join us at Salem State, where your scholarship, teaching and contributions to our community will be valued and celebrated.

Duties and Responsibilities
Candidates are required to perform duties in accordance with the MSCA contract. Duties include teaching, advising, scholarship and contributions to continuously improve the department and university. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. The position is subject to available funding.

***DO NOT APPLY ON MASSCAREERS.*** 

*** Applications submitted on MassCareers will not be considered.***

Applicants must apply on the Salem State Career site to be considered.

Required Qualifications

1. Earned PhD in social work, DSW, or doctorate in a related field (or ABD with significant progress can be considered)
2. Minimum of two years post-MSW practice experience
3. Experience promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and multicultural competence in an educational environment

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Previous university/college teaching experience in social work at a CSWE-credited institution at the undergraduate level
  2. Experience collaborating in teaching, research, and/or practice
  3. Experience teaching hybrid and/or online courses
  4. Experience teaching policy, macro practice, and/or research courses
  5. Experience providing academic advising to students
  6. Salem State University seeks faculty and librarians whose teaching, scholarship, and service will contribute to student success, academic excellence, and the university's public mission. We welcome candidates with demonstrated ability to work effectively with students from varied backgrounds and to support an inclusive learning environment. Applicants may describe relevant accomplishments in teaching, scholarship/research, service, and community-engaged work.

Working Location

This is an onsite position in Salem, MA with on-campus, in-person responsibilities. 

Application Instructions

***DO NOT APPLY ON MASSCAREERS.***Applications submitted on MassCareers will not be considered.***

Please apply online at the Salem State Career site and attach CV, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts. Resume review will begin in September.

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university.

This position may be/is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

EEO Statement

The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

ADA Statement

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email eo-hr@salemstate.edu.

Recruitment Agencies

Salem State University does not partner with or accept candidates from outside staffing agencies. All hiring is managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.