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Social Work Teaching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The 15:1 student to teacher ratio makes it possible to maintain a learning environment with close ... PhD/DSW in Social Work or in a related field and MSW from a CSWE accredited pro-gram with a minimum ...

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Social Work Teaching information

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$31.5K

$50.6K

$68K

How much do social work teaching jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for social work teaching in the United States is $50,609.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is social work teaching?

Social work teaching involves educating students about the theories, practices, and ethics of social work. Instructors in this field prepare future social workers to support individuals, families, and communities through classroom instruction, field supervision, and research guidance. Social work teachers often have practical experience in the field and integrate real-world scenarios into their lessons, ensuring students are ready for the challenges of professional practice. They may teach at universities, colleges, or provide training in community organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social work teacher?

To thrive as a Social Work Teacher, you need an advanced degree in social work (typically an MSW or PhD) and a strong background in both social work practice and educational methodologies. Familiarity with online learning platforms, curriculum development tools, and relevant licensure or certifications is often required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and cultural competence are crucial soft skills for engaging and inspiring diverse student populations. These skills and qualifications are vital to effectively prepare future social workers and uphold high educational and professional standards.

How do social work teaching professionals typically balance classroom instruction with supervising students in field placements?

Social Work Teaching professionals often split their time between lecturing, developing course materials, and supervising students during their field placements. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and frequent communication with placement sites. Faculty members usually collaborate closely with field education coordinators and community partners to ensure students gain practical, real-world experience. This balance not only enriches classroom learning but also helps students apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings, preparing them for real-world social work challenges.

What is the difference between Social Work Teaching vs Social Work Counseling?

AspectSocial Work TeachingSocial Work Counseling
Required CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), teaching certification (if applicable)MSW, state licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, classrooms, academic settingsClinics, private practices, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, social work programsHealthcare facilities, mental health agencies, community organizations

Social Work Teaching involves educating future social workers in academic settings, focusing on curriculum development and instruction. Social Work Counseling, on the other hand, provides direct client services, offering therapy and support. While both roles require an MSW and a strong understanding of social work principles, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

More about Social Work Teaching jobs

What cities are hiring for Social Work Teaching jobs?

Cities with the most Social Work Teaching job openings:

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

The most popular types of Social Work Teaching jobs are:

What states have the most Social Work Teaching jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Social Work Teaching 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 $50,609 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Instructor - Social Work - #000740

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Western Carolina University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number FAC887P Quick Link for Internal Postings https://wcu-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/32868 Classification Title Instructor Working Title Instructor - Social Work - #000740 Department Social Work About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
The Department of Social Work at Western Carolina University invites applications for a 9-month, fixed term Instructor with an anticipated begin date of August 2026. Duties include teaching graduate and undergraduate Social Work courses, providing student advisement, and engaging in service to the department, college, university, and community. Duties can also include assisting the Department's Office of Field Education with developing relationships with community partners, maintaining field education records in the appropriate software system, and working closely with MSW and BSW students to determine and complete required field education experiences. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to teaching and service in the social work profession.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position Minimum Qualifications
MSW from a CSWE accredited social work program with two or more years post-MSW practice experience .
Preferred Qualifications
MSW practice experience, experience teaching social work courses, experience with social work field education.
Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week Number of Months Per Year 9
Posting Text
Open Date 02/05/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include the following: letter of application, current CV, list of three professional references with complete contact information, and unofficial MSW transcripts*.

For questions or additional information please contact Dr. Tonya Westbrook, Search Committee Chair at twestbrook@wcu.edu or 828-227-7112.

*The master's degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

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