Job Summary
The Social Work Program in Purdue University Northwest’s Department of Behavioral Sciences invites applications for a Clinical Assistant or Associate Professor. The position is ideally to begin August 17, 2026. Candidates must be able to: 1) perform high quality teaching, service, and participation in student mentorship and events; 2) demonstrate commitment to promoting anti-oppressive social work practice in their role as faculty member; 3) collaborate with other department programs on curriculum, instruction, and other matters; and 4) teach introductory and advanced practice social work courses; 5) teach 4 courses each semester. While all areas of practice interests will be considered, individuals with focal teaching/research interests in mental health, de-addiction, and trauma-informed care are especially encouraged to apply. This position is benefits eligible.
Guided by a liberal arts-based education and cohesive curriculum, the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program at Purdue University Northwest operates within the land-grant tradition of democracy, inclusiveness, and accessibility and has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 2016. We are currently in candidacy with the Council of Social Work Education for our MSW program with an advanced generalist specialization and on a timetable to achieve initial accreditation. The new hire will be a part of this exciting journey of helping us build the MSW program, which is about to begin its second year of operation. With 100+ community partnerships, social work faculty and students are actively involved in making a real difference to promote anti-oppressive social work in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland Area.
Position Requirements
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Earned Doctoral Degree in Social Work (PhD or DSW) or a closely related discipline by August 2026
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MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, or recognition of credentials by the International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES)
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At least two years of post-MSW practice experience
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University teaching experience
University Profile
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana in the greater Chicago area and near the Indiana Dunes National Park, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students, including 6,000 core students, in a wide range of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master’s and applied doctoral levels.
Purdue Northwest employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff members for operations at its main campus in Hammond, Ind., and its branch campus in Westville, Ind., plus additional sites in Northwest Indiana including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso, Ind. PNW’s values reflect the university’s commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric university, and excellence.
PNW is consistently ranked among the best public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges report, and is recognized as a First Scholars institution as well an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence, and impact our world, PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development.
Department Profile
The Behavioral Sciences department is one of the most intellectually diverse at PNW, and is comprised of several undergraduate (criminal justice, sociology, social work) and graduate programs (couple and family therapy, social work) with over 300 undergraduate majors.
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, applicants should submit the following: 1) a cover letter specifically addressing required experience; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) list of three professional references.
For questions about this position, contact Dr. Shreya Bhandari, MSW Director and Professor of Social Work at bhanda15@purdue.edu
Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check.
Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.