PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship.
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The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences (SBSS) invites applications for one full- time, tenure-track faculty position in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. The University is seeking an individual capable of excellent teaching, committed to significant involvement with students both within and outside of the classroom, and interested in participating in the academic unit’s service learning and/or undergraduate research programs. We invite candidates with a commitment to excellence in teaching within a Christian liberal arts context and who show potential for scholarship and service. Applications from historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged.
Appointments begin August 16, 2027, with classes commencing August 30, 2027 and will be based on-site at the San Diego campus. Applications are welcomed from candidates across all areas of social work. Applications received by the initial review period will receive full consideration; review will continue until the position is filled. Appointees will primarily teach in the Traditional Undergraduate program but may also teach in the Accelerated Undergraduate (AUG) program. Additionally, they will be open
to serving either as the BSW Program Director or Internship Director.
Review of Applications will begin on October 16, 2026
Job Status:
Full time
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Job Description:
Benefits:
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such
as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive
retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the
cost of housing in Southern California for those living outside of the state. In addition,
we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel,
weekly faculty lunches, and a robust wellness program. PLNU’s retirement match is 5%
to start and up to 8% after 2 years of employment.
Salary:
PLNU pays its faculty using a pay scale based on experience and academic rank.
Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $78,494 to
$137,747. The actual salary will be based on the experience, credential, rank, and
appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.
This position is a full-time faculty member of the Point Loma Nazarene University
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and, as such, reports to the Associate Dean
and Dean.
Responsibilities:
1. Teaching & Curriculum Development
- Design and teach BSW courses.
- Develop syllabi, assignments, rubrics, and assessments aligned with Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) 2022 EPAS competencies.
- Integrate evidence-based practice, cultural humility, ADEI (anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion), and faith integration.
- Use active learning strategies such as role plays, simulations, case studies, and group projects.
- Update curriculum to reflect emerging trends in social work practice, policy, and research.
- Potentially develop curriculum for the (AUG) program.
2. Scholarship & Professional Development
- Engage in scholarly activities such as research, writing, and conference presentations.
- Stay current with developments in social work practice, theory, and pedagogy.
- Contribute to knowledge that informs policy, practice, or education.
3. Service & Leadership
- Participate in faculty meetings, committees, and accreditation processes (CSWE).
- Engage with the community through partnerships, service projects, and advocacy.
- Support recruitment, admissions, and retention efforts for the BSW program.
- Mentor junior faculty or adjunct instructors.
- Serve on university-wide or community advisory boards.
4. Assessment & Accreditation
- Contribute to program assessment (e.g., mapping courses to competencies).
- Assist with self-studies and reports for CSWE accreditation.
- Collect and analyze student learning outcomes to improve the curriculum.
Required Qualifications:
- Master of Social Work from a CSWE accredited program (this is a professional teaching track appointment)
- Minimum of two years post MSW experience
- Successful college/university teaching experience
- Related leadership experience and open to serving either as the BSW Program Director or Internship Director
- Deep commitment to ADEI as conceptualized by the profession of social work
- Can express a basic understanding of how people’s needs, priorities, concerns might be different based on their life experience, socioeconomic standing, first generation status, etc; can identify when/where they need to find additional support, expertise and resources
- Thorough commitment to the concept of Christian undergraduate education and a desire to work in a Christian university. Supportive of the religious and educational goals of the university and its sponsoring denomination
- Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.
- The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D., D.S.W., or Ed.D. in social work or related field from a CSWE accredited program (this is a tenure-track appointment)
- Experience working as a social worker in the areas of medical social work, child welfare, therapy, working with veterans, macro social work, and/or school social work
- Candidates with experience teaching BSW/MSW courses
- Experience developing or teaching hybrid or online courses
- Experience and knowledge of CSWE accreditation
- Evidence of teaching excellence
- Experience mentoring undergraduate students
- Candidates with strong, professional connections throughout San Diego County to support quality BSW internship placements
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) and experience working with diverse cultural communities
Selection Process:
Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:
- Stage 1: An in-depth Zoom Interview with members of the search committee
- Stage 2: An on-campus interview, which may include:
- Dialogue with students and faculty in the Department of Sociology
- A teaching demonstration presented to faculty and students in the Department of Sociology
- A luncheon with faculty from outside the department
- Dinner with faculty
- An interview with the Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
- An interview with the Provost
- An interview with the President of the University
Special Instructions:
The application should be submitted using the university recruitment website. If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu. Please contact the search committee co-chairs (ccook1@pointloma.edu or mhulbert@pointloma.edu) for questions or clarification about the search process. When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions as part of the online application.
Upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Personal Faith
- Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education (note: this should be one page or less)
- Description of planned future research/scholarship
- Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed
- Optional: 3 teaching evaluations
- Note: 3 Letters of reference will only be requested for candidates who advance to the final stage of the search process
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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.
Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.
