What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor of Social Work position at Colorado Mesa University?
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Instructor of Social Work
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary: Colorado Mesa University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track
position starting in August 2026. This is an Instructor Position that will work across the Bachelor's
and Master of Social Work Programs with a standard teaching load of 12 credit
hours per semester.
CMU is seeking candidates with a demonstrated interest
in social work education and professional development. Candidates must be
willing to teach a wide range of generalist and advanced practice courses.
Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to professional social work through
a focus on high-quality teaching.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following (other duties may be assigned):
Salary: $56,000.00 - 60,600.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Employment Type: Faculty
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: Open until filled. To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 1/11/2026.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
Direct Inquiries Contact: Jill Orrock, jorrock@coloradomesa.edu
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings.
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that's less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
Instructor of Social Work
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary: Colorado Mesa University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track
position starting in August 2026. This is an Instructor Position that will work across the Bachelor's
and Master of Social Work Programs with a standard teaching load of 12 credit
hours per semester.
CMU is seeking candidates with a demonstrated interest
in social work education and professional development. Candidates must be
willing to teach a wide range of generalist and advanced practice courses.
Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to professional social work through
a focus on high-quality teaching.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following (other duties may be assigned):
- Teach 12 credits per semester in core and/or elective social work courses across the BSW and MSW programs, ensuring pedagogical consistency and academic excellence
- Teach in person, using Socratic and didactic methods.
- Prepare, design, and deliver lectures and course content aligned with the BSW and MSW programs' teaching requirements.
- Utilize innovative and inclusive teaching methods to engage learners with a broad array of backgrounds and experiences.
- Engage in curriculum development, program assessment, and accreditation-related initiatives to maintain rigorous educational standards.
Minimum Qualifications Required
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Two years of post-MSW practice experience
- Experience teaching in higher education
Preferred Qualifications:
- Five years of clinical experience and/or advanced practice in social work
- Current LCSW, LICSW and/or independent licensure within Social Work
- PhD or DSW in Social Work
- Professional and/or academic advising experience
Salary: $56,000.00 - 60,600.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Employment Type: Faculty
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: Open until filled. To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 1/11/2026.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
- Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Direct Inquiries Contact: Jill Orrock, jorrock@coloradomesa.edu
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings.
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that's less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
Salary : $56,000 - $60,600
