SW – Hill Crest Foundation Endowed Chair in Mental Health Research – Full Professor – Tenure/Tenure Track – 521124

Department/Organization
224102 – Social Work

Rank
Professor

Position Summary
The School of Social Work at The University of Alabama invites nominations and applications for the well­ established Hill Crest Foundation Endowed Chair in Mental Health Research. Applicants should be eligible for appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure. The position is a nine-month, full time, academic appointment. We seek a colleague with a doctorate in social work or a related discipline who has: an exceptionally strong record of scholarship in mental health, evidence of interdisciplinary or interprofessional collaboration, a vibrant history of ongoing mentorship with colleagues and students, national recognition in the broad field of mental health, and an ongoing chronicled narrative of externally funded research. Review of applications begins December 1, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.

Detailed Position Information
The School of Social Work at The University of Alabama invites nominations and applications for the well­ established Hill Crest Foundation Endowed Chair in Mental Health Research. Applicants should be eligible for appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure. The position is a nine-month, full time, academic appointment.

Qualifications
We seek a colleague with a doctorate in social work or a related discipline who has: an exceptionally strong record of scholarship in mental health, evidence of interdisciplinary or interprofessional collaboration, a vibrant history of ongoing mentorship with colleagues and students, national recognition in the broad field of mental health, and an ongoing chronicled narrative of externally funded research.

Expectations
We seek an innovative scholar who is actively engaged in research and will bring depth to their teaching of courses, and service to the university, community and profession. As is expected of all senior faculty members in the School, the chair holder will be expected to seek external funding and mentor junior colleagues and students in developing and carrying out their research and scholarship activities. Classroom and or online teaching in the chair’s area of expertise will also be expected. The school will provide generous resources in support of the chair holder’s program of scholarly research and external funding. As a community of knowledge builders, we are looking for a productive, collegial, and creative colleague who, through their scholarship, research and teaching, will bring new perspectives to the synthesis of mental health practice, policy, theory and research to our school and university.

Application Process
We invite applications from well-qualified individuals who meet the scholarly and research qualifications.

Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. New faculty are provided a generous start up package.

To apply, candidates should go to https://careers.ua.edu to complete an online application and upload the following:
• A cover letter (2-3 pages) addressing how your application meets the qualifications and expectations and what you would bring to this position;
• Statement- Teaching Philosophy and Experience;
• Statement- Research Philosophy and Trajectory;
• Statement- Approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including how you employ an Anti-oppression lens in your work;
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. student evaluations; peer observations of teaching);
• A curriculum vitae;
• Two articles or article-length writing samples; and
• Contact information for four professional references.

Timeline
Review of applications begins December 1, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries
Confidential inquiries may be directed to:
Daphne Cain, Professor; Chair, Search Committee,
The University of Alabama School of Social Work,
Box 870314, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35487-0314;
[email protected] or 205-348-9902

The University of Alabama is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. The School strongly encourages applications from women, persons of color, and members of other underrepresented groups.

Minimum Qualifications
We seek a colleague with a doctorate in social work or a related discipline who has: an exceptionally strong record of scholarship in mental health, evidence of interdisciplinary or interprofessional collaboration, a vibrant history of ongoing mentorship with colleagues and students, national recognition in the broad field of mental health, and an ongoing chronicled narrative of externally funded research.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
To apply, candidates should complete an online application and upload the following: • A cover letter (2-3 pages) addressing how your application meets the qualifications and expectations and what you would bring to this position; • Statement- Teaching Philosophy and Experience; • Statement- Research Philosophy and Trajectory; • Statement- Approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including how you employ an Anti-oppression lens in your work; • Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. student evaluations; peer observations of teaching); • A curriculum vitae; • Two articles or article-length writing samples; and • Contact information for four professional references.

About the Division/College/School
The School of Social Work was established in 1965 by an act of the Alabama Legislature to address the state’s critical shortage of and pressing need for professionally trained social workers. Now, it stands as the only one of its kind in the state of Alabama, offering BSW, MSW, DSW, and Ph.D. degrees in social work. Additionally, the college is the only school outside Washington, D.C., with semester-long internship opportunities in the nation’s capital.

Since our founding, we have been proud to lead the charge in training students for tomorrow’s workforce. Our distinguished faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their research and exceptional advancements in the field of social work. During the previous year, we received 23 million dollars in external funding to support our school’s research efforts.

About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.

It’s a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.

With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. “EEO is the Law” https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf