Principal Investigator - Child Welfare Education and Research Programs

The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work invites applications for a full-time, 12-month appointment stream (i.e., non-tenure track) position as Principal Investigator and Associate or Full Professor of the School's nationally recognized Child Welfare Education and Research Programs. We are seeking a colleague who brings a strong background in child welfare workforce development, federal child welfare funding streams, demonstrated leadership and collaboration, administrative skills, and commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking culture of professional education, training, practice improvement, policy implementation, and research/evaluation. We are particularly interested in candidates who are attuned to the opportunities and challenges facing the public child welfare and human services systems and bring experience in child welfare administration, policy, and practice to assume leadership of our statewide continuum of programs. These programs include the Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureates (CWEB) program, the Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL) program, and the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center (CWRC) (https://www.socialwork.pitt.edu/child-welfare-education-and-research-programs).

The Principal Investigator will work closely with the Co-Principal Investigator, faculty, and staff of the Child Welfare Education and Research Programs. The PI is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of statewide child welfare initiatives, including undergraduate and graduate Title IV-E education programs, research and evaluation activities, workforce analytics, training and technical assistance, organizational development, policy implementation, and continuous quality improvement activities. The PI is responsible for maintaining collaborative relationships with over 20 schools of social work, 67 county-level children and youth agencies, and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Strong candidates will have experience in national-level workforce development initiatives and a desire to contribute to national leadership in child welfare.

The University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, has been a leader in child welfare education and workforce development for over a century. Further, the School of Social Work has an established record of excellence in research and teaching, extensive community relationships, and a strong national presence around issues of race and racial justice, child welfare, mental health, health, aging, and community-engaged partnerships. It is consistently ranked among the top schools of social work in the nation. This position is primarily based on the Oakland campus in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh and shares a joint location with our central CWRC operations in Mechanicsburg, PA, near the state capital of Harrisburg.

We seek a leader who will contribute to efforts to advance our child welfare research and evaluation agenda, support teaching and training initiatives, and address the evolving landscape of child welfare policy, practice, and prevention within an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment. Strong candidates will have experience in both policy and practice, knowledge of state and federal regulations, a commitment to teaching and scholarship, and the ability to lead and provide direction within academic, governmental, and community contexts. We seek a colleague who shares a commitment to enhancing the child welfare workforce, addressing long-standing issues of racial disproportionality and disparity in child welfare systems, providing opportunities for the growth and development of child welfare professionals, expanding the use of research-informed practice, and cultivating the next generation of child welfare leaders. This position requires an MSW degree and an earned doctorate in Social Work or a closely related field from an accredited institution. A track record commensurate with appointment as an Associate or Full Appointment Stream professor, a minimum of 10 years relevant experience and credentials, and clear evidence of potential for high-impact leadership are required.

TO APPLY:

Complete applications will include:

1. Cover letter outlining interest and relevant experience
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Two samples of scholarly writing
4. Contact information for three professional references.

If you have any difficulties or questions, please contact Mike Jasek at msj15@pitt.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We particularly encourage applications from women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and military veterans.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.