Instructor/Coordinator for Joint Degree Program in Divinity and Social Work
Yale Divinity School seeks a full time instructor for its joint Divinity/Social Work degree program, operated in partnership with the University of Connecticut Graduate School of Social Work. This is a new full time, grant-funded three-year position located at the Divinity School. Qualifications include a minimum education of MDiv and MSW degrees (or equivalents); and 3+ years of experience as a social work or ministry professional. Successful candidates will have the ability to work both independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team in theological education; strong organizational and program development skills; and capacities for fostering positive relationships with students as well as with congregations, non-profit organizations and their leaders. This appointment will be made at the rank of research faculty, lecturer or senior lecturer depending upon qualifications.
Primary goals of this position are to increase the program’s visibility as well as the number of students in the joint degree program at YDS; strengthen its educational impact; and support efforts to expand community access to social work services in Connecticut and beyond.
The person in this position will:
- Teach: Develop and teach an integrative seminar for joint degree students; work in collaboration with the Office of Vocation and Leadership to coordinate internships that meet requirements for both degrees.
- Support and advise joint degree students: Develop and implement a protocol to identify, follow and support students from the initial point of expressed interest during the admissions process, through their graduation. Shepherd students through their programs of study with student advising and the development of a cohort group. Work closely with UCONN School of Social Work to ensure students have a well developed plan for completing degree requirements.
- Enhance program visibility and admissions: Work with UConn and with YDS Communications and Admissions departments, creating and implementing a strategy to raise the visibility and profile of the program and to increase applications to the joint degree program.
- Partner with Faith Communities: Using a participatory action research model (or related methodology that starts with exploration of what an organization would like to gain from a partnership), develop a network of congregations/ faith communities interested in embedded mental health supports that can serve as contextual education sites for joint degree students and potential post-graduation hiring opportunities. This aspect of the faculty position is specifically aimed at developing training and potential hiring opportunities within faith communities as organizations that serve as gateways to services among population groups reluctant to access mental health care through mainstream medical organizations.
- Expand educational partnerships: Research local accredited social work programs toward establishing an additional new partnership with at least one other nearby school offering the MSW degree
To apply for this position, please send a letter of interest, a current CV, and the contact information for three references to ydsacademics@yale.edu.
–Updated March 15, 2023