Bachelor of Social Work (BASSW) Instructor

General Description of Work

Whatcom Community College (WCC) is looking for candidates who strive to create a thriving learning community that supports excellence, opportunity, and equity for students, faculty and staff. WCC is focused on building a community of respect, sustainability and inclusivity through secure, welcoming, and engaging learning environments that encourage and support the academic and personal success of WCC students. Understanding this work is a lifelong process, the opportunities at WCC offer individuals the ability and means to seek personal and professional growth on and off campus in an area known for its beauty and culture. 

Being a faculty member at Whatcom offers the opportunity to advance equitable student outcomes and eliminate equity gaps. To further this end, faculty have regular opportunities for professional development, collaboration with colleagues, and engagement in workshops and learning communities. These opportunities contribute to professional advancement at the College, as well as personal growth.

Responsibilities

The Bachelor of Social Work (BASSW) program prepares students for transfer, employment, and continued education in the field of social work and related human service professions. The program provides students with a strong foundation in social work theory, ethics, advocacy, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based practice.

The successful applicant is expected to:

• Teach 15 credits each quarter across the BASSW curriculum as assigned.
• Serve as Program Director through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Provide leadership and oversight for the BASSW program in alignment with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards and institutional goals.
• Lead and coordinate the CSWE accreditation process, including assessment, reporting, continuous quality improvement, and compliance activities.
• Participate in the CSWE accreditation process in collaboration with the BASSW faculty.
• Lead the admissions and applications process for prospective students and working closely with the Academic Advising department.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to faculty and students within the BASSW program.
• Perform additional assigned tasks to enhance the quality of the BASSW program.
• Develop and deliver face-to-face and hybrid instruction as assigned.
• Develop and support creative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Engage in college and/or community service.

Qualifications

Full-time faculty are expected to have a sufficient campus presence to conduct meetings with students, conduct college business, and fulfill college service obligations. This includes a presence for face-to-face office hours, as appropriate for the course, college meetings, Opening Week and other scheduled in-service days, and departmental or committee meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in social work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education accredited institution.
• 2 years of full-time post MSW practice experience.
• Ability to use educational technologies, including technologies for skills lab, classroom instruction, and online instruction.
• Ability to engage with diverse groups and commitment to diversity across age, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, language, cultural, national origin.

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Doctorate or Ph.D in Social Work.
• Clinical social work experience.
• Documented effective teaching experience at the bachelor's level.
• Commitment to anti-racist and anti-oppressive pedagogical methods.
• Experience with the CSWE accreditation or reaffirmation process.
• Clinical licensure (LICSW, LCSW) or eligibility for clinical licensure in Washington State.
• Experience working in a CSWE accredited program.
• Knowledge and understanding of Universal Design for Learning and accessibility.
• Outstanding communication, written and teaching skills.
• Experience in curriculum design and development.

Salary

Salary and Appointment: 

• The 2026-27 Master's degree salary for a full-time, non-tenure track Bachelor of Social Work (BASSW) instructor for Fall Quarter 2026 begins at $89,214.00 (additional degrees, experience, and state-funded and negotiated increases may increase the actual starting salary); 174-day annual contract.

Benefit Package:

• The position comes with a full benefits package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.
• Accrues 7 hours per month sick leave while on contract (10 months).

*Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:

• Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the PSLF program. If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
• Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.

Start Date:

• Fall quarter 2026. Quarter begins on September 22^nd, 2026.

Application Due Date:

• For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received by Thursday, June 25th 2026 at 5:00 pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of an online application and:

• Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
• Values statement that responds to the following prompt:

Short Reflection (1 page max): One of the core values of this institution is building an inclusive and supportive campus. This core value is reflected in our strategic plan, goals, and the work that we do every day. Please describe your experience in building an inclusive environment that supports a sense of belonging.  

• Current resume.
• Unofficial Transcripts for all earned degrees; official transcripts required prior to the official start date.
• List of five recent professional references with contact information.