Research Assistant Professor College of Social Work- Social Research Institute; SRI

Overview

Details The University of Utah, College of Social Work, Social Research Institute (SRI) invites applications for a 12-month career-line faculty position at the rank of Research Assistant Professor to serve as the Center Director, VSWT Services. The director would have responsibilities directing and overseeing operations and strategic planning of operations and logistics functions, including transportation, storage, vendor selection, distribution, or inventory control, as well as non-manufacturing operational policies, objectives, and initiatives of a large and multifaceted area or department within the University.

Supports the University of Utah's goals and mission. Acts as a catalyst between departments, faculty, staff, students, and external entities to ensure continuity and quality of service.

Center Creation The Center Director will lead the development and activities of the newly created VSWT Service Center. The Center aims to take the University of Utah's VSWT program and its technologies nationwide. The director will carry out the mission and vision of the VSWT Center as guided by the two faculty co-administrators and the advisory board.

VSWT Platform The Virtual Skills and Workforce Trainer (VSWT) platform represents a pioneering advancement in child welfare training, employing evidence-based learning approaches, virtual reality (VR), and other cutting-edge technologies to provide a robust platform for social workers to develop essential skills. By addressing the limitations of traditional training methods using a deliberate practice approach, VSWT enhances the consistency and quality of social work practices.

This innovative approach addresses critical gaps in traditional training methods by offering an immersive and interactive platform for skill development where trainees can practice to competence.

Appointment Details This is a non-tenure track position intended to be a long-term position within the University's Career-Line Faculty structure, with a renewable contract. The University of Utah and the College value candidates who have experience working in settings with students from various backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

• 5+ years of experience as a leader in instructional technology for social workers, especially in child welfare.
• Proven ability to establish connections with agency administration and other decision makers, especially in the field of child welfare education and training.
• Business acumen, including successful entrepreneurial experience and skills.
• Evidence of collaborative decision-making style and supportive approach to supervision of co-workers.

• 10+ years of experience in adult instructional technology, including executive leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of Utah's VSWT suite of instructional technology products
• Knowledge of the education and training needs of social workers.
• Strategic thinking combined with attention to detail.
• Deep understanding of higher education and child welfare policies, including accessibility compliance.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalency (two years of related work experience can be substituted for one year of education); plus, eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations, and effective communications skills required.
• Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, or related area preferred.
• This position has no responsibility for providing care to patients.
• Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

• Lead efforts regarding national expansion and partnerships for the VSWT Service Center
• Direct programs and projects
• Supervise employees and contractors
• Oversee the redesign and upkeep of the VSWT Service Center website and support materials
• Guide the center's communications and marketing campaigns
• Provide insights on instructional technology products and product improvement

• Directs the development and implementation of…