Job Description

National University, a private nonprofit leader among adult learners, seeks a new Associate Professor for the MA Counseling Psychology (California) Program.

JOHN F. KENNEDY SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

The study of psychology, behavioral and social sciences is one way to have a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities. Professionals in this field, from researchers to educators to those who work directly with clients, play a significant role in helping individuals, systems, and society to solve problems, learn more about ourselves and overcome our challenges.

The JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences at National University offers a range of programs at the certificate, undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. These programs include clinical and non-clinical psychology , counseling programs, marriage and family therapy,, consciousness and transformative studies, life coaching, and social work. All our programs are designed to give students the tools to fulfill their passions and become leading advocates for social change within their communities. Many of our programs in the School provide the foundational concepts and guiding principles of the behavioral and social sciences, preparing students to seek licensure or certification as psychologists, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, certified mental performance consultants, social workers or certified life coaches. Additionally, our school prepares students for careers in general psychology, industrial/organizational, forensic, health, educational, developmental psychology, gender diversity, and addictions, trauma and disaster relief, and in areas of social policy and behavioral health administration.

Each program offers access to dedicated faculty with real-world experience who are committed to mentoring students through rigorous and challenging courses and helping them achieve their educational and career goals.

THE MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY (CALIFORNIA) PROGRAM

The Master of Arts in Counseling is an accelerated program that provides the academic pathway for students who are committed to the practice of professional counseling. The program allows students to complete all requirements in 22 months. All students must complete the course work in Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) during their program. The MFT sequence emphasizes marriage and family therapy and is designed for students who are committed to the practice of individual, couples, family, adolescent, and child psychotherapy. This course work meets the academic requirements necessary to sit for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) License mandated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the state of California.

Students who are interested in also pursuing the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) pathway will complete three (3) additional courses at the end of their program, or where appropriate in their individual schedule, upon consultation with their Faculty Advisor. The PCC pathway, or Combined MFT-PCC Option, is designed to allow students to sit for licensing as both an LMFT and an LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). The PCC courses emphasize counseling techniques and theories, including those related to career development. This version of the degree meets the academic requirements to be eligible for licensing as a professional clinical counselor by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the state of California.

The courses in this program are fully online.

ROLE OF THE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

The Associate Professor delivers an exceptional student experience through teaching, scholarship and service in support of the overall academic quality of departmental programs. As a champion of student success, this position innovates and collaborates within the University to deliver outstanding course content and academic programs to the diverse student population at National University. This exempt position reports to the Dean as assigned.

• Teaching
  • Provide exceptional student experience, from initial contact to degree completion and engagement for both undergraduate and graduate-level students
  • Teaching Through Engagement:
    • Give feedback to students is appropriate, meaningful, individualized, balanced, and timely
    • Provide feedback to students that are developmental and forward-thinking
    • Include multiple methods of engagement to create a positive learning environment that encourages motivation and persistence, maintaining frequent communication with students; offering opportunities for ongoing interaction to discuss feedback, addressing concerns, and plan; making accommodations to address learning styles by personalizing teaching and using appropriate tools or models of instruction
    • Leverage technology (audio, video, using platforms such as Kaltura) to engage students
• Preparation of curricula and development and implementation of courses, student advising and feedback, capstone, dissertation and project mentoring, and conducting independent studies.
• Submit a class outline and booklist by specified dates and adhere to the syllabi.
• Comply with published grading criteria, procedures, and deadlines.
• Assign quality coursework and examinations in alignment with course outline in a timely manner.
• Post and maintain office hours weekly (minimum of 4) online or onsite.
• Respond to student contact within 24-36 hours.
• Provide ongoing content preparation and development of delivery modalities for adult learners.
• Recommend suitable instructional material, textbooks, and library acquisitions.
• Maintain innovative curriculum that reflects current subject matter, technological literacy, and current methodology in field.
• Teach courses as assigned by Chair or Dean per policy. (Courses may be reassigned to provide a balanced workload.)
• Support flexible and convenient courses and programs for lifelong learners.
• Scholarship
  • Submits scholarly work, averaging one conference annually, for presentation of at peer-reviewed academic of professional conference(s) in area of subject matter expertise.
  • Creates, maintains and continually develops research agenda towards peer-reviewed or juried publications or equivalent work appropriate to the discipline.
  • Maintains currency with the philosophical and andragogical developments in their field.
• Service
  • Provide service primarily to the program and department with some service at college, University or system level. Examples of service include but are not limited to:
  • Pursue and accomplish activities in service to NUS, NU, college, region, Dept or program.
  • Participation in recruitment, selection and mentoring of faculty.
  • Program service such as staffing classes, participating in meetings, writing reports, etc.
  • Development in professional growth programs for faculty.
  • Organization of seminars, panels or colloquia.
  • Participation in shared governance in University, Colleges, departments, academic programs.
  • Professional activities in local, national or global community, outside of the University.
  • Embrace differences in race, gender, age, ability, and geography into our academic fabric and appreciate those differences as drivers of change.
  • Participate in commencement exercises and other important University events.
  • Provide Faculty Plan (FP) annually to the Academic Program Director.
  • Participate in faculty governance and perform administrative responsibilities as assigned.
  • Complete all trainings as assigned (faculty development, required compliance trainings, etc.)
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Required)

At the Associate Professor level:

• Terminal degree in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or Clinical Psychology; degree emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy preferred
• An earned Doctorate: Ph.D., PsyD or DMFT
• Minimum of five (5) years of full-time faculty experience in higher education.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.
• Ability to provide exceptional student experience, from initial contact to degree completion and engagement as alumni.
• Commitment to achieving exceptional student learning at both graduate and doctorate level.
• Ability to cultivate innovation and remain abreast of the latest developments that impact students enabling us to develop the best services, learning solutions, and academic pathways for our students.
• Accepts personal accountability, proactively seeks resolution for personal limitations head-on; and supports honesty and respect towards others, the organization and oneself.
• Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes. Ability to generate and/or recognize imaginative or creative solutions that generate successful outcomes.
• Ability to participate as an active team member of the team and organization and work toward a common goal. Contributes fully to the team effort and plays an integral part in the smooth running of teams without necessarily taking the lead.
• Work independently and foster a cooperative and inclusive spirit within a large and/or small team of diverse cultures, while working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and frequently changing priorities.
• Working knowledge, principles and practices of office management and software systems within a higher education environment, preferred.
• Intermediate use of computers, Student Information System (SIS) and Microsoft Office Suite Applications such as Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook.

CONTRACT DURATION

This contract will be for 2 years, with opportunity for reappointment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Background Check required.
• Travel required at least once annually to attend annual Commencement ceremony.

Application Instructions

APPLICATION AND REVIEW

NUS Human Resources will conduct the search. The search committee will review nominations and applications until the position is filled. However, to ensure full consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit materials by December 15, 2021. The anticipated starting date for the position is January 24, 2022 Each applicant must provide a detailed curriculum vitae or resume and a cover letter. National University embraces the philosophy that diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees, and our community. NU's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The system is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, family care status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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