The Department of Social Work at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a 12-month, non-tenure track Assistant Professor of Professional Practice. This position will focus on the Transforming Communities Institute’s (TCI) Access to Justice Initiative and its Community Justice Advocate (CJA) Program. 

Authorized by the Utah Supreme Court’s Regulatory Sandbox, the CJA Program trains social workers and other human services professionals to serve as alternative legal service providers offering free legal triage and navigation. CJAs help community members better represent themselves in civil legal matters, assisting with understanding rights, completing court forms, drafting responses, and preparing for hearings, among other supports. Working within trusted service agencies, CJAs make Utah’s legal processes more accessible, timely, and humane for individuals who might otherwise face them alone. 

Building on a strong foundation, TCI seeks to expand the CJA model to address additional high-need legal areas, broaden non-credit course offerings, and create for-credit pathways for current students. 

Utah State Courts is a national leader in developing access-to-justice solutions, and USU’s Department of Social Work and TCI are among the state’s pioneering organizations advancing this mission through the CJA model. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in strengthening the program’s capacity, sustainability, and long-term impact. 

You can view the benefits offered at the university at this link: https://hr.usu.edu/benefits

• Teaching (50%) – Develop and deliver undergraduate, graduate, and community-based courses within the Community Justice Advocate (CJA) program and ensure high-quality, practice-oriented learning experiences. 
• Administration & Evaluation (40%) – Provide legal supervision and guidance for students and professionals pursuing the CJA credential. Assist with program operations, including recruitment, reporting, and compliance with Utah State Courts. Cultivate partnerships with community, legal, and governmental organizations to strengthen program reach and impact. Assist faculty researchers with program evaluation and other applied research related to access to justice initiatives 
• Service (10%) – Engage in relevant service to the Department, College, University, and community to advance the land-grant mission through collaboration, outreach, and leadership in access-to-justice efforts. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution. 
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in civil legal services, particularly involving areas such as housing, debt, family law, or consumer protection. 
• Experience providing mentorship or supervision to new or emerging legal professionals, law students, or allied practitioners. 
• Demonstrated commitment to access to justice for vulnerable populations. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across legal, academic, and community settings. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• MSW + JD strongly preferred 
• Demonstrated leadership in access-to-justice or civil legal service innovation. 
• Experience developing and teaching university or professional education courses, with an emphasis on practice-based or online learning. 
• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating programs. 
• Record of successful grant writing, project management, and/or applied research related to justice, equity, or systems change. 
• Familiarity with Utah’s legal landscape and legal innovation efforts. 

Along with the online application, please attach:

Applicants should submit the following materials through the USU online application system: 

1. Curriculum vitae (CV) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. 1–2-page single-spaced cover letter describing qualifications and relevant experience to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

3. 1-page, single-spaced statement addressing contributions to access to justice and interest/commitment to innovation in legal services for
   vulnerable populations to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

4. Names and contact information for three professional references to be typed into the candidate profile in the beginning of the application. 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

The Department of Social Work at Utah State University prepares students to serve with integrity, competence, and compassion through its CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs. Guided by the NASW Code of Ethics, the department emphasizes ethical practice, respect for the dignity and worth of each person, and the importance of human relationships in advancing well-being. Faculty engage in teaching, research, and outreach that strengthen communities and systems of support and promote social justice across Utah and beyond. 

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025