AMVETS Jobs

Job Description:

Assistant or Associate Professor in Behavioral Health & Criminal Justice

POSITION: Western Colorado University invites applications for a tenure-track full time faculty position (Assistant or Associate Professor level) in the Behavioral and Social Sciences department. We seek a colleague who is a skilled college instructor with experience in academic program development, public health and/or mental health-informed approaches to the criminal justice system, and collaborating with elements of the criminal justice system. Teaching responsibilities will be mainly in Sociology (courses may include Intro to Criminal Justice, Drugs and Society, Juvenile Delinquency, Corrections, Intro to Sociology, and Sociology of Health, Illness, and Medicine) and secondarily in the Psychology program (occasional courses may include Addictions and Social Work). Other courses could be included in the teaching load based on need and qualifications. In addition to undergraduate instruction and university service, the successful applicant will collaborate with local and regional law enforcement organizations to focus on equitable treatment of persons with behavioral health issues and developmental disabilities. This entails adopting some new curricula emphasizing health and disability services in the justice system, re-entry and recidivism, and improving public health and safety. This obligation aligns with Sociology's longstanding focus on equitable practices and criminal justice reform, and it is intended to deepen students' understanding of how mental health, disabilities, and criminal justice intersect. Some new courses may be needed (e.g., Crime Prevention and Public Health; Behavioral Health in the Justice System; Equitable Practices in Policing and Corrections; Deflection and Diversion), and the successful applicant will work alongside current Western faculty members to develop these. This position is meant to improve Western's ability to serve regional needs and to enhance the behavioral health workforce by engaging with the criminal justice system. Strong commitment to effective teaching, advising, mentoring, service, and professional development is expected.

Our department provides a supportive, compassionate, and multi-disciplinary environment for dedicated professionals who are committed to living in the rural Rocky Mountains. The successful applicant will help to nurture an interdisciplinary culture in the Behavioral & Social Sciences department and will contribute to Western's mission, which includes promoting mental health for all, student mentorship, inclusive and interdisciplinary teaching, professional pathways, and growing enrollment. The position also will allow Western to heed the Colorado Governor's call for universities to assist in increasing and diversifying the state's behavioral health workforce.

The Sociology program (within Western's Behavioral and Social Sciences department) has approximately 65 majors. Students have the opportunity to earn a standard B.A. degree in Sociology, which can include an accelerated pathway to a Master's degree (MBS) in Rural Community Health. A majority of undergraduate Sociology students choose to complete the Criminal Justice Emphasis within the major. For more information on the Sociology program: https://western.edu/program/sociology/.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A terminal doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D.) in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Justice Studies, Social Psychology, Law, Sociology of Law, Public Health, or related field is required. Applicants who are ABD must be demonstrably on track to complete their terminal degree before the hire/start date. Applicants must provide evidence of their commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

$52,000-$57,000 base salary for Assistant Pro essor and $61,000-$65,000 for Associate Professor, commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position's starting salary receives additional support from a grant-funded annual stipend (with potential for a 5-year renewal) of $16,700 for the community collaboration duties, which equals to $68,700-$73,700 for Assistant Professor, and $77,700-$81,700 for Associate Professor, respectively. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years. Western has acquired local rental agreements for newly hired employees moving to the Gunnison Valley. We expect several new units to be available, on a first come first served basis, with subsidized leases as "bridge" housing for up to one year, while new employees locate long term accommodations in the area. Upon hire, contact information for housing opportunities will be provided by the Human Resources department.

APPLICATION:

Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs. Required attachments to the application include: letter of application (cover letter or statement of interest), curriculum vitae, transcripts, teaching evaluations, statement of teaching philosophy, diversity statement, and a reference list containing contact information of three references.

Please direct specific questions to Dr. Matt Aronson: maronson@western.edu ph: 970-943-7126

Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the po