VCU School of Social Work

The School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is searching for colleagues to lead and collaborate in funded research, contribute to the life of the School, and offer leadership to the social work profession. VCU is a Research I Extensive Institution with a diverse university community and commitment to multiculturalism. Evidence of a commitment to research, track record of scholarly publication, and capacity for obtaining external funding appropriate to the applicant’s experience is required. Successful candidates will enhance our School’s focus on social and economic justice and interdisciplinary applied research, and have experience or potential for working in a culturally diverse community. Applicants should have the potential for excellence in teaching and advising in the BSW, MSW, and Ph.D. programs. Teaching and research areas are open, and an emphasis on health is preferred. An earned doctorate is required; MSW degree is preferred. Salary and rank are negotiable.

Early application is strongly advised. Applications will be reviewed beginning September 7, 2010 and will continue until all positions are filled.

To apply, please submit electronically to sswfacsearch@vcu.edu a curriculum vitae; letter of application detailing your interests and expertise in scholarship and teaching; and three letters of reference addressed to Dr. F. Ellen Netting, Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, Box 842027, Richmond, Virginia 23284-2027.

Congratulations to 2005 VCU School of Social Work Ph.D. alumna, Dr. Connie Kvarfordt (ckvarfo@uwindsor.ca) and former VCU faculty member, Dr. Michael Sheridan (sheridam@cua.edu), for being awarded “Best Quantitative Article of the Year” by the Journal of Social Work Education, the most respected social work education journal in our field. Connie (now at the University of Windsor) and Michael (now at Catholic University) will be among the authors honored at the JSWE’s Reviewers Reception on October 16th, 7:00-8:00 PM, at the Council of Social Work Education 2010 Annual Program Meeting in Portland, Oregon. Our own VCU reception is the same night starting at 6:00 pm. The paper, “Understanding the Pathways of Factors Influencing the Use of Spiritually Based Interventions, ” appeared in the Fall 2009 issue of Journal of Social Work Education. The criteria for selection as best empirical article include demonstration of a logical and sophisticated methodology; use of advanced statistical procedures; and discussion of clear implications that add significantly to the professional knowledge base and to social work education. The Editorial Board noted the article’s very sophisticated analysis, and one member commented that s/he had not seen another article done this well on the topic.

Jessica Jagger, Ph.D. candidate, who just weeks ago returned from Jamaica where she was doing work as Fulbright Scholar, will be the presenter for the October QRIG meeting hosted by the School of Social Work. Her topic will be two-fold: Fulbright recipients doing qualitative research and doing qualitative research in a cross-national project. Discussion will include IRB issues with international research. Here’s the specific scoop on the event, being held right here in Raleigh:

Contact persons: Pam Kovacs, pjkovacs@vcu.edu, Mary Katherine O’Connor, mkoconno@vcu.edu

Karen Smith Rotabi, Assistant Professor, was featured on the September 4, 2010 broadcast of National Public Radio’s WITH GOOD REASON . Click on the link below to access the interview.

The Controversy Over International Adoptions

HAITI: Resilience and Rebuilding event, September 20, 9 am-noon in in the Student Commons Theatre. Those who have responded to the Haiti earthquake or other disasters will speak about the best way for Haitians to rebuild their institutions and communities. Special attention will be given to the historical context, vulnerable populations, community resilience, environmental degradation, political corruption, economic development, disaster diplomacy as well as the potential for community-based and participatory empowerment projects. Special guest is Jean-Andre Constant, Haitian social worker and poet. Light breakfast and lunch provided. Feel free to come to all or part of this half day event.