Assistant Professor, Marriage & Family Therapy

Description:

Job Description Summary:

The full-time Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) faculty member contributes to
graduate education through teaching, student mentoring, research and scholarship, and service to the program, institution, and profession. The faculty member prepares students for ethical, culturally responsive, relational and systemic practice and contributes to curriculum development, program assessment, and continuous improvement. Clinical supervision responsibilities may be assigned according to program needs and the faculty member’s qualifications.

The position includes a designated research component. Teaching, research,
supervision, and service responsibilities are established in the faculty workload
assignment. Research time, teaching load, and expected scholarly outcomes are defined in accordance with institutional policies and reviewed with the Program Director or designated academic administrator.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities

Major areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, the following.

Teaching and Student Development

· Teach assigned graduate-level MFT courses in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats using effective instructional practices and appropriate technologies.

· Develop and maintain syllabi, course content, assignments, and evaluation methods aligned with program learning outcomes, applicable accreditation standards, and current MFT scholarship and practice.

· Facilitate engaging discussions and experiential learning that integrate systemic theory, clinical application, research, ethics, and culturally responsive practice.

· Evaluate student learning and clinical competencies, as applicable, and provide timely, constructive feedback on assignments, projects, examinations, and professional development.

· Maintain accurate and timely records of grades, attendance where required, and student progress; use the institution’s learning management system and instructional technologies.

· Maintain scheduled office hours and provide academic advising, mentoring, and professional guidance in accordance with assigned responsibilities.

· Participate in student progress reviews and address academic or professional development concerns through established program procedures, including remediation when appropriate.

· Collaborate with faculty and administration on curriculum development, course sequencing, outcomes assessment, and improvements in teaching and student learning.

Clinical Education and Supervision

· Provide relational and systemic supervision in assigned practicum, internship, or clinical courses, consistent with professional credentials, applicable requirements, and program policies.

· Support students in developing clinical judgment, ethical decision-making, cultural humility, and competence in working with individuals, couples, families, and other relational systems.

· Collaborate with the Program Director, clinical supervisors, and placement sites regarding student learning and clinical progress as assigned; communicate concerns promptly through established procedures.

· Maintain required supervision and evaluation documentation and protect the confidentiality of student and client information.

Research and Scholarship

· Develop and maintain an active research agenda relevant to MFT, relational and systemic practice, clinical training, or related areas of inquiry.

· Design and conduct research using appropriate methods, including literature review, study development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

· Disseminate scholarly work through peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, and other appropriate scholarly products, with expectations proportionate to the research appointment and faculty rank.

· Collaborate with faculty, students, and community or clinical partners on research projects, as appropriate, and contribute to a supportive research environment.

· Mentor students in research literacy, scholarly writing, and research projects; supervise theses, capstone projects, or other scholarly work when assigned.

· Pursue internal or external research support, including grant proposals and collaborative funding opportunities, as appropriate to the research agenda and available resources.

· Obtain required research approvals and follow institutional policies for research ethics, participant protection, data security, and responsible conduct of research.

· Develop research goals in consultation with academic leadership and document progress and scholarly outcomes through established faculty review processes.

Service and Program Participation

· Participate in faculty meetings, program planning, and assigned program or institutional committees.

· Contribute to accreditation documentation, outcomes assessment, program review, and continuous improvement activities.

· Participate in admissions interviews, recruitment, orientation, and other program activities as assigned.

· Provide service to the MFT profession and community through appropriate professional involvement, outreach, peer review, or related activities.

· Maintain relevant credentials and engage in professional development in teaching, research, supervision, and clinical practice.

· Demonstrate commitment to ethical practice, cultural humility, diversity, equity, and inclusion; adhere to institutional policies and applicable professional standards.

· Perform other duties consistent with the faculty appointment, qualifications, and established workload.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

· Doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a regionally accredited institution, or a doctoral degree in a closely related field with a demonstrated professional identity as a marriage and family therapist.

· AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation or documented participation in training toward the designation as an AAMFT supervisor candidate.

· Experience teaching graduate-level MFT courses.

· Experience conducting research and contributing to scholarly publications, with evidence of research skills and the ability to develop an active research agenda.

· Current licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or eligibility for LMFT licensure in the state where the position is based.

· Clinical experience applying relational and systemic approaches in marriage and family therapy.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience teaching in online or hybrid formats and using a learning management system.

· Familiarity with Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) standards and outcomes assessment processes.

· Experience providing MFT clinical supervision and evaluating student clinical competencies.

· A record of peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations relevant to MFT or related fields.

· Experience mentoring student research or collaborating on research teams; experience developing grant proposals or securing research support.

· Experience in curriculum development, program assessment, or academic service.

Skills and Abilities

· Strong knowledge of MFT theories, clinical interventions, relational and systemic practice, and contemporary issues in the profession.

· Ability to connect research, theory, and practice in graduate teaching and clinical education.

· Ability to design and conduct research, critically evaluate scholarly literature, and communicate findings through clear scholarly writing and presentations.

· Ability to evaluate student learning and professional development fairly and provide constructive, actionable feedback.

· Clear, professional written and verbal communication across classroom, virtual, and collaborative settings.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively and manage teaching, research, and service priorities within the assigned workload.

· Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, including accurate documentation and timely follow-through.

· Ability to engage and support students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and create an inclusive learning environment.

· Sound professional judgment, respect for confidentiality, and commitment to ethical practice consistent with the AAMFT Code of Ethics and institutional policies.

· Commitment to the institution’s mission, vision, and values.

Work Environment:

Office Location: Sacramento Campus

· This is a Hybrid/onsite position based in Sacramento, requiring regular in-office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and student or team engagement.

· Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person, video and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

$96,000 to $107,000 [annually/exempt], depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.

Organization:

At Samuel Merritt University (SMU), we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community committed to advancing healthcare through exceptional education, compassionate care, and community service. Known for our leading-edge programs in health sciences, SMU equips students and faculty with the knowledge and skills to make impactful contributions to health and wellness.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SMU welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where anyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.

Benefits

Samuel Merritt University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Education reimbursement
• Employee discounts through Marketplace
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Two floating holidays
• One paid Volunteer Work Day
• Five Education Leave Days

Important Notice: Beware of Fraudulent Job Offers

Samuel Merritt University has been made aware of individuals posing as SMU recruiters, particularly for remote positions. To help protect yourself, please keep the following in mind:

• All legitimate job openings are posted on the SMU Careers page and trusted job boards.
• We will never ask you to provide payment for equipment or submit sensitive personal information before completing the formal hiring process.
• Official offers of employment are issued through Workday, not by text message or informal email.

Please remain cautious and protect your personal information throughout your job search.

Notice to Recruitment Agencies

Samuel Merritt University does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our job application email address, SMU employees, or any other university location. Samuel Merritt University is not responsible for fees associated with unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions.

About Us

SMU is a health sciences institution offering high-quality instruction, outstanding faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. We have a deep commitment and proven track record of preparing professionals to address today’s healthcare needs.

Our Mission
We educate students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities.

Our Vision
Samuel Merritt University will become nationally recognized as a premier, multi-specialty health sciences institution. Expert faculty and staff will shape an inclusive learning environment where all students experience best teaching practices and state-of-the-art learning approaches. The University will select and support students who will flourish in the rigorous academic programs, learn to practice expertly, and pass licensure or certifications examinations on their first attempt.

Our Philosophy of Teaching and Learning
We see faculty and students as partners in the teaching and learning process. Our programs, curricula, and courses are designed to encourage active, experiential learning as well as collegial, scholarly, and effective communications. We believe that clinical and practical applications, including interprofessional education, provide a critical foundation for learning in the health professions. SMU graduates use sound reasoning, evidence-based care, and clinical expertise to respond to the needs of the people they serve.

Community and Diversity

We're more than a top health professions university. SMU is committed to training students in the importance of social determinants of health and how to care for patients from diverse backgrounds with integrity and compassion.

Our Values
If you're interested in transforming the care experience in diverse communities, SMU could be the place for you. SMU students learn to advance health equity and make a lasting impact on individuals' health and community well-being. At the core of our educational values are hands-on, experiential learning; the promotion of diversity and inclusion; and community-service outreach, locally and globally.

We embrace:

• A learning environment where we challenge ourselves and our students to think critically, seek mastery, and act compassionately
• A collegial environment where we are fair, respectful, and behave with integrity
• A collaborative environment where we partner with one another and with others in the community
• An innovative environment where we take reasoned risks and move nimbly
• A results-oriented environment where we provide and expect exceptional performance and service

Employee Polygraph Protection Act

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment.

Details can be found on our website at: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/employee-polygraph-protection-act