Assistant Professor, Certificate and Credential Programs, CHHS- Rehabilitation Sciences

The Rehabilitation Sciences Department at Shawnee State University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor, Certificate and Credential Programs, to lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative Community Health Worker (CHW) education and workforce development program, additional short-term credential programs in behavioral health, and coordination of existing Behavioral Health Paraprofessional Certificate. This position aligns with the institution's commitment to advancing health equity, improving population health outcomes, and addressing workforce shortages across rural and underserved communities. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership in building a comprehensive CHW training and certification pathway, establishing partnerships with healthcare systems, community-based organizations, public health agencies, and state stakeholders. The faculty member will contribute to teaching, scholarship, community engagement, and workforce development initiatives that strengthen Ohio's behavioral health and healthcare ecosystem and improve access to care.

This is a grant-funded position, currently awarded through September 30, 2028.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve a Community Health Worker education and training program that aligns with Ohio workforce needs and state requirements.
• Develop CHW curriculum, competency frameworks, experiential learning opportunities, and continuing education offerings.
• Lead the program approval process, as well as ongoing quality improvement and program evaluation efforts.
• Collaborate to ensure recruitment and retention strategies that support student enrollment in certificates and credentials.
• Collaborate with academic leadership to expand educational pathways and stackable credentials.
• Build and maintain partnerships with healthcare organizations, federally qualified health centers, public health departments, social service agencies, schools, and community-based organizations offering internship/field placement opportunities for certificate and credential programs.
• Teach undergraduate and/or professional courses related to the CHW credential and other certificates/credentials as qualified.
• Coordinate identification of qualified adjunct faculty for certificate and credential programs.
• Advise students involved in certificate and credential programs.
• Supervise applied learning experiences/field placements for CHW and BHPP programs
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty, the Rural Health Innovation Center, and healthcare partners on research initiatives and potential funding opportunities
• Participate in university, college, and departmental service activities.
• Represent the institution in statewide and national CHW organizations.
• Support workforce development initiatives that expand employment opportunities for CHWs throughout Ohio.

The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, to ensure best consideration, candidates are encouraged to submit their application by November 15, 2026. Interested candidates must apply online to this Posting by clicking the Apply link above and including:

• a cover letter addressed to Dr. Tony Ward, Interim Dean, College of Health & Human Services, specifically addressing how your qualifications meet the posted minimum requirements of the position;

• CV;

• academic transcripts from all higher education institutions attended (official transcripts will be requested prior to hiring);

• 1 to 2-page statement of teaching philosophy;

• in the Professional References section of your application, enter a minimum of three references who can confirm your experience and abilities to perform the responsibilities of this position. Reference letters should be addressed to Dr. Tony Ward, Interim Dean, College of Health & Human Services

• Candidates invited for an on-campus interview will be required to present a teaching and lab demonstration of their abilities. Specific questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Tony Ward, Interim Dean, College of Health & Human Services.

• Shawnee State University is the regional state university for South-Central Ohio. It is a primarily undergraduate, four-year public university with limited graduate degree programs. Enrollment is approximately 3,500 students. Shawnee State is located on the Ohio River in Portsmouth, Ohio – a small city nestled in a beautiful, rural area of Southern Ohio. Portsmouth is approximately an hour drive from Huntington, WV, and two hours from Columbus or Cincinnati, Ohio. Additional information about SSU is available at www.shawnee.edu.

• Shawnee State offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications) including an attractive benefits package. Employment with the University is dependent upon BOT budget approval for the fiscal year. Official transcripts and background check are required prior to hire.

• SSU seeks individuals who share our commitment to students as our first priority.

• Shawnee State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against any individual because of race, color, genetic information, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status or military status.

• Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Health Education, Community Health, Nursing, Social Work, Health Services Research, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related discipline that meets eligibility to serve as an Ohio CHW training program administrator under Ohio Administrative Code 4723-26-12.

• Demonstrated experience working with community health workers, community health programs, population health initiatives, or workforce development efforts.

• At least two years’ behavioral health experience

• Experience building partnerships with community organizations and healthcare stakeholders.

• Strong communication and leadership skills.

• Evidence of teaching, training, program development, or community-engaged scholarship.

• DESIRED BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

• Doctoral degree in Public Health, Health Education, Community Health, Nursing, Social Work, Health Services Research, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related discipline that meets Eligibility to serve as an Ohio CHW training program administrator under Ohio Administrative Code 4723-26-12

• Experience developing or directing a Community Health Worker training or certification program

• Three or more years’ behavioral health experience

• Knowledge of Ohio healthcare systems, public health infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives

• Experience securing and managing grant funding

• Demonstrated commitment to rural health, health equity, and addressing social determinants of health

• Record of peer-reviewed scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Experience evaluating health workforce or community-based interventions

Shawnee State University offers a competitive starting salary (commensurate with overall qualifications) including an attractive benefits package. See Overview of Employee Benefits for more information. Some of our benefits include:

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Winter Break in December

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Tuition Waiver

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plans

• Shawnee State University (OH)

• Address

• 940 Second St.

• Portsmouth, Ohio, 45662

• Apply

• Please verify your email address

• Verify Email

• Shawnee State University (OH) Careers

• Job Opportunities

• Menu

• Close Menu

• Shawnee State University (OH) Careers

• Job Opportunities

• Email Job Alerts

• Help & Support

• Translate

• Support

• Job Application

Job Details

Applying as:

|

Support

Close

Close

Cancel

Clear

SIGN

Save

We've updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Please, read and accept changes.

Effective date: August 19, 2025

NEOGOV PRIVACY POLICY