Barry University invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean for the School of Mental Health and Social Work. Reporting to the Executive Dean of the College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences, the Dean is a member of the Provost’s Dean Council, a collaborative body of academic leaders committed to advancing the University’s vision of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
About Barry University
Founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Barry University is a dynamic, Catholic institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition and committed to the core values of knowledge and truth, inclusive community, social justice, and collaborative service. With a diverse student population drawn from over 80 countries, 45 U.S. states, and multiple territories, the University currently serves nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Located just north of downtown Miami on a lush, 122-acre campus, Barry University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the Southeast. Across its eight colleges and schools, Barry offers more than 100 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral levels. The institution continues to serve as a model for inclusive, student-centered education with a growing commitment to health sciences and community partnerships.
The College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences
The College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences at Barry University responds to the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare through interdisciplinary and integrated educational experiences. The College includes the: - School of Nursing - School of Podiatric Medicine - School of Mental Health and Social Work - Department of Health Sciences and Clinical Practice - Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Academy of Emergency Management Services. The College is also home to Barry Health Partners, a network of healthcare clinics and two podiatric residencies affiliated with regional healthcare systems. Additionally, the CARE Center (Counseling, Assessment, Research, and Education) offers services to underserved children and families, reinforcing Barry’s community-focused mission. Through hands-on, interprofessional learning and faculty collaboration, the College equips students with the skills to thrive in today’s complex healthcare environment. Students benefit from diverse clinical exposure, strategic industry partnerships, and a collaborative academic culture.
School of Mental Health and Social Work
The School of Mental Health and Social Work is a newly integrated school under the College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences that include undergraduate and graduate programs in social work, and graduate programs in counseling, school psychology, and clinical psychology. The school of social work at Barry University was established in 1966 in response to the demand for social workers. It began offering the degree of Master of Social Work. From 1983-2001 it opened bachelor and doctoral degrees in social work. The programs in counseling and school counseling have been conferring degrees and placing professionals in these disciplines for over fifty years in local, national, and international communities. The graduate programs in clinical psychology are now integrated as part of the larger school to enhance stronger collaboration among the programs. This provides the student at the school expanded opportunities in academic offerings, clinical experiences, leading up to becoming health professionals ready to succeed in the healthcare ecosystem of mental health, wellness, and prevention. The founding dean will have an opportunity to develop and implement innovative programs that will prepare students across these disciplines to become health professionals to work in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary settings.
The Dean of the School of Mental Health and Social Work at Barry University reports directly to the Executive Dean for the College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences and is a member of the Provost's Deans Council. The Dean will be a leader, builder and innovator. The Dean will lead the expansion of all the programs under the school and build new programs to support the need of services in the areas of mental health. The founding Dean is a member of the faculty (rank commensurate with experience) who provides leadership and ensures the strategic planning, fiscal operations, accountability, and continuous improvement of new and current academic programs and services. The Dean is a relationship builder with internal and external partners; promotes student success and experience; engages in fundraising and works to increase enrollment and retention; professional development, faculty research, and other scholarly activities.
The Dean will have the opportunity to develop and implement innovative programs that prepare professionals to work in multidisciplinary healthcare settings. The programs under the School of Mental Health and Social Work will prepare students to meet state licensure requirements while also preparing them to serve the mental health needs across different healthcare settings and communities. The founding Dean is active in professional
associations, businesses, and individuals who can engage in the local community to promote the school and its programs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Be a champion of Barry University School of Mental Health and Social Work
Provide leadership by developing, implementing, and evaluating a strategic plan specific to the school
Provide leadership in faculty and staff recruitment
Oversee personnel matters involving academic and non-academic employees, including recruiting qualified candidates, and conduct personnel evaluations in accordance with university standards
Make recommendations to the Executive Dean regarding personnel appointments and re-appointments, promotion and annual staff evaluations, and dismissal, if necessary
Oversee faculty workload plans to ensure school operational efficiency; articulate budgetary needs of the school, and manage the allocation and expenditure of resources
Responsible for enrollment growth in the school, including recruiting efforts, student retention, and attending various academic and social functions both on and off campus
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration, cooperation, and scholarly activity in collaboration with faculty and staff across the other schools and departments of the College of Health Professions and Medical Sciences
Foster strong relationships with internal and external partners, including clinical partners
Support the school through involvement in relevant professional associations as well as state and national regulatory or accrediting agencies, maintaining continuous accreditation and compliance across the different agencies within the school.
Coordinate and oversee the assessment of academic programs, including student learning outcomes and assessment of the learning environment and learning opportunities, as per accreditation standards.
Support the departments in the submission of grant applications and/or prepare proposals for outside funding of projects.
Lead the continued growth and development of in-person and online program offerings within the school.
Maintain good working relationships with university leadership, faculty, and administration in all academic and non-academic sectors.
Communicate effectively with constituents within the University, school districts, mental health agencies, surrounding communities, and state and national entities regarding the university
Attend conferences and seminars to inform the campus community of trends in social work and mental health in collaboration with the Office of Advancement, develop a fundraising plan that supports the school, college, and university goals
Cultivation of donors, stewardship, and solicitation in partnership with the Office of Advancement
Work with the Executive Dean and Provost to maintain and strengthen the partnerships and relationships with government legislative bodies and agencies at the state and federal levels.
Maintain personal academic competency by teaching at least one class per year
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Dean
Earned doctorate (Ph.D., DSW, Ed.D.) in Social Work and or Counseling degree or related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Progressive leadership in higher education over a six-year period with administrative experience in budgeting and grant oversight
Rank of professor
Outstanding record of academic leadership
Experience with program evaluation and accreditation
Leadership, vision, innovation, and exceptional communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Executive level of social work and mental health professional experience
Experience with learning, teaching quality, and oversight of asynchronous and synchronous online programs.
Demonstrated success with strategic planning and budget management
Demonstrated success with community engagement, professional organizations, legislators, and fundraising
Demonstrated record of commitment to excellence in teaching and research
Demonstrated success working collaboratively with faculty to develop and strengthen programs
Experience in online education and delivery systems, including collaboration with enrollment management
Demonstrated success and/or ability and willingness to collaborate on program/degree development in cross-discipline partnerships within the University.
Evidence of instituting programs that improve retention/graduation/enrollment.
Evidence of promoting an environment of shared governance and fostering a sense of community.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Ability to work and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, employers, and the professional community
Skill in supervising and mentoring faculty and staff
Ability to maintain currency in the social work and mental health field
Knowledge of the goals, objectives, structure, and operations of Barry University
Strong listening skills and mediation experience
Program evaluation, planning, and implementation skills
Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
Ability to budget expenditures for compliance with the approved budget
Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals
Ability to plan and evaluate programs
Skill in establishing, directing, and enforcing policies and regulations
Effective teambuilding skills and experience
Familiarity with and commitment to accreditation and assessment of student learning outcomes
Barry University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.