Adjunct Faculty - HLTH 230 Social Determinants of Health

Course Description: HLTH 230 provides an interdisciplinary overview of the social determinants of health and their influence on individual, community, and population-level outcomes. The course examines how social, economic, political, educational, racial, cultural, psychosocial, and environmental conditions contribute to differences in health status and access to care. Students explore health disparities associated with healthcare access, affordability, quality, geography, education, income, housing, food security, employment, discrimination, and other social and structural factors. The course also considers the ways in which public policies, institutions, community resources, family systems, and individual experiences affect health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Through readings, discussions, case studies, assignments, and applied learning activities, students will develop a stronger understanding of health equity, population health, and evidence-based approaches to preventing illness and reducing disparities. Students will be encouraged to evaluate current health challenges, consider the experiences of diverse communities, and identify interventions that may improve health outcomes at the individual, organizational, community, and societal levels. This course has been pre-approved by the Association for Child Life Professionals to partially fulfill the academic eligibility requirements for students pursuing the Certified Child Life Specialist credential. The successful candidate will: Teach one section of HLTH 230: Social Determinants of Health during the Fall 2026 semester. Prepare and deliver engaging, organized, and evidence-based instruction in alignment with the approved course description, syllabus, learning outcomes, and departmental expectations. Incorporate current research, real-world examples, case studies, and applied learning opportunities related to public health, health equity, healthcare access, and population health. Foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment that supports open discussion, critical thinking, and the consideration of diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Help students analyze the relationship between social conditions, systemic inequities, public policy, and health outcomes. Facilitate meaningful class discussions and encourage students to apply course concepts to professional, community, and healthcare settings. Evaluate student learning through assignments, discussions, presentations, examinations, projects, and other approved assessment methods. Provide clear expectations, timely and constructive feedback, and consistent communication throughout the semester. Maintain accurate attendance, assignment, and grading records. Submit grades, assessment information, and required course materials by established university deadlines. Hold appropriate office hours or provide another reliable method for students to receive academic support. Use the university's learning management system and other approved instructional technology to post course materials, communicate with students, collect assignments, and maintain grades. Follow applicable university policies related to academic integrity, accessibility, student privacy, classroom conduct, and instructional responsibilities. Work collaboratively with the Program Chair and department faculty to support consistency in course content, academic standards, assessment practices, and student learning outcomes. Notify the Program Chair promptly of significant student concerns, academic issues, or other matters that may affect successful course completion.

Requirements: Preferred candidates will possess: A master's degree or higher in public health, health sciences, healthcare administration, sociology, social work, child life, psychology, education, nursing, or a closely related discipline. Professional or academic experience related to social determinants of health, health equity, population health, community health, healthcare access, or health disparities. Previous college-level teaching experience. Experience teaching or mentoring undergraduate students. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex health and social science concepts clearly and effectively. Experience creating inclusive learning environments for students from diverse academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. Familiarity with learning management systems and instructional technology. Knowledge of the academic requirements associated with Certified Child Life Specialist eligibility is beneficial but not required. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to student learning, academic excellence, inclusive teaching practices, and Bellarmine University's educational mission. Application Instructions: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.