Lecturer in Social Work / Human Services

At the University of Newcastle, we are proud of our deep commitment to equity, excellence, and student success. We are looking for a passionate, education-focused academic to join our School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences as a Lecturer in Social Work / Human Services.

About the Role

This teaching-focused role (70% teaching, 20% research, 10% engagement) will be central to the launch and delivery of the new Graduate Certificate in Human Services, a pathway into the Master of Social Work (Qualifying). You will also contribute to undergraduate teaching and support the continued growth of the discipline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging, research-informed teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Lead and contribute to curriculum design and innovation.
• Support our strong tradition of work-integrated learning, helping students connect theory with practice.
• Build collaborative relationships with colleagues, industry, and community partners that enrich student learning.
• While teaching is your primary focus, you’ll be encouraged and supported to pursue research aligned with your expertise and pedagogic practice.

This continuing full-time position is based at our City Campus in Newcastle (Awabakal land), with opportunities to teach online and at other campuses as required.

Why Join Us?

• Teaching Excellence – Focus on high-quality, innovative teaching in a role designed for passionate educators.
• Program Leadership – Take ownership of a new postgraduate program and contribute to its long-term success.
• Research Support – Contribute to meaningful, interdisciplinary research with access to globally recognised research centres.
• Remuneration & Benefits:
•  Salary package: Academic Level B - $117,226 - 139,207 plus 17% superannuation. 
• UON Benefits: Relocation support, generous leave entitlements, structured career development and training, wellness programs, staff discounts, and more (see our benefits at a glance)

About you

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A doctoral qualification (or near completion), and professional experience, in Social Work or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality teaching in HE and/or professional development contexts and contribute to curriculum development.
• Strong industry networks.
• A collegial, student-focused approach, with the ability to engage learners from diverse backgrounds.
• An emerging track record of research or scholarly outputs, with a collaborative approach to academic work.

Eligibility

• You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This role involves child-related work and requires a current Working with Children Check (NSW).
• The successful candidate will be required to consent to a Criminal History Check.
• Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is required.

Our University

For over 60 years, the University of Newcastle has built a reputation for excellence in education and research, ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact. We are committed to equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing socially-oriented leaders across our campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney, and Singapore.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students and communities.

Accessibility

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need adjustments at any stage, please contact Jenny Newell, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at jenny.newell1@newcastle.edu.au or +61 2 4055 0612. All requests will be handled with care and confidence.

How to Apply

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the full Position Description and submit your application.

Your application must include:

1.     Your ORCID ID.

2.     A URL link to your University Academic Profile (or equivalent).

3.     A Cover Letter and Statement (uploaded as a single PDF): (i) Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing details of 3 referees. (ii) Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description.

4.     Your CV (max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline

Applications Close: Sunday 12^th October, 2025, 11:59pm (AEST)

You can find more details about our application process here.

Contact Us

For further information about this role, please contact: Owen Jackson, Executive Officer on (02) 4921 5173 or via email owen.jackson@newcastle.edu.au

For technical support or alternative submission pathways, please contact: Jenny Newell, Talent Acquisition Specialist. jenny.newell1@newcastle.edu.au or +61 2 4055 0612

** Please note we do not accept email applications

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