Professor and Head of Social Work

The University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne (UoM), the second oldest university in Australia, has been moulding students ever since it was built in 1853, over 160 years ago. It is known internationally as...

Position Number: 0065819
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time 1.0 FTE; Fixed term for a period of five (5) years with an underlying continuing Level E position within the Faculty
Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: School of Health Sciences
Salary: $226,517 p.a. (pro-rata for part-time) plus non-superable Head of Department Loading, plus employer superannuation contribution of 17%

Overview

The University of Melbourne invites applications for the position of Professor and Head of Department of Social Work, an outstanding opportunity for an academic leader and practicing social worker to shape the future of social work education, research, and community engagement.

This pivotal role provides the platform to champion innovation and influence social work practice and policy at local, national, and international levels—building on over 80 years of excellence in social work education at the University.

About the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) is one of the most comprehensive and prestigious faculties of its kind in Australia. Home to over 2,750 staff and more than 11,000 students, MDHS leads in teaching, research, and community engagement across the medical, biomedical, and health sciences.

Led by Dean Professor Jane Gunn, the Faculty collaborates with a broad network of partner organisations to drive real-world impact. Based in Parkville and with a strong rural presence in Shepparton, the Faculty supports transformative health outcomes for Australia and the world.

About the Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work is a leader in training ethical and effective social workers through cutting-edge education and applied research. Part of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, the Department offers programs including the Master of Social Work and various specialist post-qualifying courses, both on-campus and online.

Research in the Department spans critical social issues, aligned with the Faculty's Impact Domains—Prevention and Health Equity, Curing Chronic Disease, and Transforming Healthcare—and contributes to School Research Hubs such as Healthy Start to Life, Disability and Inclusion, and Optimising Health and Wellbeing.

With strong connections to industry, government, and community partners, the Department is a key driver of policy change and social justice advocacy.

About the Role

As Professor and Head of Department of Social Work, you will provide strategic leadership across teaching, research, and external engagement—ensuring the Department remains at the forefront of the profession. Reporting to the Head of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, you will mentor a talented academic team, grow research capacity, and shape programs that reflect the future of social work education and practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to foster excellence in education, research, and engagement
• Lead curriculum development, accreditation, and pedagogical innovation
• Advance a high-impact research agenda with national and international collaborations
• Build meaningful partnerships with clinical, community, and policy stakeholders
• Mentor and support academic and professional staff development
• Promote a collegial and inclusive departmental culture aligned with University values

About You

You will be an internationally recognised academic in Social Work, with demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and leadership.

You will bring:

• A PhD in Social Work or a related discipline
• Registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• A distinguished record of research and scholarship in the field
• Demonstrated experience in leading academic teams and driving innovation
• A strong record of securing research funding and building external partnerships
• A commitment to inclusive education and inter-professional collaboration

Why Join Us?

At the University of Melbourne, you'll be part of a vibrant community committed to academic excellence and social impact. This is your opportunity to lead one of the most respected Social Work departments in the Asia-Pacific and contribute to the next generation of change-makers.

How to Apply?

We have partnered with Universe Search as our external recruitment partner for this role. Please email Kym Matthews for any queries or a confidential discussion about the role: kym@universesearch.com.au

If you are ready to shape the future of social work education and research in Australia and beyond, we encourage you to apply via email with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

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