(Urgent Search) Lecturer in Social Work

- School of Law and Society | UniSC Moreton Bay Campus, Petrie or UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs

- Academic Level B - $114,751 - $136,143 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation

- Full-time, ongoing appointment

School of Law and Society (SLS)

Empowerment for Future-Ready Graduates

Our vibrant school combines practicality, inspiration, and rigor to shape future-ready, socially responsible graduates. With a focus on quality teaching and learning, we prioritise employability and flexibility, equipping students with the skills to navigate complex practical, ethical, and social challenges. Our inclusive environment fosters independent thinking and collaborative teamwork. Together, we’ll work towards achieving your ambitions and making a positive impact on both local and global scales. Join us in contributing and innovating for a more just future through the fields of law and society.

The Opportunity

Join UniSC as a key member of our Social Work and Human Services team, where you’ll shape the next generation of professionals through engaging, high-quality teaching and impactful research. You’ll play a vital role in developing innovative curriculum, fostering strong connections with local and national communities, and inspiring students to become confident, career‑ready graduates who make a real difference in people’s lives.

The University of the Sunshine Coast considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Anti‑Discrimination Act1991 (Qld) and the filling of this position constitutes a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).

The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Our ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and will be able to manage projects and interact with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders in a culturally safe and competent manner.

- deliver high-quality teaching and learning through innovative curriculum design, effective use of technology, and engaging, inclusive teaching practices;

- advance research excellence by developing a focused research agenda, securing grants, publishing outcomes, and supervising Higher Degree by Research students;

- foster meaningful engagement with regional, national, and international partners to apply disciplinary expertise and create real-world impact; and

- contribute to University priorities through active participation in internal committees, initiatives, and continuous improvement activities.

About you

You’re passionate about shaping the future of social work education, bringing a values‑driven approach and real‑world relevance to every aspect of your teaching. You thrive on creating inclusive, engaging learning experiences that prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Beyond the classroom, you build strong connections with industry, community organisations, and professional networks, creating valuable opportunities for students and strengthening the sector. As a collaborative and supportive team member, you help foster an inclusive, student‑focused university culture where everyone can thrive.

You will possess

- Proven track record as an effective teacher, the capacity to conceive, develop and deliver higher education curricula and contribute to relevant areas of teaching;

- Sound and established track record of research activity commensurate with the level of the position;

- eligible for AASW Membership and sound connections with relevant professional bodies and community groups and/or in professional practice;

- Strong personal qualities and collegial approaches that contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment which is conducive to high levels of engagement and standards of achievement for both staff and students; and

- Evidence of participation in academic development activities and the desire to continue to learn and improve as an effective academic.

- Completion or near‑completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field or equivalent accreditation and standing.

- Experience undertaking academic administrative functions, e.g. course coordination, within a University.

- Experience in collaborative research and teaching.

- Significant direct practice experience in social work and ability to teach direct skills classes.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website.

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 23 November 2025.

Your completed application must include:

- a resume, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Prof Cindy Davis
Professor, Social Work – School of Law and Society
Telephone: 07 5456 5908
Email: cdavis@usc.edu.au

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground‑breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold‑winning athletes and award‑winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. According to the 2024/25 Good Universities Guide we have five‑star ratings from key areas including teaching quality, overall educational experience, learning resources, skills development, social equity, student support and learner engagement. Overall for teaching quality, we’re number one in Australia (postgraduate), and number one in Queensland (undergraduate).

Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence Research for Australia Rankings. In 2024, we moved 97 places to be in the top 110 institutions in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings (2024).

At UniSC you will have the opportunity to shape the educational landscape and inspire the minds of future generations. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your teaching and research endeavours.

We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

- Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.

- Modern teaching & research facilities.

- Professional development and career pathway opportunities.

- Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.

- Salary packing options + 17% Super.

- EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.

The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.

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