At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative partnerships in social work education and research.
- Company: Kingston University, committed to innovation and societal impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role with a focus on collaboration and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social work and shape future practitioners.
- Qualifications: Established academic or practitioner with strong partnership and research skills.
The predicted salary is between 60996 - 60996 £ per year.
Are you an experienced social work academic committed to building transformative partnerships that enhance education, research, and practice? We are seeking an Associate Professor in Social Work to lead and expand our external engagement across social care, health, and community sectors. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Kingston University's Town House Strategy, by strengthening and expanding collaboration with local authorities, the NHS, voluntary and community organisations, and service user groups.
You will play a key role in developing sustainable partnerships that support practice learning, co-produced teaching, and impactful research aligned to sector needs. The post holder will contribute to high quality teaching and curriculum innovation, embedding Kingston's Future Skills approach to prepare 'sought after' graduates. You will also lead knowledge exchange activity that delivers real world impact, supporting workforce development and addressing local and regional priorities within social work and social care.
Please note, an enhanced with barred list Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check clearance is required for the role. You will be an established academic or experienced practitioner with a strong commitment to partnership working, innovation, and impact in social work. You will bring a strong track record (or clear trajectory) in research, knowledge exchange, or professional engagement.
You will demonstrate significant experience of building and sustaining partnerships across statutory, voluntary, and community sectors and the ability to translate collaboration into tangible outcomes, including student opportunities, workforce development, and applied research. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to inclusive and collaborative working.
We are seeking a proactive and outward facing individual who can connect academic activity with practice, contribute to civic engagement, and support Kingston's ambition to create meaningful societal impact through partnership and co-production. Applicants must meet Kingston University's learning and teaching standards. By the end of probation, you must achieve the relevant UKPSF recognition if not already obtained—to either through our accredited Introduction to Learning and Teaching programme for new lecturers or the Kingston Academic Practice Standards framework for experienced educators.
Individualisation is very important to us at Kingston University's School of Education, Midwifery and Social Work. For our students that means a philosophy where we go above and beyond to deliver learning that draws on a variety of technologies and approaches that develop the very best practitioners of tomorrow. For our staff we provide the support they need to enable them to succeed in the different aspects of their role, including teaching, supervision and research. Everyone here enjoys an environment built on innovation where we recruit original thinkers who are motivated to explore new avenues and transform learners' lives.
This is a full time, permanent position with a starting salary of £60,996 per annum.
Associate Professor in Social Work employer: Job Search Place Limited
Kingston University is an exceptional employer for those passionate about social work, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As an Associate Professor in Social Work, you will have the opportunity to engage with local authorities, the NHS, and community organisations, fostering transformative partnerships that enhance education and research. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide tailored support for professional development, ensuring our staff can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Professor in Social Work
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Job Search Place Limited.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Job Search Place Limited!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Job Search Place Limited, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Job Search Place Limited or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Professor in Social Work
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Job Search Place Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Job Search Place Limited! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
