Lecturer - Social Work & Social Policy
Lecturer - Social Work & Social Policy

Lecturer - Social Work & Social Policy

Full-Time 118150 - 139812 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
UWA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Inspire future social work professionals through impactful teaching and research.
  • Company: Join UWA, a top 100 global university with a vibrant academic community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and up to 17% superannuation.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to social impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world difference while shaping the future of social work.
  • Qualifications: PhD in Social Work or Social Policy and university-level teaching experience required.

The predicted salary is between 118150 - 139812 £ per year.

Shape the next generation of social work professionals through teaching that makes a real-world difference. Build a meaningful research profile in a discipline committed to lived experience, Indigenous knowledges and social impact.

About the area

The Department of Social Work and Social Policy sits within UWA’s research‑intensive School of Health and Clinical Sciences, recognised for its strong evidence‑based approach to teaching, research and community partnership. The Department offers accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), Master of Social Work, HDR pathways and specialist graduate certificates. Teaching and research are grounded in the integration of Indigenous cultural knowledges and the embedding of lived experience across curriculum and scholarship.

About the opportunity

  • Deliver high‑quality, research‑informed teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate Social Work and Social Policy programs, including unit coordination and student supervision.
  • Develop an independent and collaborative research program that contributes to the Department’s strategic priorities and attracts competitive research funding.
  • Play an active role in shaping the future direction of teaching, research and engagement within the Department, School of Health and Clinical Sciences, and the broader profession.

About you

  • You hold a PhD relevant to Social Work or Social Policy and are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
  • You bring demonstrated university‑level teaching experience, with the capability to design, coordinate and deliver engaging learning experiences across face‑to‑face and online modes.
  • You have an emerging or established research profile, including publications and experience contributing to competitive grant applications.
  • You are experienced in supervising Honours, Masters and/or HDR students and supporting high‑quality research outcomes.
  • You are a collaborative academic who values inclusion, equity and professional engagement and enjoys contributing to a vibrant scholarly community.

Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria. You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday 11 May 2026. This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Benefits

  • Flexible working options.
  • Generous paid leave including parental leave.
  • Up to 17% employer paid superannuation.
  • Salary packaging available.
  • Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.
  • Discounted UWA course fees.
  • Discounted health insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

Lecturer - Social Work & Social Policy employer: UWA

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With flexible working options, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to research excellence, UWA provides a supportive environment for academics to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the field of social work and social policy. Join a prestigious institution that values diversity and innovation, and be part of a community dedicated to shaping the future of social work professionals.
UWA

Contact Detail:

UWA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lecturer - Social Work & Social Policy

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and social work. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your teaching skills! If you get the chance, offer to give a guest lecture or workshop at a local university. This not only showcases your expertise but also helps you build relationships with faculty members who could influence hiring decisions.

✨Tip Number 3

Research the department thoroughly! Understand their focus areas, current projects, and values. Tailor your conversations and any presentations to align with their goals, especially around Indigenous knowledges and lived experiences.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to address the selection criteria clearly and highlight your relevant experience in teaching and research. We want to see how you can make a real-world difference!

We think you need these skills to ace Lecturer - Social Work & Social Policy

PhD in Social Work or Social Policy
University-level teaching experience
Curriculum design
Unit coordination
Student supervision
Research profile development
Competitive grant application experience
Engagement in collaborative research
Knowledge of Indigenous cultural knowledges
Commitment to inclusion and equity
Ability to deliver face-to-face and online learning experiences
Strong communication skills
Contribution to scholarly community

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can shape the next generation of social work professionals, so don’t hold back on showcasing your teaching and research skills!

Address the Selection Criteria: When you apply, be sure to address the selection criteria in a separate document. This is your chance to show us how you meet the specific requirements for the position, so take your time and be thorough!

Showcase Your Research Profile: We’re keen on candidates with a strong research background. Include any publications or grant applications you've been involved in, as this will help us understand your contributions to the field of Social Work and Social Policy.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It’s the easiest way to submit your application and ensures it gets to the right people. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!

How to prepare for a job interview at UWA

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and research in Social Work and Social Policy. Brush up on Indigenous knowledges and lived experiences, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss how your teaching methods can make a real-world difference will impress the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience

Prepare specific examples of your university-level teaching experience. Highlight any innovative approaches you've used in both face-to-face and online settings. Discuss how you’ve designed engaging learning experiences and coordinated units, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.

✨Research is Key

Be ready to talk about your research profile. Share your publications and any competitive grant applications you've contributed to. Discuss how your research aligns with the Department’s strategic priorities and how you plan to develop an independent research programme that attracts funding.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Inclusion

This role values collaboration and professional engagement, so be prepared to discuss your experiences working within diverse teams. Share how you promote inclusion and equity in your teaching and research, and how you contribute to a vibrant scholarly community.

Lecturer - Social Work & Social Policy
UWA

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>