Chair - Social Work

UNBC, in conjunction with the School of Social Work, is seeking its next Chair of Social Work. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of social work education at UNBC, including the opportunity to teach in multiple modalities. This position is an appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor-Chair. The ideal start date would be January 1, 2024, but a later start date is also possible.

The Organization

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities.   The university shares a strong partnership with all of the Nations on whose unceded and treaty territories our campuses are situated, and with other First Nations and Métis communities throughout the North.

Located in northern British Columbia, UNBC is one of Canada’s best small universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, the environment, and the North. UNBC provides outstanding learning opportunities that explore cultures, health, economies, sciences, and the environment. As one of BC’s research-intensive universities, we bring new knowledge to our students and to the world while fostering a welcoming community that is friendly, inclusive, and supportive.

UNBC is a university both in and for the North. This mission has instilled a strong sense of ownership, purpose, and adventure among our communities. We are also Canada’s Green University™, leading the way to a more sustainable future for all. The university consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s rankings and recently placed in the top 5% of the Times Higher Education World University Ranking.

The Role

Reporting to the Dean of Human and Health Sciences, the Chair oversees social work students and supports faculty on 4 campuses – Prince George, Quesnel, Fort Saint John, and Terrace, with the primary location being the Prince George campus. Social Work education at UNBC includes a BSW and MSW degrees (MSWF [Foundation], MSWA [Advanced], and Indigenous Child and Youth Mental Health [ICYMH] Graduate Certificate) all of which emphasize social justice as well as Indigenous and anti-oppressive approaches to working with communities, families, and individuals. Incorporating critical  creative social thinking, the program emphasizes social work in northern and remote communities, social work practice with Indigenous peoples, women in human services, and community practice and research through courses that recognize the integration of practice, policy, and research. All programs are fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

UNBC provides broad support for faculty to develop their research and teaching capabilities, a strong mandate for growth, a modern and comprehensive campus, and a distinctive quality of life across northern British Columbia.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be based at the Prince George campus, with occasional travel to the regional campuses, and is expected to have strong leadership and mentorship skills, practice experience and be able to teach in a range of subject areas as well as provide evidence of a record of teaching and research excellence. Experience with rural, remote, and northern social work practice along with familiarity in the areas of groups/communities, communications, health-based practice, and field education is preferred. As Chair, strong administrative experience is also expected. The School of Social work is strongly committed to building a diverse team and we encourage Indigenous candidates and candidates from other equity-seeking groups to apply.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A PhD degree in Social Work or a related discipline (with at least one graduate degree in Social Work).
• Candidates should be appointable as faculty at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
• Experience teaching at the post-secondary level.
• At least 2 years of professional practice in social work or human services fields.
• Demonstrated leadership experience or potential through previous roles or projects.
• Demonstrated excellence in research, including:
  • Evidence of high-quality independent research output leading to peer assessed publications and ideally the securing of external research funding.
  • Exposure through invited lectures, conference symposia, work with Indigenous communities or other engagements as appropriate for their discipline and career stage.
  • Evidence of research leadership potential.

Skills and Attributes:

• A strategic and evidence-informed decision-maker with a strong sense of social justice and empathy.
• Well-developed equity lenses and experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to understand and anticipate the needs of various individuals and groups.
• Exceptional community-based research skills, with the ability to communicate the value and importance of their scholarship in compelling ways.
• The ability to face challenges and to exercise integrity, flexibility, wisdom, and good judgment in meeting them.
• The ability to support and mentor faculty.
• The ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a unionized environment; building trusting relationships with students, peers, leadership, and local community partners.

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Debra Clinton at dclinton@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online by clicking the “Apply Now” button below.