Social Work (Faculty)

The School of Social work at UNBC seeks applications from outstanding scholars for tenure-track positions at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor to commence in Fall 2023 or as negotiated. These will be based at the Quesnel or Terrace regional campuses.

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 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

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 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.

UNBC welcomes a broad range of research foci, but the unique setting and cultures of its region would be of particular benefit to faculty interested in studying social work in rural, Indigenous, and/or northern contexts.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidates will be based at the Quesnel or Terrace regional campuses and are expected to have strong 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. 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).
• At least 2 years of professional practice in social work or human services fields.
• A successful track record of teaching at the post-secondary level.
• 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 would be beneficial.

Skills and Attributes:

• A detail-oriented, analytical thinker with a strong sense of social justice and empathy.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to understand and anticipate the needs of different audiences.
• 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 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.