North West University | View - Senior Lecturer (P000317)

Senior Lecturer (P000317)

Listing reference: nwu_004797

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 26 October 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Vanderbijlpark

Contract: Permanent

About our company

NWU

Introduction

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Senior Lecturer will make significant contributions to Social Work teaching at VC, specialising in School Social Work, and play a major role in scholarship, research and/or professional activities. The role includes undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research supervision and professional practice education. The incumbent will develop scholarship and partnerships addressing the psychosocial needs of learners, families and school communities, and contribute to community engagement, academic administration and professional service in the School of Psychosocial Health.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Learning, including Higher Degrees Supervision

Prepare and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate Social Work lectures and seminars, including school social work, child and family welfare, psychosocial support, community work and relevant practice methods.
Develop learning materials and assessments, undertake marking and moderation, and provide academic guidance, consultation and constructive feedback.
Apply inclusive, evidence-informed and technology-enhanced teaching methods, integrating current research, professional ethics and South African practice contexts.
Contribute to curriculum development, programme review, accreditation and professional quality assurance.
Supervise and co-supervise postgraduate research, including Master’s and doctoral studies, within areas of expertise and approved University arrangements.

Research

Conduct independent, collaborative and interdisciplinary research and publish in accredited, peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
Develop a research niche in school social work and child,adolescent and family psychosocial wellbeing, including family–school relationships, school participation, safeguarding, prevention and support.
Develop funding proposals and pursue external research funding.
Build research partnerships and disseminate findings through conferences and engagement with academic, professional and school communities.
Contribute to the research activities and strategic priorities of the School, Faculty and relevant research entity.

Academic leadership

Participate in Subject Group, School and Faculty activities,committees and academic planning.
Undertake module and programme administration and maintain accurate academic and assessment records.
Contribute to programme management, quality assurance and accreditation.
Support student recruitment, open days and student support initiatives.

Social Responsiveness and Industry Involvement

Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, education authorities, social service organisations, NGOs and community stakeholders.
Develop and evaluate engaged scholarship and community initiatives that respond to the needs of learners, families and school communities.
Facilitate suitable student placements and practice learning opportunities, supporting placement quality and the preparation of practice supervisors.
Provide allocated practice supervision, guidance and assessment for Social Work students.
Promote ethical practice, appropriate referral pathways and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Translate and share research findings through practical interventions, policy and practice guidance, and professional development.

Minimum requirements

A PhD (NQF Level 10) in social work.
Registeration with South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
A minimum of three to five years (3-5) experience in teaching and learning at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level in higher education.
A minimum of three to five years (3-5) experience in research supervision of postgraduates students, with at least 2 publications in accredited journals and the supervision of 1 master's student to completion.
A minimum of three to five years (3-5) experience in professional practice experience in school social work.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

Sound knowledge of Social Work theory, methods and professional practice, particularly school social work and child, adolescent and family wellbeing.
Ability to develop curricula and learning materials and apply inclusive, evidence-informed teaching methods.
Knowledge of assessment design, marking, moderation and constructive feedback to support student learning.
Proficiency in MS Office, learning management systems such as Acadex/eFundi, digital teaching tools and relevant research software.
Competence in research design, data analysis, academic writing and scholarly publication.
Ability to supervise postgraduate research and support students’ research development and progress.
Ability to develop research funding proposals and collaborative research partnerships.
Knowledge of professional ethics, child safeguarding, confidentiality, consent and responsible handling of personal information.
Knowledge of legislation and policy relevant to Social Work, children, schools, inclusive education and psychosocial support.
Ability to supervise and assess practice learning and support quality student placements.
Ability to develop stakeholder partnerships and design and evaluate community-engaged interventions.
Effective academic and professional communication skills, including the ability to work in multilingual and culturally diverse contexts.
Ability to provide academic guidance, recognise student support needs and facilitate appropriate referrals.
Strong planning, coordination and academic administration skills.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrate professional integrity, ethical conduct, sound judgement and accountability.
Work independently with initiative, self-motivation and responsibility.
Collaborate effectively with colleagues, students and external partners.
Build respectful interpersonal relationships and demonstrate a responsive, supportive service orientation.
Communicate clearly and sensitively across multilingual and culturally diverse environments.
Respect diversity and promote inclusive, equitable engagement.
Apply analytical thinking, creativity and sound judgement to problem-solving.
Manage time, prioritise responsibilities and meet deadlines through effective planning and organisation.
Provide constructive support and mentoring to students and colleagues.
Demonstrate adaptability and openness to feedback, innovation and continuous professional learning.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Dr Christiaan Bekker (016) 910 3418

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Vuyi Ramahvulela (018) 299 4904

CLOSING DATE: 26 October 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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