Senior Lecturer in Social Work

Position Details

• Continuing position | Full time
• Academic Level C | AU$141,370 - $ 162,619 pa | 17% Superannuation
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Position:
Flinders University is entering an exciting period of innovation and growth in Social Work education under its Impact. With Purpose Agenda 2035, with a strong focus on student success, research excellence, and community impact. We are seeking a Senior Lecturer in Social Work to provide academic leadership across teaching, research, engagement, and service, contributing to the continued growth and reputation of the discipline.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Social Work education through innovative teaching, impactful research, and meaningful engagement with industry, government, and community partners. You will play a key role in delivering contemporary undergraduate and postgraduate programs, leading field education initiatives, advancing research that informs policy and practice, and fostering partnerships that strengthen student learning and community impact.

In this position, you will:

• Inspire the next generation of social workers through innovative teaching, authentic learning, and contemporary curriculum design.
• Advance knowledge that creates real-world impact through research, collaboration, and engagement with the social work and human services sectors.
• Build strong partnerships that enrich field education, strengthen professional networks, and prepare graduates for contemporary practice.
• Shape the future of Social Work through academic leadership, mentoring, and contributions to accreditation and quality enhancement.

This position is open to national and international candidates, and relocation and visa support is available.

About You
You are an accomplished Social Work academic with a passion for teaching excellence, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement. You thrive in collaborative environments and are committed to preparing graduates who can respond to the complex social challenges facing individuals, families, and communities. You are an inclusive and inspiring leader who values innovation, collegiality, and continuous improvement, and who is motivated to make a lasting contribution to the Social Work profession.

You will demonstrate:

• A PhD in Social Work or a closely related discipline (or an equivalent qualification), together with eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
• A strong record of excellence in teaching, curriculum development, accreditation, and academic leadership across undergraduate and postgraduate Social Work programs.
• An active and impactful research profile, including high-quality scholarly publications, research collaborations, and success in attracting competitive research funding.
• Experience in field education and developing productive partnerships with community, government, industry, and professional stakeholders.

Life at Flinders
They say know your place. We say you've found it right here.

Flinders University was founded on the belief that learning should open minds, celebrate individuality and give people the freedom to pursue their own point of view. That spirit lives on in our community of thinkers, doers and changemakers who challenge convention, and each other, to shape what comes next.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.

So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).
• Recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment
Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• Flinders University will require a current completed Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Gender Based Violence Declaration which is satisfactory to the University. The contract of Employment is conditional upon the receipt of these completed compliance checks. A disclosable outcome will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.
• In addition, it is a requirement of this position that the incumbent maintain a current Working With Children Check which is satisfactory to the University in accordance with the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA).

How to Apply and Information

• To apply online, please visit the Jobs@Flinders website via the job portal: JR0000016456 Senior Lecturer in Social Work.
• You are required to submit a CV, along with a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the below Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Professor Kathomi Gatwiri.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Monday, 24 August 2026.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.