"Assistant Professor (2 positions) - Micro-level Direct Practice, BSW Program"

The Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work (FSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University invites applications for two Assistant Professor tenure-track faculty positions commencing July 1, 2026, with an emphasis on micro-level direct practice, subject to budgetary approval. These positions are located on the Brantford campus in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.

BSW program at Laurier is a generalist program preparing students for a variety of social work practice contexts. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes familiarity with micro, mezzo, and macro practices with individuals, families, and communities by examining various critical issues such as health, gender and sexuality, migration and forced displacement, poverty, violence, disability, and child welfare.

Position Description
We are seeking two scholar-practitioners with direct practice social work experience, an emerging program of research, and demonstrated teaching effectiveness. The ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:

Direct Practice Expertise: Direct practice experience (at least 3 years or more) in social work settings is required. All applicants must be able to reflect a deep understanding of the complexities involved in direct practice social work and demonstrate an ability to apply evidence-based interventions effectively. This might include reflection on their integration of a social justice praxis in their direct practice.

Research Interests: While the specific focus of the candidates’ research program is open, research aligning with current and emerging trends and challenges related to critical gerontology, mental health, substance use, social work interventions, and/or Indigenous [FNMI] social work practices would be an asset.

Social Work Teaching Experience: The teaching load for this position is a maximum of four courses during the academic year (Fall and Winter terms, with possibility for Spring/Summer term). BSW courses are mainly taught in-person as part of our on-campus program, though the opportunity to teach virtual synchronous courses may also exist (in Spring term); there may also be opportunities to teach in the graduate programs (MSW on-campus and online programs) and/or the doctoral program. The candidates must demonstrate teaching experience and effectiveness in direct practice with individuals, families, or groups, and/or Indigenous [FMNI] social work pedagogies using critical approaches and pedagogies. The successful candidates will apply principles of social justice in their teaching and demonstrate in their teaching dossier how their approach to social work education is collaborative, student-centered, and relational. We encourage candidates to demonstrate how their practice area and previous teaching experience would support and complement a generalist BSW program. Undergraduate and online teaching experience will be considered an asset.

Community Building and Service: We are a close-knit program and campus in Brantford. We are seeking colleagues who are excited to join us in our engagement and community building within Laurier, Laurier Brantford, and the broader Brantford/Brant/Six Nations of the Grand River communities. The successful candidates will demonstrate how their professional or scholarly interests and expertise could contribute to our community-based partnerships and growth. The successful candidates will be expected to serve on BSW, FSW, and university standing committees, and participate in supervising and/or mentoring undergraduate and graduate students engaged in research.

Qualifications
The successful applicants will (1) hold at least one social work degree (BSW or MSW), (2) hold a PhD, completed or ABD with a clear path to completion; applicants who have not yet completed their PhD are expected to be within 1 year of completing their degree, and, are encouraged to describe their stage of study in the cover letter (e.g., time until defence, defence date), (3) have a minimum of 3 years professional, employment-based social work experience, (4) have an active and/or promising program of research, with a record of publication and knowledge dissemination/translation consistent with career stage and goals, a clear future research agenda, and (5) have at least one year or equivalent post-secondary teaching experience in social work, with a demonstrated record of excellence.

Application Package
Applicants should send:
1. Letter of application highlighting accomplishments and strengths in relation to the position description and requirements, as well as a list of BSW courses the applicant could teach given their teaching interests and expertise;
2. Curriculum vitae;
3. Statement of research (up to 2 pages) highlighting current and future research program noting evidence of research outcomes and works in progress (i.e., publications, knowledge mobilization, conference presentations, community scholarly engagement, ), grants, and/or methodological training;
4. Teaching dossier consisting of a teaching philosophy (up to 2 pages), two samples of course syllabi (please note if developed by the candidate), and evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., peer teaching evaluations, unsolicited student feedback, contextualized student teaching evaluations, and/or examples of professional teaching development). If submitting student teaching evaluations as evidence of effective teaching, applicants are encouraged to provide context and critical commentary of any raw data provided; we recognize these measures can be biased or flawed;
5. One-page statement reflecting how the candidate’s positionalities, commitments, and actions seek to promote EDI and decolonization through their teaching/pedagogy, practice, research, and service; and
6. Two academic letters of reference should be sent in confidence by the candidate’s referees to fswrecruit@wlu.ca by the application deadline, March 15, 2026. Candidates can direct their referees to send their letter to the attention of FSW Search Committee Chair, Dr. Jennifer Root.

To Apply
Submit the application package through the Wilfrid Laurier University job portal by clicking on the APPLY NOW button (top right, bottom right). The full application package should also be sent to fswrecruit@wlu.ca no later than the deadline.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm EST on March 15, 2026.

Anticipated Salary Range: $75,000 to $115,000. Actual salary to be commensurate with experience.