Lecturer in Social Work (Children and Families)

Based within the College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences, in the School of Social Work and Social Care

Full time, fixed term contract June 2027

Salary range: $114,917 to $135,932 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters

This role contributes to the development of future Social Work professionals through high-quality teaching, research, and community engagement. With a focus on contemporary Social Work practice supporting children and families, you will help shape socially responsive graduates while contributing to research that creates meaningful impact across communities.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description below to discover more about this opportunity.

The team

The School of Social Work and Social Care delivers accredited programs underpinned by human rights, practice-based learning, and evidence-informed knowledge. Through strong connections with community, the sector, and the broader College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences, the School drives meaningful teaching, research, and engagement that supports positive social outcomes.

Reporting to the Dean of Social Work and Social Care, you will join a collaborative and supportive academic team committed to teaching excellence, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement.

Visit the AU website to learn more about the School of Social Work and Social Care.

Our people

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing teaching, research, and community impact within a collaborative academic environment. You will work alongside passionate educators and researchers committed to improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

Essential

• A PhD in a social sciences discipline relevant to social work/human services and eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers
• Demonstrated expertise, knowledge and a commitment to the contemporary practice of Social Work, with an emphasis on work with children and families
• Demonstrated capacity and commitment to high quality, flexible teaching and learning outcomes, in both traditional and contemporary modes of delivery
• Commitment to a program of research that demonstrates experience in writing for publication, preparation of research grant applications and success in attracting research income commensurate with opportunity
• Experience in the supervision of honours students to timely completion
• Demonstrated high standard of interpersonal ability, written and oral communication skills and the ability to work as a member of a diverse team
• Demonstrated ability to develop high quality course materials and educational publications, as well as deliver presentations at seminars/conferences
• High level administrative and organisational skills including demonstrated experience using information systems that support teaching and course administration

Desirable

• Demonstrated academic leadership experience

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Launch your future with Adelaide University now

Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload:

• your current CV
• a cover letter

The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.

Submit your application by 11:30pm Sunday 24 May 2026

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 492980):

Georgia Borg
Recruitment Consultant
+61 8 8302 1700 | careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.