Job Description

Renison University College, affiliated with the University of Waterloo, acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Renison is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometres on either side of the Grand River.

Respected as an inclusive community that values the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students, Renison is committed to engaged education for the well-being of the world, offering degree programs reflecting social engagement through the School of Social Work, and the Social Development Studies Department; global engagement through our Culture and Language Studies Department and community engagement in our non-degree programs, including the English Language Institute, through the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education. More information about the College is available on the Renison website

The School of Social Work at Renison University College (affiliated with the University of Waterloo) invites applicants for a part-time/sessional teaching opportunity in the BSW Program for the Winter 2024 term (January start date).

The School of Social Work prepares social work practitioners through an accessible and inclusive curriculum, at both baccalaureate and masters levels, in a learning environment that fosters caring and competent social work practice within regional, national and international contexts and embraces principles of justice, equality and respect for diversity.

Job opportunity:

The School of Social Work is searching for an individual to teach the following course:

• SWREN 411R: Indigenous Perspectives and Decolonizing Social Work Practice with Indigenous Peoples, an in-person course in the Bachelor of Social Work Program.
• Winter Term: January 2024 – April 2024
• Thursdays, 930 am – 12:30 pm

Course description:

This integrative practice course examines colonial impacts on social work policies and service delivery that have adversely affected Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Indigenous knowledges and the importance of cultural practices for healing and that are central to shifting colonial notions of ‘best interest’ are examined. Students will engage in a reflexive stance to encourage an inward gaze and analysis of the structural powers that work to sustain political, economic, environmental, and social injustices, as well the identification of actions towards decolonizing social work practices, relationships, and allyships with Indigenous Peoples.

We are looking for an instructor who is immersed in Indigenous perspectives and practices, who holds an MSW degree, and who is able to facilitate the following learning objectives:

• Develop an understanding of the historical and contemporary implications of colonial social, economic, political, and environmental policies on Indigenous peoples at regional and national levels.
• Identify and analyze structural and systemic forms of discrimination and oppression of Indigenous peoples.
• Articulate how Indigenous peoples’ knowledge and worldview contribute to well-being.
• Provide a critical analysis of oneself and what this means in relation to ethical, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist social work practice with Indigenous peoples.
• Provide a critical understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation process in relation to social work practice.

Qualifications

1. MSW degree
2. Minimum of five years practical experience in the field of Social Work, including social policy, and/or community engagement.
3. Experience in Indigenous perspectives and practices

Requirements:

• prepare and adhere to the academic course syllabus
• meet course learning objectives
• grade student assignments
• post reasonable office hours and be available to meet with students outside of class hours; and,
• submit final grades
• This course is taught in two sections. The successful candidate will be required to collaborate with the instructor of the other section to ensure alignment between the sections and their instructors.
• Use the University of Waterloo’s online course management system, LEARN, to facilitate teaching and learning

Application Instructions

Renison University College respects, appreciates, and actively encourages diversity. As part of Renison’s commitment to equity within the College, we welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals with diverse experiences based on race, ethnic origin, religion, age, colour, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability or disability, including women, 2SLGBTQ , Indigenous Peoples, and other visible minorities. While all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Renison is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all parts of the hiring process. Please contact a member of Renison’s Human Resources department with accommodation requests.

Applications will be treated confidentially. Application materials should be addressed to Dr Trish Van Katwyk and submitted online as PDF files through Interfolio.

Please include a complete curriculum vitae, a letter of application including a brief outline of your current and proposed program of research, teaching, and/or practice. Please provide the names of three potential referees, who will be contacted if your application moves forward; referees will not be contacted without your permission. The successful candidate will also be asked for consent to have an educational and a criminal records verification completed. The criminal records verification provides an indication of the existence of adult criminal convictions, for which a record suspension has not been granted, within the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records.

Review of applications will begin on Nov 10, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

Further enquiries can be directed to Dr Trish Van Katwyk at pvankatw@uwaterloo.ca