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. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place in all corners of our campus through research, learning, teaching, community building and outreach. We are guided by the work of our Reconciliation and Re-storying Steering Committee and Anti-Racism and Decolonization Spokescouncil, as well as the University of Waterloo’s Office of Indigenous Relations
Renison invites applications for the position of sessional instructor during the Winter 2026 semester in the School of Social Work.
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 and global engagement through our School of Social Sciences and Humanities and community engagement in our non-degree programs, through our School of Global Engagement and 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 sessional teaching opportunity in the BSW Program for the Winter 2026 term (January start date).
The School of Social Work prepares social work practitioners through an accessible and inclusive curriculum, at both baccalaureate and master’s 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:
This job call is looking specifically for an individual to teach SWREN 470R - Mental Health Landscape, Concepts, and Practice Approaches. The course is offered as a blended learning course that is primarily online during the Winter 2026 term.
Course description:
As a student in this course, you will explore, understand, and apply different knowledges, worldviews, and intervention frameworks related to distress, mental health, and substance use, including national policy frameworks and Indigenous approaches to wellness and healing. Key topics in mental health and substance use are considered including trauma and trauma-informed services, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented principles and services as they are relevant to social work practice. You will be introduced to community- and peer-based approaches to distress and recovery.
Requirements:
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. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
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 October 28, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.
Further enquiries can be directed to Dr Trish Van Katwyk at pvankatw@uwaterloo.ca
