Job Description

Renison University College, affiliated with the University of Waterloo, acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Hodinohsyó:ni, and Attawandaran (Neutral) 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 the University of Waterloo’s Office of Indigenous Relations

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 our School of Social Work as well as community engagement in our non-credit 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 applications for a part-time/sessional lecturer opportunity in the Fall 2026 term.

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

• SWREN 434R – Selected Theories for Social Work Practice: Analysis and Application
• Fall 2026 (September to December 2026)
• In person on Thursdays, 1:30pm to 4:20pm

Compensation: The salary paid per term is $8910 plus vacation pay, based on qualifications and experience.

Course description:

This course focuses on the analysis and application of selected social work theories and practice methods within a generalist-eclectic approach to practice with diverse populations and across a variety of settings.

Students critically examine, compare, and evaluate a range of theories and approaches to social work practice. The course supports students in applying theoretical knowledge to practice situations while considering client needs, organizational environments, structural conditions, and their developing philosophies of social work practice.

Course content may include relational and attachment theories; individual and family development theories; cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches; narrative and expressive arts approaches; strengths and empowerment perspectives; anti-colonial and decolonial theories; feminist and queer theories; environmental and land-based approaches; critical race theory and anti-Black racism; and critical disability and Mad Studies.

Job duties include:

• Preparing and adhering to the approved academic course syllabus;
• Preparing and delivering weekly in-person classes;
• Using LEARN, the University of Waterloo’s online course-management system, to facilitate teaching and learning;
• Facilitating the achievement of the course learning objectives;
• Supporting students in critically analyzing and applying social work theories to practice situations;
• Developing, administering, and grading course assignments and other assessments;
• Providing timely and constructive feedback to students;
• Being available to meet with students outside scheduled class hours; and
• Submitting final grades in accordance with University and College deadlines.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A Master of Social Work degree;
• Registration, or eligibility for registration, with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers;
• A minimum of five years of relevant social work practice, teaching, research, policy, or community-engagement experience;
• Demonstrated knowledge of social work theories and their application to practice;
• Demonstrated ability to engage critically with structural, anti-oppressive, decolonial, and social justice-oriented approaches to social work; and
• Strong communication, facilitation, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The following qualifications would be considered assets:
• Previous post-secondary teaching experience;
• Experience teaching social work theory or social work practice courses;
• Experience teaching in an in-person, discussion-based learning environment;
• Familiarity with the University of Waterloo’s LEARN learning-management system; and
• A PhD or doctoral degree in social work or a related field.

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.

This position is open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

Renison is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Accommodation is 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. Edwin Ng, Interim Director, School of Social Work and submitted online as PDF files through Interfolio.

Please include a complete curriculum vitae, a letter of application outlining areas of relevant expertise, post-secondary teaching experience, and professional experience. 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 August 7, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Further enquiries can be directed to Dr. Edwin Ng, Interim Director, School of Social Work, Renison University College, edwin.ng@uwaterloo.ca

This posting is for an existing vacancy.