Sessional - Faculty (SOCW 4400) - ()

Thompson Rivers University; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Kamloops is seeking a sessional lecturer for the course SOCW 4400: Social Work and Mental Health in Fall 2025. The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree in Social Work and demonstrate professional experience in mental health. This role emphasizes culturally appropriate teaching and the integration of Indigenous knowledge. Applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds and are valued at this inclusive university.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of professional experience in a social work capacity in mental health.
• Successful teaching experience in post-secondary institutions preferred.
• Ability to develop culturally appropriate curricula required.

Responsibilities

• Teach course SOCW 4400: Social Work and Mental Health.
• Integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods.
• Support student capacity for empathy and mutual respect.

Skills

Integrating Indigenous knowledge

Intercultural understanding

Teaching excellence

Education

Master's degree in Social Work

Doctorate in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

The School of Social Work and Human Service (Faculty of Education and Social Work) at Thompson Rivers University invites applications for a sessional lecturer to teach the course SOCW 4400: Social Work and Mental Health (3.0.0) in Fall 2025. This course is delivered face to face in person at the Kamloops campus.

SOCW 4610 Calendar Description

Students are introduced to the practice of social work in the field of mental health by critically examining historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on mental illness, Canadian mental health law and policy, cultural and diversity aspects, classification and treatment, ethical issues and an exploration of additional selected mental health problems. The course is intended to provide introductory foundational knowledge in the field of mental health rather than advanced knowledge and skills that are required for mental health practice.

Educational Objectives / Learning Outcomes

1. A beginning understanding of mental health concepts and issues related to the practice of social work
2. A critical analysis of contemporary perspectives regarding mental health / mental illness including: biopsychosocial, feminist, strengths, social constructionism and multi-systemic.
3. A critical understanding of diagnostic categories, labels, stigma and social exclusion associated with mental illness
4. A beginning understanding of mental health and wellness concepts for Aboriginal peoples
5. An analysis of gender, class, culture and diversity in relation to mental health;
6. An understanding of what it means to practice in anti-oppressive ways in the mental health field
7. An understanding of current Canadian mental health policy and legal issues;
8. An understanding of selected forms of mental health difficulties;
9. A beginning understanding of mental health practice issues and therapeutic methods including the use of psychotropic medications;
10. An understanding of the specific role of social work in the field of mental health including professional roles, ethics and interdisciplinary practice;
11. An appreciation of the real experience of individuals and families who have experienced issues of mental health and illness.

About Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campuses are on the traditional lands of the Secwpemc (Kamloops campus) and Texelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwpemculucw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwpemc people. Our region also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka'pamux, Nuxalk, Tsilhqot’in, Dakelh and Métis peoples.

For over 50 years TRU has provided education to students with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. TRU aims to serve Indigenous students and offers on-campus, regional and online programs. TRU serves students and faculty from across Canada and Kamloops (the Secwepemc word for this area: Tkemlups, meeting of the waters). The main campus overlooks the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers, which is the source of the university name.

TRU is a comprehensive, learner-centered, environmentally responsible institution serving regional, national and international learners through high quality and flexible education, training, research and scholarship. TRU offers more than 140 on-campus programs and 50 Open Learning programs. More than 28,500 students study on campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake or through Open Learning. The university emphasizes research, creation and innovation in an open, flexible learning environment. TRU has earned Platinum and the highest overall sustainability score in the AASHE STARS report.

TRU is the 4th largest university in British Columbia, and is a member of the Research Universities Council of British Columbia. The Kamloops campus is a midsize modern campus in Kamloops, a city of about 100,000 located about three hours by car from Vancouver or 45 minutes by air. Kamloops offers natural beauty, pleasant climate, amenities, culture, friendliness and affordability.

To learn more about living in Kamloops and about Thompson Rivers University, please visit our Web Site: Living in Kamloops and working at the TRU.

The TRU School of Social Work and Human Service

The School of Social Work and Human Service offers a wide range of academic programs to approximately 250 students on two campuses and more than 100 students through Open Learning. Programs include: Bachelor of Social Work, the Human Service Diploma, Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate (offered at both the Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses), the Social Service Worker Certificate (offered through Open Learning), and the Human Service Diploma (offered through Open Learning). The School also has plans to offer a Master of Social Work degree. In accordance with the university’s equity plan, members of designated groups (Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, women and members of visible minorities) are encouraged to apply and self-identify.

Requirements

Education and Practice Experience: A Master’s degree in Social Work is required, while an earned Doctorate in a relevant field in addition to a graduate credential in Social Work is preferred. Successful teaching experience in post-secondary institutions is preferred. A minimum of five years of professional experience working in a social work capacity in mental health is required.

Professional Qualities: An ability to demonstrate experience integrating Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods (TRC CA 62) is required. Proven skills in building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect (TRC CA 63) is required. Teaching excellence including developing culturally appropriate curricula (TRC CA 10) is required. Candidates must provide evidence of their ability to commit to creating time and space for relationships based on respect as human beings, supporting and embracing differences with kindness, love and respect (NIMMIWG 15.7).

Key Skills: Cement Plant, Animal Care, API, HR Recruitment, Accident Investigation

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1