Lecturer - Social Services

Candid Jobs; Dunedin; Remote; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Otago Polytechnic invites applications for a Lecturer in the Bachelor of Social Services. The role involves designing and delivering engaging courses, facilitating inclusive learning environments, and assessing ākonga work while supporting placements and pastoral care.

The successful candidate will bring practical social services experience, a Te Tiriti-informed approach to teaching, and strong communication skills to foster student success and curriculum development.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in social services or related field.
• Substantial industry experience in social services.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice and education.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good digital literacy with Word and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Designing and delivering course content within the Bachelor of Social Services programme.
• Facilitating engaging and inclusive learning environments.
• Assessing and marking ākonga work.
• Engaging with key stakeholders and organising ākonga placements.
• Providing academic guidance and pastoral care to ākonga.
• Contributing to curriculum development and ongoing programme improvement.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Digital literacy

Microsoft Office

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in social services

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Teams

Job description

# Lecturer - Social ServicesOtago Polytech* Dunedin, Otago* Listed 1 week ago* Closes 9 November 2026Full timeEducation, Tertiary## DescriptionPermanent 0.8FTE and fixed term 0.2FTE until December 2028Tēnā koutou katoaKo wai mātou | About us as an organisationAt Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/Otago Polytechnic, we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining kaimahi (staff) who are passionate, creative, future-focused and dedicated to help set the direction for quality vocational and applied learning to meet tomorrow’s needs.We are guided by our values and we are proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We aspire to create a working environment that is inclusive and meets the aspirations of mana whenua ensuring equity for Māori and increasing access for all.Mō te tūraka mahi | About the roleWe seek an experienced, passionate and motivated social service practitioner to join the Bachelor of Social Services team and create outstanding learning experiences for our ākonga / learners.As a Lecturer within the Bachelor of Social Services, you will design and deliver engaging, high-quality teaching using a range of blended learning approaches. You will support ākonga from diverse backgrounds fostering critical thinking, reflective practice and professional capability.Your role will include:· Designing and delivering course content within the Bachelor of Social Services programme· Facilitating engaging and inclusive learning environments· Assessing and marking ākonga work· Engaging with key stakeholders and organising ākonga placements· Providing academic guidance and pastoral care to ākonga· Contributing to curriculum development and ongoing programme improvement.Ko wai koe | About youYou are an enthusiastic and experienced social service practitioner who is committed to upholding Te Tiriti in your mahi / work and passionate about developing the next generation of professionals. You bring both credibility from your practice experience and the ability to translate this into meaningful learning.You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification in social services (or a closely related field), along with substantial industry experience and links. You will have a strong understanding of current theories, frameworks, and contemporary issues impacting the social services sector.To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:· A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in practice and education· Proven experience working in the social services field· The ability to engage and support diverse ākonga· Strong communication and relationship-building skills· Good digital literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Teams)· A current driver’s licence.### Desirable· Registration with a professional body such as the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), Social Work Registration Board (SWRB), Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ) or equivalent· Previous tertiary teaching experience and/or a teaching qualificationNZAC-registered Counsellors, we’d especially love to hear from you. We’re looking for someone who can ideally join us full-time, or close to full-time, and bring strong professional counselling expertise to our team. If you’re passionate about supporting learners to thrive, this could be a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference.The successful applicant will uphold our organisation’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by continuing to develop their understanding of our obligations and strengthening our connection as individuals and as an organisation.Through recognition, empowerment, and inclusion, you will contribute to addressing inequities and improving outcomes for Māori, Pasifika, disabled people and their whānau.You will demonstrate sound health and safety practices and thrive in a collaborative team environment. You will be confident building and maintaining relationships and communicating effectively across a range of contexts, including email, phone, and face-to-face.Tono ināianei | Apply nowFor specific information, contact Katrina Le Cong, Head of School 0800 762 786 or [e-mail] a position description or to apply please click on the link.Applications close 5pm, Monday 9 November 2026bss-lecturer-profile-and-expectations-november-2026.pdf## To applyIf this role is of interest, use the Apply button on this page and follow the employer's steps.To be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in New Zealand, with valid work rights.