Lecturer Social Work in Forensic Practice

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university in Potchefstroom is seeking a Lecturer in Social Work to develop teaching, supervise research, and contribute to community service. The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree in Forensic Practice with a strong academic record. You will play a key role in developing study materials, facilitating learning sessions, and engaging in research initiatives. This position also requires supervision of postgraduate students and participation in academic leadership within the faculty. Competitive remuneration packages are aligned with university policies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with an average of 70% or above required.
• Registered as Social Worker with the SACSSP.
• At least one year of Social Work practice experience.
• South African citizen and 40 years or younger.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
• Supervise research for postgraduate students.
• Engage in community service as scholarly practice.
• Participate in faculty and school committees.

Skills

Evidence-based approach

Excellent communication skills

Language proficiency

Computer literacy

Education

Master of Social Work in Forensic Practice

Tools

Microsoft Office

Software for data analysis

Job description

Overview

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Potchefstroom

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

About Our Company

NWU

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES POSITION NUMBER: P003267 VACANCY: LECTURER: SOCIAL WORK – FORENSIC PRACTICE (nGAP) PEROMNES GRADE: A8 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

NOTE: THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED NEED NOT RE-APPLY AS THE UNIVERSITY HAS YOUR APPLICATION.

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Appointing a Lecturer to contribute towards undergraduate and post graduate teaching, practice supervision of students and research supervision of post graduate students in the subject group Social Work, specifically Forensic Practice.

Since this is an nGAP position, the candidate will be expected to register for and complete his/her doctoral studies, participate successfully in the DHET's Staffing South Africa's Universities Development Programme, and work under the supervision of an appointed mentor. To achieve the developmental aims of the programme, the nGAP employee will have a reduced teaching load over the first four years of their appointment.

Key Responsibilities

• Teaching and learning, including higher degree supervision — Engaged teaching and learning on both under- and post graduate levels: Develop study material, facilitate contact sessions, internal and external moderation and assessment.
• Research and innovation — Engaged research: Supervision of post graduate students; internal and external examination of post graduate research dissertations and/or theses; participation in the applicable research entity and publication of articles. Independent research and sharing of expertise with diverse communities of practice and enquiry.
• Social responsiveness and industry involvement — Maintain involvement in community service as a scholarly practice. Execute activities by which discipline-based skills and knowledge are made relevant to the community.
• Academic leadership, management, and administration — Participate in faculty and school committees.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master of Social Work in Forensic Practice (NQF level 9). The master’s degree must be achieved with an average of 70% or above. Please attach proof of the results in your application.
• Registered as Social Worker with the SACSSP.
• A minimum of one (1) year generic Social Work practice experience - direct practice and/or Social Work supervisory/ managerial.
• Applicants must be SA citizens and 40 years or younger of age.

Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)

Should you not have a Master of Social Work in Forensic Practice, please submit your PoE to [e-mail]. Your PoE must include:

• Training or workshops in Forensic Social Work attended and facilitated.
• Roles that the applicant played in Forensic Social Work in Parental Responsibility and Rights or sexual abuse.
• Interventions and research done in Forensic Social Work.
• Advanced knowledge applied skills and competence in Forensic Social Work.
• Understanding of legislation and policies applicable to Forensic Social Work.
• Report writing and expert testimony in SA courts within Forensic Social Work.
• Competency in identification and critical analysis in Forensic Social Work issues.
• Intervention processes in Forensic Social Work.

Added Advantage & Preference

• A minimum of one (1) year teaching and learning experience in blended contact sessions with university students.
• A minimum of one (1) year’s research and innovation experience as an emerging researcher showing interest in Forensic Practice.

Key Functional/ Technical Competencies

• Ability and experience to work from an evidence-based approach in Social Work.
• Excellent communication skills (verbally and written).
• Demonstration of language proficiency to function optimally in the various multilingual environments of the NWU.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft office, e-mails, power point, software for data analysis).

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to use e-media for teaching, studying and communication.
• The ability to work well independently as well as in a team.
• Good time management and ability to work well under pressure.

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries regarding job content may be directed to: Prof. Karel Botha on 018 299 1726

Enquiries regarding recruitment process may be directed to: Ms. Janine Da Gama on 016 910 3451

Closing Date: 09 February 2026

Planned commencement of duties: As soon as possible

Important Note

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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