Lecturer - Social Work

About Polytechnic Institute Australia:

Founded in 2010, Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) is a leading Institute of Higher Education accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). With campuses in Melbourne CBD, Geelong, Parramatta and Sydney CBD, PIA is a registered provider of courses for international students through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

We are committed to fostering a creative, supportive, and inclusive culture, PIA empowers students to achieve their professional aspirations while providing a safe and enriching learning environment tailored to real-world success.

Why your role matters:

As a Lecturer in Social Work at the Polytechnic Institute of Australia, you will contribute to the preparation of future social work professionals through engaging, practice-informed, and student-centred teaching and learning in line with AASW Practice Standards, ASWEAS, and institutional quality assurance requirements. This role emphasises the integration of theory, policy, and applied practice to ensure graduates are practice ready and aligned with contemporary professional standards.

The role involves a range of teaching and learning activities including curriculum development and teaching across online and in-person learning modes, across undergraduate and graduate programs. We welcome applicants with demonstrated teaching and practice capabilities in one or more of the following areas:

• Individual, group, and community work grounded in principles of social justice and empowerment

• Child and family welfare, including trauma-informed and safety-oriented practice

• Practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities

• Applied social work practice linking theory, policy, and organisational contexts

• Field education and applied practice experience

• Social work research across qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches

• Critical policy analysis and systems advocacy approaches.

Employment Status: Full-Time / Part-Time / Casual

Reporting to: Head of Discipline, Social Work

Location: Melbourne/Geelong Campus

What you'll do:

In this role you will:

• Develop and deliver high-quality teaching across undergraduate human service and graduate Social Work courses

• Design and implement applied learning experiences that prepare students for professional practice

• Embed practice-based skills, simulations, research capability, and field education into the curriculum

• Design, assess, and moderate learning tasks that support the progressive development of knowledge, skills, values, and professional judgement

• Contribute to curriculum review, subject improvement, and accreditation-related quality processes

• Support diverse student cohorts through inclusive, culturally responsive, and student-centred teaching practices

• Foster student employability through engagement with industry, community organisations, and professional networks

• Contribute to scholarship in learning and teaching, particularly in areas relevant to social work practice and policy

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• A Doctoral or Master's qualification in Social Work (or equivalent professional standing with substantial industry experience)

• Substantial industry experience in social work practice is defined as a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in the field

• Eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more applied areas of social work practice

• Demonstrated experience teaching social work or closely related human service disciplines in higher education, including delivery across blended, online, and face‑to‑face modes.

• A minimum of 3-5 years of higher education teaching experience is required

• A strong commitment to student-centred, practice-informed teaching and learning

• Experience supporting diverse student cohorts, including international students, students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and students requiring academic or pastoral support.

• Experience in curriculum development, and contributing to quality assurance and accreditation processes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and engage respectfully across disciplines and communities

Desirable:

• Experience embedding simulations, case‑based learning, or practice‑based assessment approaches within curriculum design.

• Evidence of contribution to subject coordination and accreditation‑related activities aligned with AASW Education and Accreditation Standards.

• Experience contributing to scholarship of teaching and learning, applied research, or practice‑informed publications relevant to social work education or human services.

• Experience supervising and assessing students in field education, including liaison with placement agencies, field educators, and industry partners.

• Demonstrated involvement in professional service, such as participation in discipline committees, course review panels, industry consultation, or community engagement initiatives.

• Experience using learning technologies (e.g. online assessment tools, digital simulations) to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Apply Now:

PIA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value diversity in all its forms and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or age. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

All employees must hold and maintain a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the duration of their employment.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening and probity checks, which will include reference checks and declarations relating to any relevant findings from workplace investigations or disciplinary action.

Workplace Culture and Values:

Our institution is committed to academic excellence, student success, and innovation in learning. PIA employees are required to act in accordance with PIA's values and behaviours of:

• Accountability

• Collegiality

• Commitment

• Recognition

• Respect

• Trust

If you meet the criteria above, you will have a great opportunity to join PIA.

For a confidential discussion about this role please contact Dr. Victoria Dessau, MSW Course Coordinator at vic•••••@pia.edu.au. Please provide your application with a Cover Letter and CV addressed to the People and Culture Manager at hr•@pia.edu.au. Recruitment period will close on the 30th June 2026.

PIA reserves the right to withdraw, amend or close an advertised position at any stage of the recruitment process.