Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
School of Social Work
Lakehead University, invites applications for a Contract Lecturer in the School of Social Work. Applications are requested to teach:
SOWK 4919 SDE – Adult Mental Health (Web Based) (Spring)
Mental illness and mental health problems significantly impact the lives of most social work clients, irrespective of setting (social services, child welfare, health care, and private sector). This course will advance students’ understanding of adult clients who have mental health problems, and will examine a range of interventions aimed at enhancing their psychosocial functioning. Within this context, social work interventions and approaches in the area of adult mental health will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of the therapeutic alliance, the use of self, and self-reflection for effective clinical work in the field of adult mental health. This course will focus on clinical social work practice in adult mental health.
Start Date/Duration: May 4, 2026 to May 25, 2026
Monday - Friday
SOWK 3439 ADE – Living with Grief and Loss (Web Based) (Summer)
A study of the human grief process, whether it is due to bereavement or other significant life losses, and effective ways to support people in adapting to their new reality. Both normal and complicated grief will be considered. The course is relevant to studies in the human services, gerontology, education and health care.
Start Date/Duration: July 2, 2025 to July 23, 2025
Monday - Friday
Please note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Instructors should refer to the online timetable prior to the start of classes.
Qualifications Preferred: PhD in Social Work or MSW, RSW with 10 years’ experience in related field. Experience with experiential learning and online or alternative modes of delivery is highly desired.
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.
For further information, please contact Dr. Les Fleischer. Detailed information on the School of Social Work and our programs is available at: www.lakeheadu.ca.
Review of applications will begin on February 23, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) should include: a curriculum vitae, statement of teaching interests and/or evidence of teaching effectiveness. A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form must accompany your package. We encourage applicants with the Right of First Refusal (as outlined in article 19.03.02 of the LUFA/LU Collective Agreement) to indicate their status in their application.
Applicants should submit their electronic application to:
School of Social Work
Lakehead University
500 University Avenue
Orillia, ON. L3V 0B9
Attn: Dr. Les Fleischer, Director
E-mail: social.work@lakeheadu.ca
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.cato make appropriate arrangements.
This position is subject to budgetary approval.