Orillia Campus (14)

Application Deadline: June 17, 2026

School of Social Work

Lakehead University, Orillia Campus, invites applications for a Contract Lecturer in the School of Social Work. Applications are requested to teach:

SOWK 1100 YAO – Introduction to Social Welfare

An in-depth exploration of the experience of poverty and Canada’s social welfare system – specifically the income security programs offere as part of that system. We will examine the income security-related social policy and social programs that underlie the Canadian social welfare system. Attention is given to the history of society's response to meeting human need and to the various philosophical and theoretical perspectives and motivations for social welfare. We will look at how the social welfare system works, how it became what it is today, who makes decisions about it, what theories and approaches inform those decisions, and why certain vulnerable populations within our society are more likely to make use of it. Attention will be given to key concepts including oppression and social justice.

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to April 6, 2027

Mondays, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

SOWK 2011 FAO – Foundations of Social Work Practice

An introduction to the foundational theoretical and practice dimensions that contribute to and define the profession of social work. The social contexts and challenges of individuals, groups, and communities will be considered by reference to several of the diverse populations served by social work. An introduction will be provided to the broad range of service approaches that support a generalist social work practice in Canadian society.

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to December 8, 2026

Mondays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

SOWK 2012 WAO – Human Development

An introduction to theories and concepts that have been developed to explain human development from birth through to old age. An exploration of the physical, cognitive, socio-emotional and relational aspects of development over the lifespan. The major emphasis of the course is on the implications of developmental issues for social work practice.

Start Date/Duration: January 4, 2027 to April 6, 2027

Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

SOWK 3100 YAO – Social Work Interviewing & Communication Skills

Provides students with the opportunity to understand and learn foundational skills of communication and clinical interviewing as part of their emerging social work practice. In addition, students will learn about the professional and ethical use of self in their social work practice. One's values, attitudes and beliefs as well as an understanding, appreciation and respect for cultural diversity will be emphasized. Students will be introduced to the fundamental components of an intake/assessment interview and write-up, treatment planning, the process of change, and termination. Particular attention is devoted to the importance of the therapeutic alliance, relationship, and communication/ listening skills. Also, selected major theoretical models and evidence based theoretical concepts that enhance clinical social work practice/interviewing will be addressed. The course will also introduce students to the major mental health/clinical issues clients typically present and will discuss their impact on clinical interviewing.

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to April 6, 2027

Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

SOWK 3401 FAO – Theory of Social Work Practice I

This professional practice theory course is designed to provide students with an introduction to selected major clinical theories that inform clinical social work practice with individuals and families. Students are introduced to how these clinical theories can enhance social work practice.

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to December 8, 2026

Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

SOWK 4212 FBO – Social Policy and Social Welfare

Examination of in-depth approaches to policy making and critical analysis of selected welfare policies in Canada on municipal, provincial and national levels.

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to December 8, 2026

Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

SOWK 4407 FAO – Social Work Interview & Communication Skills I & II

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to December 8, 2026

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

SOWK 4407 FBO – Social Work Interview & Communication Skills I & II

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to December 8, 2026

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

SOWK 4411 FAO – Social Work Practice and Indigenous Peoples

Designed to promote an awareness, understanding, and appreciation for Indigenous peoples. Emphasis will be on culture, values, beliefs, and appropriate intervention strategies for social workers in terms of knowledge, skills, and methods. Issues of social policy, programs and services, and the practice of social work in Indigenous communities will be explored. Indigenous involvement, participation, and culture are important dimensions to this course.

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to December 8, 2026

Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

SOWK 4610 FDE – Identity, Diversity & Anti-Discriminatory Practice (Fall) (Web Based)

Focuses on diverse identities and the role of culture in social work practice. The role of systematic inequalities, oppression, privilege, and power in relation to social work practice will be examined.

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to December 8, 2026

SOWK/GERO 3439 WDE – Living with Grief and Loss (Winter) (Web Based)

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: January 4, 2027 to April 6, 2027

SOWK 3630 WDE – Social Work Practice with Children and Families (Winter) (Web Based)

Designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge and clinical skills relating to social work practice with families incorporating a variety of family and child therapies.

Start Date/Duration: January 4, 2027 to April 6, 2027

SOWK/WOME 4213 WDE – Violence and Social Work Practice (Winter) (Web Based)

Examining issues regarding societal violence, social policy and social work practice with the implications for individuals, families, groups and communities. Special issues include structural violence, family violence, safer communities, and violent offenders.

Start Date/Duration: January 4, 2027 to April 6, 2027

SOWK 5514 FAO – Social Work Theory for Advanced Generalist Practice

A critical assessment of social work practice theory. Within this analytical framework, consideration is given to such areas of diversity as sexual orientation, racial and ethnic plurality, gender construction, ability, age, socioeconomic class, and regionalism. Theories applicable to advanced generalist practice may include clinical work with individuals, families or groups; community development, social service administration, social policy research, and social planning.

Start Date/Duration: September 8, 2026 to December 8, 2026

Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

SOWK 5112 WAO – Advanced Studies in Mental Health

Current knowledge regarding the interventions for the major clinical problems which people present for counselling (for example, depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders) will be critically examined from a social work perspective. Other topics include the social and political construction of diagnosis and treatment, and ethical issues in clinical practice. The intent is to prepare social workers for clinical practice in communities where they will be doing much of the front-line work of assessment and counselling.

Start Date/Duration: January 4, 2027 to April 6, 2027

Fridays, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

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.

Compensation

In accordance with Collective Agreement provisions, Contract Lecturers shall be remunerated at one of the three following levels:

Level 1: $8,355
Level 2: $8,590
Level 3: $9,059

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 June 18, 202and 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
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
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. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. 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.