Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Social Work

Full job description About the job Interview date: 17 January 2025 An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Social Work team at UON. We are ideally looking to appoint a Senior Lecturer who is a qualified and registered social worker with professional experience working with children and families and in higher education. While we will consider applications from people who meet the person specification for a Lecturer, we are particularly interested in someone who will be able to lead the BA(Hons) Social Work. The successful candidate will contribute to all aspects of teaching and learning, including leading modules, developing teaching material, and supervising research. A Practice Educator qualification will be beneficial as the successful candidate will need to support placements, provide mentoring and coaching and lead on skills development. We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy. This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed. About you We are looking for someone who is focused on providing high quality research informed teaching and learning opportunities for a diverse range of students. A good understanding of the field of social work is important. Successful experience of Social Work practice, ideally in a children and families setting is important, as is experience in supervising or mentoring students. They must be committed to their own professional development, flexible, responsive to change, have good interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively as a member of different teams. A high standard of oral and written communication skills is essential. They will need to demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practice and inter-professional education. The ability to manage competing demands, work to deadlines and travel are essential. Evidence of working in virtual environments and leading in a Higher Education context and will be beneficial. Qualifications Essential;

• Degree qualification or equivalent in relevant subject
• Master’s degree in relevant subject (for Senior Lecturer, desirable for Lecturer)
• Relevant professional qualification in Social Work

Desirable;

• Practice Educator qualification
• Doctorate in relevant subject, completed or within 12 months of completion
• Professional Recognition as HEA Fellow (D2) or teaching qualification recognised by HESA, or willingness to obtain within an agreed timescale

Faculty Social work programmes currently are part of the Childhood Youth and Families (CYF) Subject Area. CYF is research active subject area that aims to inspire a reflexive and self-directed community of learners that challenge inequity and empower change. The team comprises of academics with a range of professional backgrounds in social care, health and education. Social work has a strong focus on working with local organisations to provide high quality learning opportunities. About Us At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff. Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best. Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference. Right to Work All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview. The University can consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position subject to eligibility requirements of the points-based system being met. Equality We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships. Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change. Commitments Include:

• Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.

• Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.

• Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON