Social Work Forensic Practice Lecturer – Apply now!

JOB DETAILS

🏷️ Job Title: Lecturer: Social Work in Forensic Practice (nGAP)
🆔 Reference Number: P003267
📄 Employment Type: Permanent (nGAP Programme)
📍 Location: Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa
⏰ Closing Date: 9 February 2026
🏢 Company: North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus

🏛️ COMPANY OVERVIEW

North-West University (NWU) is a leading public higher education institution in South Africa, known for its commitment to academic excellence, transformation, and social impact. The university places strong emphasis on research innovation, engaged scholarship, and the development of future academics.

Through initiatives such as the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), NWU actively supports early-career scholars in building sustainable academic careers while contributing meaningfully to society.

🎓 JOB OVERVIEW

This role involves the appointment of a Lecturer in Social Work specialising in Forensic Practice within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Potchefstroom Campus. The position focuses on undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, student supervision, research development, and community engagement.

As an nGAP appointment, the successful candidate will be required to register for and complete a doctoral degree, participate in the DHET Staffing South Africa’s Universities Development Programme, and work under the mentorship of an appointed senior academic. To support professional development, a reduced teaching load will apply during the first four years of appointment.

🧩 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Forensic Social Work

• Develop study guides, learning material, and assessment tools

• Conduct internal and external moderation and assessments

• Supervise postgraduate students

• Participate in research entities and publish scholarly outputs

• Examine postgraduate dissertations and theses

• Engage in community-based forensic social work initiatives

• Apply discipline-based knowledge to societal and industry needs

• Participate in faculty, school, and institutional committees

• Contribute to academic administration and governance

🎓 QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (Forensic Practice) – NQF Level 9

• Minimum average of 70% (academic proof required)

• Registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year generic Social Work practice experience

• Direct practice, supervisory, or managerial experience accepted

• Applicants must be South African citizens and 40 years or younger

Added Advantage

• Teaching experience in blended or contact learning environments

• Emerging research experience in Forensic Social Work

Skills & Competencies

• Evidence-based Social Work practice

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to function in multilingual academic environments

• Computer literacy (MS Office, email, presentations, data analysis software)

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Strong time management and adaptability under pressure

📄 CV TIPS

• Highlight teaching experience, including modules and academic levels

• Clearly list research outputs, supervision experience, and conference participation

• Attach certified academic transcripts and SACSSP registration proof

• Emphasise forensic practice exposure, report writing, and court-related experience

• Use a structured academic CV format with publications listed separately

🌟 BENEFITS OF JOINING NWU

• Structured academic development through the nGAP programme

• Reduced teaching load to support doctoral studies

• Access to research funding and academic mentorship

• Long-term academic career growth opportunities

• Supportive, transformation-focused institutional culture

📜 COMPANY POLICY

North-West University subscribes to and applies the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in accordance with the NWU Employment Equity Plan. The university reserves the right not to make an appointment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you are not contacted within two months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.