The School of Social Work and Human Service (Faculty of Education and Social Work) invites applications from Indigenous Scholars for a Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor to teach in the Human Service Diploma program at Thompson Rivers University. This position is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization of human service education and practice as evidenced in the Faculty’s Strategic Plan. The School aims to correct historic underrepresentation; therefore, this position is restricted to applicants who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit). Scholars who bring significant social work or child and youth care practice experience, Indigenous knowledge, and a passion for preparing diploma students for ethical, relational, and justice-oriented human service practice are encouraged to apply. The anticipated start date is December 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will teach in person at the Kamloops campus which is located on the traditional lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc within Secwepemcúlecw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc.
Program Details:
TRU’s Human Service Diploma program has offered professional human service practice education for more than 50 years. The program prepares sought-after, competent human service workers who provide service within regional, national, and global contexts to achieve social justice, respect for diversity, and social change. Graduates work in relational and anti-oppressive ways across a full range of services within and beyond Secwepemcúlecw. The program is committed to embodied learner-centred education that supports students in understanding the barriers preventing people from reaching their full potential, as well as how to work with social movements and programs aiming to eradicate such barriers. The School of Social Work and Human Service is committed to redressing the legacy of residential schools and to advancing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including Two Spirit people (NIMMIWG). Indigenous perspectives are integrated throughout the curriculum and within one required human service practice course focused on human service work with Indigenous communities. The Human Service Diploma program emphasizes:
- The advancement and meaningful integration of Indigenous worldviews, Ways of Knowing, and Two-Eyed Seeing in practice;
- advancing community-based and relational practice;
- a signature pedagogy of practice readiness and field education;
- advancing social justice and ethical responsibility to people, place, and the planet.
The School of Social Work and Human Service and the Faculty of Education and Social Work are engaged in ongoing work to advance decolonization and intercultural understanding, including curriculum review and professional learning for non-Indigenous faculty and staff. The School is committed to supporting the recruitment, retention, and development of faculty from equity-denied groups. All faculty in their first year of their appointment receive 3 credits of reassigned time to assist them in settling into the new appointment. The School acknowledges that members of designated groups often have higher academic administrative workloads and the Chair of the School commits to developing a documented process wherein faculty members from designated groups may meet with the Chair to discuss person-centred ways to offset any increased demands. Together the Chair and the faculty member would compile a short document indicating what supports might assist and the form would be submitted to the Dean of the Faculty for consideration. All of the Search Committee members for this current appointment have completed TRU’s annual interview procedures and skills workshop. The School is dedicated to removing barriers in our hiring practices. Applicants who have questions about the job posting or require accommodations in the selection process are encouraged to contact the Appointments Committee Chair, Dr. Lorry-Ann Austin (
[email protected]), in confidence.
Position Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the School through a combination of teaching, service, and practice-based activity, with expectations that recognize diverse ways of knowing, doing, and contributing in academic and community contexts. Responsibilities included, but are not limited to:
- Teaching human service diploma courses, particularly those aligned with:
o Indigenous perspectives from Indigenous knowledges and worldviews in human service practice.
o Understanding the historical and current context of Indigenous cultures and Ways of Knowing in British Columbia.
o Establishing and building partnerships and working relationships with Indigenous families, mentors, and communities.
o Working in a culturally informed manner with Indigenous families, communities, and agencies.
- Contributing to curriculum and program development that reflects Indigenous knowledges, lived experiences, and community-responsive practices.
- Supporting and mentoring students, including Indigenous students and those from equity-denied communities.
- Attending program, department, and faculty meetings.
- Engaging in service to the program, university, profession, and community.
- Participating in scholarly, creative, community-engaged, or practice-based activities that are reciprocal, consent based, and exemplify relational accountability, as aligned with the candidate’s expertise and interests.
This is a position designated for Indigenous scholars. Candidates who identify as Indigenous will self-identify in their application materials. Applications should include a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and contact information for three references. The cover letter will provide a statement self-declaring identity as well as a narrative of the applicant’s community-engagement with Indigenous communities. Applicants may share to the extent that they feel comfortable and are not expected to disclose traumatic experiences. All information submitted will be kept confidential and reviewed only by staff and faculty in the School of Social Work and Human Service. If the applicant chooses, they may submit an additional letter of reference from a referee who could speak to the applicant’s engagement with Indigenous communities.
All qualified Indigenous scholars are encouraged to apply; however, the program is especially interested in teaching experience related to human service practice with Indigenous communities and with land-based learning. Candidates who are not short-listed but who meet the qualifications posted below will be contacted to inform them of the Committee’s decision. Candidates who submit incomplete applications and those who do not meet the educational requirements of the position will not be contacted.
In accordance with the university's equity plan members of the following designated groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and members of visible minorities are encouraged to apply and self-identify.
ABOUT THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwépemc'ulucw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc people. Our region also extends into the territories of the Stat’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tsilh’qotin, Dakelh, and Métis peoples.
For over 50 years Thompson Rivers University has taken pride in providing an excellent education to students with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives who are at various stages of their learning journey. TRU strives to become the University of Choice for B.C.'s Indigenous students. Offering both on-campus, regional and online programs, TRU attracts a significant Indigenous student body as well as students and faculty from across Canada and internationally. In Kamloops (from the Secwepemc word for this area: Tk'emlups “meeting of the waters”), the main campus overlooks the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers, from which the university gets its name.
TRU is a comprehensive, learner-centered, environmentally responsible institution that serves its regional, national, and international learners and their communities through high quality and flexible education, training, research and scholarship. From traditional academics to trades, from certificates to graduate degrees, TRU offers students choice from over 140 on-campus programs and 50 Open Learning programs. More than 28,500 students’ study on campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake, or in distance or online courses and programs through Open Learning. Research, creation and innovation thrive in TRU’s open, flexible learning environment. TRU gained Platinum and the highest over-all sustainability score in the prestigious and globally recognized AASHE STARS report.
TRU is the 4th largest university in British Columbia, is a member of the Research Universities Council of British Columbia, and has its main campus situated in beautiful Kamloops. The Kamloops campus is a midsize, modern, comprehensive and stunning campus. Kamloops is a vibrant city of 100,000 located within just three hours’ driving distance from Vancouver or 45 minutes by air. Kamloops offers wonderful beauty, weather, amenities, culture, friendliness, and affordability.
To learn more about living in Kamloops and about Thompson Rivers University please visit our Web Site: Living in Kamloops and working at the TRU.
THE TRU SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AND HUMAN SERVICE
The School of Social Work and Human Service offers a wide range of academic programs to approximately 250 students on two campuses and more than 100 students through Open Learning. Programs include: Bachelor of Social Work Degree, the Human Service Diploma, Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate (offered at both the Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses), the Social Service Worker Certificate (offered through Open Learning), and the Human Service Diploma (offered through Open Learning). The School also has plans to offer a Master of Social Work degree.
