Job Description

The School of Social Work and Human Service (Faculty of Education and Social Work) at Thompson Rivers University invites applications for a sessional lecturer to teach HUMS 1770: Introduction to Human Service Practice with Indigenous Communities (3.0.0) at the Williams Lake Campus in Winter 2026. This posting is for in person, face to face course delivery.


TRU's Williams Lake campus is located approximately three hours northwest of Kamloops, in the heart of the scenic Cariboo region, on T'exelcemc territory within the unceded traditional lands of the Secwepemc Nation.


Contract Period: January 5th, 2026 - May 6th, 2026

Course Period: January 12th, 2026 - April 14th, 2026

Exam Period: April 16th - 29th, 2026

Course Description:

Students examine the historical and continuing process of colonization in Canada, and the resulting societal, political, linguistic, spiritual, and cultural impacts that are challenging First Nations people today. The development of cultural understanding and the beginning of culturally competent practice occur in this course. Additional topics include self-government, cultural healing and empowerment, and human service practice in First Nations communities.


QUALIFICATIONS
A master's degree in social work or child and youth care is required. A doctorate in social work, education, or child and youth care is preferred. A candidate who has accumulated experience judged by the Appointments Committee to be particularly relevant to this position and valuable to the School of Social Work and Human Service may be appointed with a relevant master's degree and an undergraduate credential in social work or child and youth care. Successful teaching experience in post-secondary institutions preferred. Lived experience of Indigenous people and communities required. A minimum of five years professional experience working with Indigenous communities in a human service capacity is required. Availability for scheduled class instruction is required. Classes are scheduled on Wednesday from 12:30 to 15:20 pm and occur from January 12, 2026 to April 14, 2026. Candidates must provide evidence of their ability to commit to creating time and space for relationships based on respect as human beings, supporting and embracing differences with kindness, love, and respect (NIMMIWG, 15.7). An ability to demonstrate experience integrating Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods (TRC CA 62) is required. Proven skills in building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect (TRC CA 62) is required. * Teaching excellence, including developing culturally appropriate curricula (TRC CA 10) is required.