Sessional - Faculty (SOCW 4780) at Thompson Rivers University – Kamloops, British Columbia

The School of Social Work and Human Service (Faculty of Education and Social Work) at Thompson Rivers University invites applications for one sessional lecturer to teach the course SOCW 4780 – Introduction to Disability Studies (3,0,0) during Summer Session 1 (May 11, 2024 to June 26, 2026). This course is delivered in-person at the Kamloops campus on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 530PM to 820PM.

SOCW 4780 Calendar Description
Students examine perspectives on disability, race, gender, and class, as well as critically analyze current theories, policies, and practice. Students are introduced to issues affecting people with disabilities within a framework of human rights, citizenship, and inclusion. This course also engages students in an examination of their own beliefs and attitudes about disability, and emphasizes knowledge required for anti-ableist practice. Significant events and the contributions of pioneers in the disability rights movement are explored. The roles and perspectives of people with disabilities, their family members, and professionals are considered in relation to social work values, theory, policy, and practice.

Educational Objectives/Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe respectful ways of interacting with individuals with diverse abilities and needs.
2. Explore and articulate personal attitudes, values and beliefs about ableism and disability.
3. Describe and evaluate theoretical frameworks for understanding and responding to disability.
4. Describe the role of policy frameworks regarding disability issues.
5. Identify the existence and manifestations of ableism at all levels of society.
6. Describe the intersection of disability, race, gender, and class in an oppressive society, as well as the range of issues which affect people with disabilities and their families/caregivers throughout the life-span.
7. Describe and utilize strategies to promote inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities and their families, as well as describe strategies for interrupting and eliminating ableism (anti-ableist social work practice).
8. Apply a social justice framework and interdisciplinary practice principles to selected policy and practice issues.

* The minimum academic qualification is a master's degree in social work; a PhD or earned doctorate in a relevant discipline with a graduate degree in social work is preferred.
• Successful teaching experience in post-secondary institutions preferred.
• A minimum of five years of direct practice experience and/or educational specialization in disabilities is required. Lived expertise as a person who identifies as having a disability is preferred.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills required.
• The successful candidate must be available to deliver the course in-person on the Kamloops campus Monday and Wednesday evenings from 530PM to 820PM.
• 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 63) is required.
• Teaching excellence, including developing culturally appropriate curricula (TRC CA 10) is required.
• 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).

NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website. External Candidates invited to interview will be required to bring a copy of their transcripts to the interview.