Senior Lecturer/ Lecturer – Social Work

The University of Cape Town (UCT) invites applications for a Senior Lecturer or Lecturer position in the Department of Social Work & Social Development, within the Faculty of Humanities. We are seeking dedicated academics to contribute to our Criminal Justice Social Work Postgraduate Programme.

About the Department

The Department of Social Work & Social Development is an accredited institution offering a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, a Major in Social Development at undergraduate level, and various postgraduate degrees. Our Master’s degree in Social Work includes a specialisation in Criminal Justice Social Work, covering correctional/prison social work, probation work, and forensic social work.

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly competent individual with strong skills and knowledge in Criminal Justice Social Work to join our team at either the Senior Lecturer or Lecturer level. You will be instrumental in teaching and developing our postgraduate programme.

Requirements for Senior Lecturer Level

• Must be registered as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Hold a PhD in Social Work with a focus on correctional/prison social work, probation work, and/or forensic social work.
• Demonstrable and relevant experience in teaching and research at an accredited higher education institution.
• Proven practice experience in Criminal Justice Social Work, Probation Work, and/or Forensic Social Work.
• Experience in teaching and supervision of Postgraduate students.
• Evidence of scholarship and social responsiveness contributions in applied social work within criminal justice, violence, and crime fields.
• Publications in Centre of Higher Education (CHE) accredited peer-reviewed journals.

Advantageous Skills for Senior Lecturer Level

• Experience in convening undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Experience in teaching Probation Social Work.
• Evidence of Curriculum Design at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Evidence of conference participation, collaboration, and networking.
• Evidence of ongoing and active research and scholarship in criminal justice, crime, and violence.

Requirements for Lecturer Level

• Must be registered as a Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Hold a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Social Work, Probation, and/or Forensic Social Work from an accredited higher education institution.
• Registration for a PhD in Criminal Justice Social Work, Probation, and/or Forensic Social Work will be required at the time of appointment.
• Demonstrable practice experience in Criminal Justice Social Work, Probation Work, and/or Forensic Social Work.
• Evidence of scholarship and social responsiveness contributions in applied social work within criminal justice, violence, and crime fields.

Advantageous Skills for Lecturer Level

• Experience in teaching and supervision of Postgraduate students.
• Experience in convening undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Publication(s) in Centre of Higher Education (CHE) accredited peer-reviewed journals.
• Evidence of Curriculum Design at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Evidence of conference participation, collaboration, and networking.
• Evidence of ongoing and active research and scholarship in criminal justice, crime and violence.

Key Responsibilities (Appropriate to Level)

• Teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Research supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Convening undergraduate and postgraduate courses and programmes.
• Contributing to departmental, faculty, and university administration.
• Participating in all departmental Research Ethics and Masters/PhD by Research Committees.
• Participating in Faculty and University committees.
• Engaging in ongoing scholarship and social responsiveness work in your field of expertise.

Salary

The annual cost of employment for 2025, including benefits, is:

• Senior Lecturer Level: R1,147,460
• Lecturer Level: R941,184

Cape Town offers an attractive natural environment and is a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Learn more about Cape Town at www.aboutcapetown.com and www.facebook.com/capetown.travel.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the UCT Jobs Site and create a candidate profile to submit your application:

https://jobs.uct.ac.za/job/Cape-Town-Senior-Lecturer-Lecturer/1243405801/

Please ensure you complete and attach the following documents to your profile:

• An up-to-date proof of registration with SACSSP.
• Your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A Motivation/Cover letter clearly addressing the specific requirements of the position and the level (Senior Lecturer or Lecturer) you are applying for.
• If you are registered for your PhD, please include proof of registration.
• A teaching statement and details of your scholarship interests.
• Names and contact details of three referees, including their title, name, position, relationship to you, email address, and telephone number.

Please note: Applications that do not comply with these requirements will be considered incomplete. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments and relevant background checks. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Ms Natasha Khan at [email protected] or 021 650 3669.

Closing date for applications: 14th November 2025

UCT is a designated employer committed to excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, in accordance with the University’s Employment Equity Plan. UCT reserves the right not to appoint.