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 the course SOCW 4400: Social Work and Mental Health (3.0.0) in Fall 2025. This course is delivered face to face, in person at the Kamloops campus.
SOCW 4610 Calendar Description
Students are introduced to the practice of social work in the field of mental health by critically examining historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on mental illness, Canadian mental health law and policy, cultural and diversity aspects, classification and treatment, ethical issues, and an exploration of additional selected mental health problems. The course is intended to provide introductory foundational knowledge in the field of mental health, rather than advanced knowledge and skills that are required for mental health practice.
Educational Objectives/Learning Outcomes
1. A beginning understanding of mental health concepts and issues related to the practice of social work,
2. A critical analysis of contemporary perspectives regarding mental health/ mental illness including: biopsychosocial, feminist, strengths, social constructionism and multi-systemic.
3. A critical understanding of diagnostic categories, labels, stigma and social exclusion associated with mental illness,
4. A beginning understanding of mental health and wellness concepts for Aboriginal peoples,
5. An analysis of gender, class, culture and diversity in relation to mental health;
6. An understanding of what it means to practice in anti-oppressive ways in the mental health field,
7. An understanding of current Canadian mental health policy and legal issues;
8. An understanding of selected forms of mental health difficulties;
9. A beginning understanding of mental health practice issues and therapeutic methods, including the use of psychotropic medications;
10. An understanding of the specific role of social work in the field of mental health including professional roles, ethics and interdisciplinary practice;
11. An appreciation of the ‘real’ experience of individuals and families who have experienced issues of mental health and illness.
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.
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.
- A Master’s degree in Social Work is required, while an earned Doctorate in a relevant field in addition to a graduate credential in Social Work is preferred.
- Successful teaching experience in post-secondary institutions preferred.
- A minimum of five years’ professional experience working in a social work capacity in mental health is required.
- 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).
