Professor and Head of Social Work

Position Number:0065819
Location:Parkville
Role type:Fulltime 1.0 FTE; Fixed term for a period of five 5 years with an underlying continuing Level E position within the Faculty
Faculty:Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School:School of Health Sciences
Salary: $226517 p.a. (prorata for parttime) plus nonsuperable Head of Department Loading plus employer superannuation contribution of 17

Overview

The University of Melbourne invites applications for the position of Professor and Head of Department of Social Work an outstanding opportunity for an academic leader and practicing social worker to shape the future of social work education research and community engagement.

This pivotal role provides the platform to champion innovation and influence social work practice and policy at local national and international levelsbuilding on over 80 years of excellence in social work education at the University.

About the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) is one of the most comprehensive and prestigious faculties of its kind in Australia. Home to over 2750 staff and more than 11000 students MDHS leads in teaching research and community engagement across the medical biomedical and health sciences.

Led by Dean Professor Jane Gunn the Faculty collaborates with a broad network of partner organisations to drive realworld impact. Based in Parkville and with a strong rural presence in Shepparton the Faculty supports transformative health outcomes for Australia and the world.

About the Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work is a leader in training ethical and effective social workers through cuttingedge education and applied research. Part of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences the Department offers programs including the Master of Social Work and various specialist postqualifying courses both oncampus and online.

Research in the Department spans critical social issues aligned with the Facultys Impact DomainsPrevention and Health Equity Curing Chronic Disease and Transforming Healthcareand contributes to School Research Hubs such as Healthy Start to Life Disability and Inclusion and Optimising Health and Wellbeing.

With strong connections to industry government and community partners the Department is a key driver of policy change and social justice advocacy.

About the Role

As Professor and Head of Department of Social Work you will provide strategic leadership across teaching research and external engagementensuring the Department remains at the forefront of the profession. Reporting to the Head of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences you will mentor a talented academic team grow research capacity and shape programs that reflect the future of social work education and practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to foster excellence in education research and engagement
• Lead curriculum development accreditation and pedagogical innovation
• Advance a highimpact research agenda with national and international collaborations
• Build meaningful partnerships with clinical community and policy stakeholders
• Mentor and support academic and professional staff development
• Promote a collegial and inclusive departmental culture aligned with University values

About You

You will be an internationally recognised academic in Social Work with demonstrated excellence in teaching research and leadership.

You will bring:

• A PhD in Social Work or a related discipline
• Registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• A distinguished record of research and scholarship in the field
• Demonstrated experience in leading academic teams and driving innovation
• A strong record of securing research funding and building external partnerships
• A commitment to inclusive education and interprofessional collaboration

Why Join Us

At the University of Melbourne youll be part of a vibrant community committed to academic excellence and social impact. This is your opportunity to lead one of the most respected Social Work departments in the AsiaPacific and contribute to the next generation of changemakers.

If you are ready to shape the future of social work education and research in Australia and beyond we encourage you to apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies please go to you have any questions regarding the recruitment process please feel free to contact Fahim Farzad via email at ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

Advertised: 24 Apr 2025 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 25 May 2025 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time