AddressAcademic Director: Social Work
Southern Cross Institute (SCI)
Parramatta NSW 2150
About the Role
We are inviting expressions of interest from qualified and experienced academic professionals in Social Work courses to join our professional, tight-knit team as the Academic Director. Based in Parramatta, these positions are initially offered on a permanent part-time (0.5 Fractional) basis and are likely to become full-time appointments within the next I year. Please note that the salary for this position will be prorated if it is part-time (0.5 FTE), reflecting a fraction of the full-time equivalent salary.
Position Summary
The Academic Director at Southern Cross Institute (SCI) holds a pivotal role in providing academic leadership across all Social Work courses. The Academic Director reports to and collaborates closely with the Deputy Dean in ensuring high-quality teaching and learning outcomes with a focus on continuous improvement. This entails assuming accountability for strategic leadership, maintaining academic excellence, and driving ongoing improvements in Social Work courses, adhering rigorously to the standards and criteria set forth by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The Academic Director is a member of the Executive Management Team as well as the Course & Industry Advisory Committee, and the Teaching and Learning Committee.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversight of the governance structure of Social Work;
- Delegating roles and responsibilities for academic and professional staff;
- Ensuring compliance of all courses including field education with appropriate AQF level and ASWEAS standards;
- Contributing significantly to ethical, high quality Social Work through scholarship, publication, grant acquisition, mentoring, and presentations;
- Leading innovative teaching methods, including online learning platforms, to enhance student experiences;
- Providing support to students facing academic challenges, integrating Social Work practice skills into curriculum for Field Education success;
- Assisting in internal and external quality assurance and accreditation processes, ensuring placements meet standards;
- Cultivating strategic relationships with industry, professional associations, and organizations nationally and internationally;
- Leading all academic activities and staff within Social Work;
- Engage in and encourage other staff to undertake scholarship or research activities in areas of Social Work and/or education;
- Promoting and supporting scholarship and research in Social Work and education;
- Managing Social Work placements and providing leadership to Field Education staff;
- Ensuring a positive learning experience for students in Field Education;
- Managing Field Education staff responsible for placements and unit delivery;
- Contribute to recruitment, selection, and performance management of academic staff;
- Deliver assigned units in the undergraduate and postgraduate courses as required;
- Assess and advise on student applications for advanced standing in their respective major;
- Oversee and report on student assessment and the internal and external moderation of assessment;
- Contribute to regular external benchmarking of courses/units;
- Contribute to the annual review of courses/units in line with the Course Review and Continuous Improvement Policy and any other related policy documents;
- Monitor the Student Portal/Moodle webpages for each unit ensuring that academic staff have timely and appropriate access;
- Ensure that lecturers/tutors have access to a properly resourced preparation area;
- Contribute to the development of timetables for each semester of study in consultation with the Deputy Dean;
- Liaise with academic administration staff in ensuring student progress including monitoring attendance records;
- Manage allegations of academic misconduct and maintain appropriate records and academic support services as required;
- Organise examinations for relevant courses;
- Ensure accurate records of student results and grades;
- Oversee and report on student and staff satisfaction surveys for each semester;
- Provide course/major-specific advice to students as required;
- Ensure prescribed and recommended texts per unit are available to students and staff prior to the commencement of the term of study;
- Compile regular reports on assessment, course review, and moderation for the Teaching and Learning Committee, Course & Industry Advisory Committee as well as the Dean;
- Comply with SCI policies;
- Other duties as required by the Dean.
Selection Criteria
Essential
- Completion of a PhD, or equivalent qualification and is expected to hold an academic position at level E.
- Must be eligible for membership in the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
- A minimum of five years (FTE) of post-qualifying practice experience.
- Significant track record and demonstrated evidence of successful relevant teaching experience at tertiary level, including responsibility for unit coordination, course coordination and curriculum design.
- Demonstrated experience providing leadership in the area of curriculum reviews and internal and external accreditation activities.
- Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated ability to establish effective relationships with staff, students and industry nationally and/or internationally.
- Knowledge of the ESOS Framework and the National Code 2018. If you do not currently have knowledge of the ESOS Framework and the National Code, you must be willing to acquire the required knowledge.
- Proven ability, commitment, and passion for engaging in ongoing scholarly activities to inform pedagogical theory and practice.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including the capacity to explain material plainly and helpfully.
- A demonstrated ability in course design and leadership, as appropriate to the relevant discipline.
- Ability to improvise and adapt to new demands in course delivery and academic management.
- Excellent organisational skills to coordinate the activities of all academic staff.
- A demonstrated ability to show initiative in both independent and team-based decision-making.
- A demonstrated ability to interact productively with other academic staff and to contribute constructively to the activities and administration of SCI.
Desirable
- Demonstrated experience applying innovative approaches to pedagogy and/or curriculum design in Field Education.
- Demonstrated evidence of a strong research track record (for career stage) in an area aligned with research strengths in Social Work practice skills, including evidence of sustained high-quality publications and attraction of external competitive grants.
Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion
SCI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and victimisation. SCI makes decisions on employment, promotion and reward on the basis of merit.
SCI is committed to all aspects of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and to providing all staff, students, contractors, volunteers and visitors with a safe, respectful and rewarding environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, vilification and victimisation.
SCI values diversity because we recognise that the differences in our people’s age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical ability and background bring richness to our work environment.
Application Process
Please ensure your application includes the following:
1. Statement addressing each of the selection criteria;
2. Brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role;
3. Current curriculum vitae/resume which should include:
- full name, address, telephone number and email address;
- details of education, professional training and qualifications;
- employment history, including present position and details of relevant professional, consulting or industry experience;
- names and contact details of referees;
- research interests and list of publications;
- research grants awarded and any other relevant information, such as offices held in professional bodies, community services.
About Us
Southern Cross Institute (SCI) aims to provide the highest quality education to students that would enable them to achieve their professional and personal goals. SCI’s modern campus facilities and fully equipped classrooms are designed to support students through engaged learning. We aim to train young learners to graduate who are well-equipped to join the workforce.
Why Join Us?
- Expanding enrolments
- Opportunity for professional development
- Small tight knit team
- Modern campus facilities
- Secure permanent position
- Great location
Enquiries:
If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact **@sci.edu.au
Preference will be given to candidates with prior teaching experience in the area of Social Work. Due to the expected high volume of responses only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Work Authorisation:
Australia (Preferred)
Work Location:
In person
Job Type:
Full-time
Pay:
$110,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Education:
Doctoral Degree (Required)
Experience:
Social work: 3 years (Required)
Work Authorisation:
Australia (Required)
Work Location:
In person
