EducationTeaching professionalsISCO 2310
social work lecturer
Social work lecturers are professionals who exercise dual roles, on one hand they practice the academic discipline that provides social services, such as counselling, therapy or advocacy, to individuals or groups of people. On the other hand they are part of the academic world providing professional education, engaging also in research and knowledge development, contributing to solutions concerning complex social problems and innovative approaches to ameliorate those problems. They teach social work knowledge, skills and values for preparing students to engage in culturally competent social work practice with diverse populations and communities.
About social work lecturer
As a social work lecturer, you will occupy a unique position bridging academic scholarship and professional practice in social services. Your days will involve preparing and delivering lectures to students, designing curricula that reflect current social work theory and practice standards, and conducting research on contemporary social issues. You will mentor students in developing practical counselling and advocacy skills, supervise their placements in social service agencies, and ensure they understand the ethical and legal frameworks governing social work in Poland and beyond. Your role extends beyond the classroom as you engage with the broader social work community, contribute to professional publications, and collaborate with practitioners to ensure your teaching remains grounded in real-world challenges and solutions.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a social work lecturer.
1
Curriculum Development and Course Design
- Design comprehensive course materials reflecting current social work theory, practice standards, and Polish legal requirements
- Incorporate diverse case studies and scenarios addressing cultural competence and work with marginalized communities
- Update course content regularly to reflect emerging social issues, policy changes, and innovations in social work practice
2
Teaching and Student Mentoring
- Deliver engaging lectures on social work theory, counselling methods, crisis intervention, and advocacy techniques
- Supervise student placements in social service organizations and provide constructive feedback on their developing skills
- Mentor students in developing professional identity and ethical practice standards in social work
3
Research and Knowledge Development
- Conduct research on complex social problems and develop innovative approaches to social welfare challenges
- Publish findings in academic journals and contribute to professional discourse on social work practice
- Stay current with developments in social work field and apply evidence-based practices in teaching
4
Professional Engagement and Collaboration
- Liaise with social service agencies and practitioners to ensure curriculum remains relevant and practice-focused
- Participate in professional conferences, workshops, and networks to exchange knowledge and best practices
- Support educational staff and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects addressing social welfare issues
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (58)
social work theorysocial work theoryThe development and characteristics of social work theories underpinned by social sciences and humanities.counselling methodscounselling methodsCounselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.legal requirements in the social sectorlegal requirements in the social sectorThe prescribed legislative and regulatory requirements in the social sector.social sciencessocial sciencesThe development and characteristics of sociological, anthropological, psychological, political, and social policy theories.pedagogypedagogyThe discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.social justicesocial justiceThe development and principles of human rights and social justice and the way they should be applied on a case by case basis.provide social counsellingprovide social counsellingAssist and guide social service users to resolve personal, social or psychological problems and difficulties.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.monitor developments in field of expertisemonitor developments in field of expertiseKeep up with new research, regulations, and other significant changes, labour market related or otherwise, occurring within the field of specialisation.meet standards of practice in social servicesmeet standards of practice in social servicesPractice social care and social work in a lawful, safe and effective way according to standards.empower social service usersempower social service usersEnable individuals, families, groups and communities to gain more control over their lives and environment, either by themselves or with the help of others.compile course materialcompile course materialWrite, select or recommend a syllabus of learning material for the students enrolled in the course.apply quality standards in social servicesapply quality standards in social servicesApply quality standards in social services while upholding social work values and principles.liaise with educational support staffliaise with educational support staffCommunicate with education management, such as the school principal and board members, and with the education support team such as the teaching assistant, school counsellor or academic advisor on issu...apply crisis interventionapply crisis interventionRespond methodologically to a disruption or breakdown in the normal or usual function of a person, family, group or community.protect vulnerable social service usersprotect vulnerable social service usersIntervene to provide physical, moral and psychological support to people in dangerous or difficult situations and to remove to a place of safety where appropriate.develop professional identity in social workdevelop professional identity in social workStrive to provide the appropriate services to social work clients while staying within a professional framework, understanding what the work means in relation to other professionals and taking into ac...provide support to social services usersprovide support to social services usersHelp social service users identify and express their expectations and strengths, providing them with information and advice to make informed decisions about their circumstances. Give support to achiev...deliver social services in diverse cultural communitiesdeliver social services in diverse cultural communitiesDeliver services which are mindful of different cultural and language traditions, showing respect and validation for communities and being consistent with policies regarding human rights and equality ...teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.conduct interview in social serviceconduct interview in social serviceInduce clients, colleagues, executives, or public officials to talk fully, freely, and truthfully, so as to explore the interviewee`s experiences, attitudes, and opinions.demonstrate leadership in social service casesdemonstrate leadership in social service casesTake the lead in the practical handling of social work cases and activities.apply teaching strategiesapply teaching strategiesEmploy various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating argument...follow health and safety precautions in social care practicesfollow health and safety precautions in social care practicesEnsure hygienic work practice, respecting the safety of the environment at day care, residential care settings and care at home.plan social service processplan social service processPlan the social service process, defining the objective and considering the methods of implementation, identifying and accessing available resources, such as time, budget, personnel and defining indic...promote social changepromote social changePromote changes in relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities by taking into consideration and coping with unpredictable changes, at the micro, macro and mezzo ...advocate for social service usersadvocate for social service usersSpeak for and on behalf of service users, using communicative skills and knowledge of relevant fields to assist those less advantaged.prevent social problemsprevent social problemsPrevent social problems from developing, defining and implementing actions that can prevent social problems, striving for the enhancement of the quality of life for all citizens.assess studentsassess studentsEvaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weakne...negotiate with social service usersnegotiate with social service usersDiscuss with your client to establish fair conditions, building on a bond of trust, reminding the client that the work is in their favour and encouraging their cooperation.apply person-centred careapply person-centred careTreat individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them and their caregivers at the heart of all decisions.assess social service users' situationassess social service users' situationAssess the social situation of service users situation balancing curiosity and respect in the dialogue, considering their families, organisations and communities and the associated risks and identifyi...manage social crisismanage social crisisIdentify, respond and motivate individuals in social crisis situations, in a timely manner, making use of all resources.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage ethical issues within social servicesmanage ethical issues within social servicesApply social work ethical principles to guide practice and manage complex ethical issues, dilemmas and conflicts in accordance to occupational conduct, the ontology and the code of ethics of the socia...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...review social service planreview social service planReview social service plans, taking your service users' views and preferences into account. Follow up on the plan, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.apply decision making within social workapply decision making within social workTake decisions when called for, staying within the limits of granted authority and considering the input from the service user and other caregivers.adhere to organisational guidelinesadhere to organisational guidelinesAdhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.apply holistic approach within social servicesapply holistic approach within social servicesConsider the social service user in any situation, recognising the connections between micro-dimension, meso-dimension, and macro-dimension of social problems, social development and social policies.demonstrate when teachingdemonstrate when teachingPresent to others examples of your experience, skills, and competences that are appropriate to specific learning content to help students in their learning.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.address problems criticallyaddress problems criticallyIdentify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and a...promote inclusionpromote inclusionPromote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive envi...maintain records of work with service usersmaintain records of work with service usersMaintain accurate, concise, up-to-date and timely records of the work with service users while complying with legislation and policies related to privacy and security.negotiate with social service stakeholdersnegotiate with social service stakeholdersNegotiate with government institutions, other social workers, family and caregivers, employers, landlords, or landladies to obtain the most suitable result for your client.report on social developmentreport on social developmentReport results and conclusions on society's social development in an intelligible way, presenting these orally and in written form to a range of audiences from non-experts to experts.teach principles of social workteach principles of social workInstruct students in the theory and practice of social work including social work knowledge, skills, and values to prepare them in engaging in culturally competent social work with diverse populations...undertake continuous professional development in social workundertake continuous professional development in social workUndertake continuous professional development (CPD) to continuously update and develop knowledge, skills and competences within one`s scope of practice in social work.apply organisational techniquesapply organisational techniquesEmploy a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and s...refer social service usersrefer social service usersMake referrals to other professionals and other organisations, based on the social service users' requirements and needs.apply intercultural teaching strategiesapply intercultural teaching strategiesEnsure that the content, methods, materials and the general learning experience is inclusive for all students and takes into account the expectations and experiences of learners from diverse cultural ...organise social work packagesorganise social work packagesCreate a package of social support services according to the service user`s needs and in line with specified standards, regulations and timescales.communicate with social service userscommunicate with social service usersUse verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication. Pay attention to the specific social service users' needs, characteristics, abilities, preferences, age, developmental stage, and culture...liaise with educational staffliaise with educational staffCommunicate with the school staff such as teachers, teaching assistants, academic advisors, and the principal on issues relating to students' well-being. In the context of a university, liaise with th...consider social impact of actions on service usersconsider social impact of actions on service usersAct according to the political, social and cultural contexts of social service users, considering the impact of certain actions on their social well being.cooperate at inter-professional levelcooperate at inter-professional levelCooperate with people in other sectors in relation to social service work.build helping relationship with social service usersbuild helping relationship with social service usersDevelop a collaborative helping relationship, addressing any ruptures or strains in the relationship, fostering bonding and gaining service users` trust and cooperation through empathic listening, car...
Optional (53)
funding methodsfunding methodsThe financial possibilities for funding projects such as the traditional ones, namely loans, venture capital, public or private grants up to alternative methods such as crowdfunding.community educationcommunity educationPrograms targeting the social development and learning of individuals in their own community, through a variety of formal or informal education methods.learning difficultieslearning difficultiesThe learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.crisis interventioncrisis interventionCoping strategies in crisis cases which allow individuals to overcome their problems or fears and avoid psychological distress and breakdown.university proceduresuniversity proceduresThe inner workings of a university, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...assist in the organisation of school eventsassist in the organisation of school eventsProvide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school's open house day, a sports game or a talent show.supervise educational staffsupervise educational staffMonitor and evaluate the actions of the educational staff such as teaching or research assistants and teachers and their methods. Mentor, train, and give advice to them if necessary.serve on academic committeeserve on academic committeeContribute to university or college managerial decisions, such as budgetary issues, school policy reviews and recommendations, department promotions, and hiring of new staff members. This may also inc...facilitate teamwork between studentsfacilitate teamwork between studentsEncourage students to cooperate with others in their learning by working in teams, for example through group activities.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.establish collaborative relationsestablish collaborative relationsEstablish a connection between organisations or individuals which may benefit from communicating with one another in order to facilitate an enduring positive collaborative relationship between both pa...evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.discuss research proposalsdiscuss research proposalsDiscuss proposals and projects with researchers, decide on resources to allocate and whether to move forward with the study.monitor educational developmentsmonitor educational developmentsMonitor the changes in educational policies, methodologies and research by reviewing relevant literature and liaising with education officials and institutions.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.participate in scientific colloquiaparticipate in scientific colloquiaTake part in symposia, international experts’ conferences, and congresses to present research projects, methods, and results and to gather information on developments in academic research.assist students with equipmentassist students with equipmentProvide assistance to students when working with (technical) equipment used in practice-based lessons and solve operational problems when necessary.develop learning curriculumdevelop learning curriculumDevelop and plan the learning goals and outcomes for education institutions, as well as the required teaching methods and potential education resources. Organise content, form, methods and technologie...assess social work studentsassess social work studentsAssess the appropriate evaluation of students undergoing social work practice.conduct quantitative researchconduct quantitative researchExecute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...manage resources for educational purposesmanage resources for educational purposesIdentify the necessary resources needed for learning purposes, such as materials in class or arranged transportation for a field trip. Apply for the corresponding budget and follow up on the orders.promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.assist students with their dissertationassist students with their dissertationSupport university students with the writing of their paper or theses. Advise on research methods or additions to certain parts of their dissertations. Report different types of errors, such as resear...publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...keep records of attendancekeep records of attendanceKeep track of the pupils who are absent by recording their names on a list of absentees.supervise students in social servicessupervise students in social servicesSupervise social work students while they are on social work placement. Share expertise and train them to execute their responsibilities well.conduct field workconduct field workConducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...carry out social work researchcarry out social work researchInitiate and design research to assess social problems and evaluate social work interventions. Use statistical sources to connect the individual data with more aggregated categories and interpret data...present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.provide lesson materialsprovide lesson materialsEnsure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...supervise doctoral studentssupervise doctoral studentsAssist students working on a doctorate in specifying their research question and deciding on a methodology. Monitor their progress and conduct quality reviews of their work.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.provide career counsellingprovide career counsellingAdvise beneficiaries on future career options through counselling and, potentially, through career testing and evaluation.conduct scholarly researchconduct scholarly researchPlan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.assessment processesassessment processesVarious evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, sum...develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...
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