Job Details

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 one or both the course sections of  HUMS 1770 (3.0.0) – Introduction to Human Service Practice with Indigenous Communities in Winter 2026. These courses are delivered face to face, in person at the Kamloops campus. HUMS 1770_01 is offered Wednesday 17:30 to 20:20 and HUMS 1770_02 is offered Thursday 17:30 to 20:20. 

HUMS 1770 Calendar Description 
Students examine the historical and continuing process of colonization in Canada, and the resulting societal, political, linguistic, spiritual, and cultural impacts that are challenging First Nations people today. The development of cultural understanding and the beginning of culturally competent practice occur in this course.  Additional topics include self-government, cultural healing and empowerment, and human service practice in First Nations communities. 
Course Learning Outcomes:
1.    Identify a variety of social, political, cultural, and spiritual issues that are challenging Indigenous people today.  
2.    Describe how historical issues are impacting Indigenous people today.  
3.    Explain why the Indigenous population is over-represented in the social determinants of health.  
4.    Describe the role of education in the lives of Indigenous people.  
5.    Describe ways some Indigenous people are empowering and healing their communities.  
6.    Describe the role of the First Nations Support Worker. 

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 or child and youth care is required. A doctorate in social work, education, or child and youth care is preferred. A candidate who has accumulated experience judged by the Appointments Committee to be particularly relevant to this position and valuable to the School of Social Work and Human Service may be appointed with a relevant master’s degree and an undergraduate credential in social work or child and youth care. 
•    Successful teaching experience in post-secondary institutions preferred. 
•    Lived experience of Indigenous people and communities required. 
•    A minimum of five years professional experience working with Indigenous communities in a human service capacity is required.
•    Availability for scheduled in person class instruction 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).
•    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 62) is required.
•    Teaching excellence, including developing culturally appropriate curricula (TRC CA 10) is required.