Dr. Derek Chechak is a Registered Social Worker with a career in mental health, addictions, and community development. Dr. Chechak has held senior leadership roles, most recently as Senior Director of Operations at SOAR Community Services, where he oversaw key programs including the implementation of Canada’s national 9-8-8 suicide crisis helpline. His contributions to the profession extend to provincial advisory work, including his role on the Standards of Practice Committee of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Education
Dr. Chechak earned his PhD in Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he studied the psychological effects of professional dissonance on social workers. He also holds an MSW, BSW, and BA, from King’s University College, and a Certificate in Labour Law from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Teaching
Currently a sessional instructor at Memorial University, the University of Windsor, and King’s University College at Western University, he combines academic expertise with field experience. As an instructor, Dr. Chechak has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in social work practice, mental health, policy analysis, leadership, and research methods. His current and past teaching includes Social Work Practice and Mental Health, Advanced Social Policy Analysis and Development, Leadership in Social Policy and Programs, Quantitative Research and Data Analysis, and Social Work Philosophy and Practice.
Research
Dr. Chechak’s research spans professional dissonance, workplace wellbeing, mental health, addictions, and implementation science. He is particularly interested in how organizational structures impact social work practice and the well-being of service providers. His recent evaluation work has informed provincial mental health initiatives and improved care delivery systems.
Selected Publications
Dr. Chechak's peer-reviewed publications address topics such as workplace violence, digital inclusion for seniors, hate crime response, and addiction policy. His recent works appear in journals including the Journal of Technology in Human Services, Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, and Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics. A complete list is available here.