Social Service Workers assist individuals in overcoming personal and social problems to improve their quality of life. Social service workers are also called community workers.
According to Looking-Ahead: A 10-Year
Outlook for the Canadian Labour Market (2006-2015), employment opportunities for social service workers are expected to grow in the years from 2006-2015, and have experienced growth through 2005.
Your day-to-day tasks will include:
- Counseling clients with personal and social challenges
- Identifying and referring community resources to clients
- Developing action plans for clients and community agencies
- Implementing life skills workshops for the target population
- Keeping accurate case files and records
What Do I Need To Start With:
A deep sense of compassion, patience and desire to help others succeed is required, as social workers often work with marginalized and at-risk populations. Schools and employers look favorably upon applicants who have overcome struggles of their own.
What Else Do I Need:
All social workers must become licensed by their provincial regulatory board. Six territories are under the regulation of the Canadian Association of Social Workers.
Where The Jobs Are:
According to the Canadian Association of Social Workers, 93% of jobs lie in the health and social services sector including, federal and provincial departments, hospitals, schools, and correctional institutions. Private practice is a viable, yet less common opportunity.
