How To Become A Social Service Worker

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.