What does a social worker do?

A social worker helps individuals, couples, families, groups, communities, and organizations develop the skills and resources necessary to improve social functioning. They provide counselling, therapy, and referrals to other supportive social services to ensure their physical and mental health needs are being met. They work in multiple settings, such as hospitals, school boards, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, correctional facilities, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and Aboriginal band councils. Social workers may also work in private practice or specialize in clinical social work, healthcare, schools, or child and family services.

Social worker skills and qualifications

A social worker should have various skills and qualifications that fulfill the prerequisites for your job opening, including:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to build rapport, establish trust, and maintain professional boundaries
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare clear, concise reports
• Compassion and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others and the ability to understand and empathize with their experiences
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to assess complex situations, develop effective intervention strategies, and advocate for clients’ needs
• Cultural and linguistic competencies to understand and be sensitive to diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences
• Proficiency in using case management software to maintain accurate and confidential client records
• Organizational skills to manage caseloads, maintain accurate records, and prioritize tasks
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team

Social worker experience requirements

Qualified social workers have completed supervised practical experience and passed all required provincial written and oral examinations. Generally, employers prefer candidates with two or more years of experience in a similar role. Practical experience through internships or volunteer work is highly valued. If the social worker will be working with a particularly vulnerable or challenging population, it’s often critical to ensure the candidate has experience with that group. Ongoing professional development is essential to staying up to date with best practices and evolving social issues.

Social worker education and training requirements

In most Canadian provinces or territories, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the minimum educational requirement for entry into the profession. Employers may prefer candidates with a Master of Social Work (MSW) for specialized roles, advanced practice, and supervisory positions. It can also benefit those seeking positions like mental health or policy development.

Social work is a regulated profession in most Canadian provinces and territories. Registration with a provincial governing body is mandatory for practising as a social worker in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Ensuring a candidate’s social work degree is from a program accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) is essential. Additionally, membership in a provincial or territorial association of social workers and a background check are usually required.

Social worker salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a social worker is $83,379 per year. The salary may be dependent on experience, location, and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a social worker isn’t quite what you’re looking for, other related job descriptions include:

• Counsellor
• Clinical Psychologist
• Guidance Counsellor

Social worker job description FAQs

What should an employer look for in a social worker’s resume?

When searching for a social worker candidate, ensure they meet your educational and experience requirements. An ideal candidate may hold a Master’s in Social Work. If the social worker will be working with a specific population, such as children or vulnerable groups, it’s important that they have relevant education or experience related to that group.

How can an employer attract top talent?

Creating a clear job description for a social worker is essential for attracting top talent. Start by specifying the clients the social worker will assist. It’s important to outline any educational requirements that go beyond the standard qualifications for the role. Consider including benefits such as a defined pension plan or an RRSP-matching program to make your job description more appealing. Additionally, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and highlighting the real-world impact of the work can help entice the best candidates.

What’s the difference between a social worker and a psychologist?

Social workers and psychologists strive to enhance wellbeing, but they do so differently. Social workers take a holistic, systems-based approach, connecting individuals with resources and advocating for social justice. In contrast, psychologists focus on mental and emotional health, using assessments and therapies; they typically hold a doctoral degree. Although both may offer counselling, social work emphasizes the importance of environmental factors and access to resources, while psychology prioritizes individual mental health and relies on clinical diagnoses and treatment methods.