Social Workers

Formal Description

“Social workers help individuals, couples, families, groups, communities and organizations develop the skills and resources they need to enhance social functioning and provide counselling, therapy and referral to other supportive social services. Social workers also respond to other social needs and issues such as unemployment, racism and poverty. They are employed by hospitals, school boards, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, correctional facilities, community agencies, employee assistance programs and Aboriginal band councils, or they may work in private practice.” (NOC 2021)

Sample Job Titles

This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:

Psychiatric Social Worker

Human Relations Officer - Social Work

Case Management Consultant - Social Work

Addiction Social Worker

Geriatric Social Worker

Medical Social Worker

School Social Worker

Social Work Officer - Canadian Armed Forces

Typical Employment and Education Requirements

The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.

The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:

A bachelor’s degree in social work is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
In Alberta, a bachelor’s degree or diploma in social work is required.
Supervised practical experience is usually required.
Successful completion of provincial written and oral examinations may be required.
Registration with a provincial governing body is mandatory to practise as a social worker in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Use of the titles “Social Worker” and “Registered Social Worker” is regulated in all provinces.
Membership in a provincial association of social workers is usually required.

Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond

When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:

Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.

Explore related Graduate Certificates or other relevant avenues for further education.

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Related Categories

Here are a few other categories that might interest you:

Therapists in Counselling and Related Specialties

Social Policy Researchers & Program Officers

Related Sectors

Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:

Careers in the Helping Professions

Careers In Municipalities

Careers in Child and Youth Work

Browse More Options by Sector

Academic Program Connections

As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:

Indigenous Studies Learn More

Indigenous Studies offers knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, and rights, helping social workers create culturally sensitive and equitable support systems. Expertise in Indigenous Studies allows professionals to support Indigenous clients, implement culturally informed policies, and promote social justice.

Sociology Learn More

Sociology examines social structures, inequalities, and systemic issues, equipping social workers with a deep understanding of the factors influencing individuals and communities. A strong foundation in sociology allows social workers to develop equitable programs, advocate for systemic change, and support vulnerable populations.

Social Work Learn More

Social Work provides direct training in advocacy, intervention strategies, and ethical practice, preparing professionals to address diverse social issues. A background in social work enables professionals to navigate complex social systems, provide critical resources, and empower individuals toward positive change.

Social Psychology Learn More

Social Psychology explores human behaviour, relationships, and group dynamics, helping social workers understand how individuals interact within their environments. By integrating social psychology, professionals can enhance therapeutic approaches, strengthen community engagement, and promote emotional well-being.

Browse More Options by Program

Careers & Experiential Education