Overview
Social and community service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Review client background information, interview clients to obtain case history and prepare intake reports
Assess clients' relevant skill strengths and needs
Assist clients to sort out options and develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance
Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits
Refer clients to other social services or assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, day care and other services
Counsel clients living in group homes and halfway houses, supervise their activities and assist in pre-release and release planning
Participate in the selection and admission of clients to appropriate programs
Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social services or health care professionals
Meet with clients to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or problems
Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs by tracking clients' behavioural changes and responses to interventions
Advise and aid recipients of social assistance and pensions
Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
Implement and organize the delivery of specific services within the community
Maintain contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved with clients to provide information and obtain feedback on clients' overall progress
Mobilise and coordinate volunteer resources and activities for a range of organizations such as human service agencies, health care facilities, arts and sports centres, etc.
May maintain program statistics for purposes of evaluation and research
May supervise social service support workers and volunteers.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$40,794
$52,140
$65,175
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
7,342expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Additional information
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Social and community service workers in B.C.
- Certification through the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) - Social and Community Service Workers
Certification through the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) - Social and Community Service Workers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a social worker in B.C., you may choose to become certified through the B.C. College of Social Workers (BCCSW). Eligibility is achieved through completion of an approved post-secondary program, criminal record checks, and successful writing of a licensure exam.
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