Overview
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.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
May provide public education and consultation to professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
May supervise other social workers.
Social workers may specialize in fields of practice such as child welfare, family services, corrections, gerontology or addictions.
Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, to assess their situation and problems and determine the types of services required
Provide counsel and therapy to assist clients in developing skills to deal with and resolve their social and personal problems
Plan programs of assistance for clients including referral to agencies that provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, medical treatment and other services
Investigate cases of child abuse or neglect and take authorized protective action when necessary
Serve as members on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client groups
Act as advocates for client groups in the community, lobby for solutions to problems directly affecting client groups and develop prevention and intervention programs to meet community needs
Develop or advise on social policy legislation, conduct social research and assist in community development
Provide mediation services and psychosocial assessments
Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling and social programs
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$52,620
$81,338
$104,280
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
1,693expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
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.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Social workers in B.C.
- Certification through the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) - Social Workers
Certification through the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) - Social Workers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a social worker in BC, 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.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.