At Work People in this occupation work in social service and government agencies, group homes, correctional facilities and other organizations. This occupation includes addictions workers, native outreach workers, youth workers, rehabilitation workers, family service workers, drop-in centre workers and welfare and compensation officers. Education, Training and Experience People in this occupation usually complete a university or college program in social work, counselling or another social science discipline.
Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree or a community college diploma.
For some positions, previous experience in a social service environment as a volunteer or in a support capacity may replace formal education requirements. With additional training and experience, people in this occupation may progress to professional occupations in social services such as family and marriage counsellors, social workers and probation officers. This rate is among the highest for occupations in the social science, education, government service and religion sectors. Over the next five years, this outlook is not expected to change, as the number of job openings is expected to be matched by the number of qualified job seekers. Continued government spending restraint in health and social services is likely to severely limit employment prospects in this occupation.