At Work Social workers work alone or in teams in hospitals, clinics, school boards, family services agencies, children's aid agencies, welfare administration agencies, correctional facilities, and federal and provincial departments. They may also work in private practice. Education, Training and Experience Social workers must have a bachelor's degree in social work and usually require some supervised practical experience. Post-graduate education leading to a master's or doctoral degree is also available.
Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.
They usually must complete a provincial written or oral examination. They usually must have membership in a provincial association of social workers. Social workers in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan must have a provincial certificate of registration. Most social work programs are accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Workers. The proportion of part-time workers in this occupation has increased significantly over the last 10 years.