A Career in Social Work
Social Workers Make a Difference!
They help individuals, families, groups, and communities to realize their potential and assist people to enjoy full, active, and creative lives. They work to create social and environmental conditions to enhance quality of life and to develop the full potential of each individual, group, and community in society.
Social workers are advocates, counsellors, policy analysts, administrators, activists, facilitators, mediators, organizers and researchers. They:
- work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to shape and change the conditions in which they live
- work towards the elimination of structural inequalities in society to facilitate a more equitable distribution of social, economic, and political resources
- engage in research to build our knowledge base and understanding of society
- analyze, challenge, and develop social policies
The social work profession is based on a commitment to social justice, equity, respect for diversity, and critical thinking.
Social Workers Practice in Diverse Settings with Diverse Communities
Social workers practice as counsellors and administrators in child welfare settings, family service agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, mental health organizations, community care facilities, addiction programs, treatment centres, employee assistance programs, community living agencies, and other similar organizations.
Community organizers work out of community centres and grassroots social action organizations. Social workers specializing in social policy and planning most often work in government or for associations such as planning councils. Social work researchers practice in universities, government departments, and social agencies. Some social workers are self-employed, offering counselling, consultative, and other services directly to the public or to workplaces on a fee-for-service basis, or contract their services to organizations.
Many social workers work on a larger scale, providing services to improve social conditions and plan for better communities. Others are trained in social policy and work to plan or improve social programs and benefits for the nation’s or province’s citizens. Many social workers specialize in research, studying such problems as those related to family issues, child abuse, poverty, and unemployment.
See some of our current job postings to gain an idea of the types of jobs available in the social work field.
THE LABOUR MARKET IN BC
For information about social work practice as it relates to the BC labour market, refer to the Work BC website. Here you will find information about education and training in BC, working conditions, salary ranges, and employment prospects within the province.