Social workers make a difference
Social workers help individuals, families, groups, and communities realize their potential and assist people to enjoy full, active, and creative lives. They work to create social and environmental conditions that enhance quality of life and develop the potential of each individual, group, and community.
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 people live.
- They work toward the elimination of structural inequalities to support a more equitable distribution of social, economic, and political resources.
- They engage in research to build knowledge and understanding of society.
- They 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 practise in diverse settings
Social workers practise 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 organizations.
Community organizers work out of community centres and grassroots social action organizations. Social workers specializing in social policy and planning often work in government or for associations such as planning councils. Social work researchers practise 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 contracting their services to organizations.
Many social workers work on a larger scale 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. Many specialize in research related to family issues, child abuse, poverty, unemployment, and other social concerns.
The labour market in BC
For information about social work practice as it relates to the BC labour market, refer to the WorkBC website for information about education and training, working conditions, salary ranges, and employment prospects.