Community & Social Service Worker
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Social and community service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments. (National Occupational Classification)
This profile page includes information about: Youth Worker, Community Support Workers, Family Service Workers, Addictions Workers, Life Skills Coaches and Disability Support Workers. See the right menu for links to Volunteer Coordinator.
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, incl. typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions and information
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - View occupations under this 4212 umbrella title: Community Disability Services Practitioner, Health Coach, Life Skills Coach, Mental Health Worker, Community Health Representative
- UK Prospects - Occupation overview and job requirements in the United Kingdom (view the occupational profiles/case studies)
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
- Faculty of Social Work
- Faculty of Arts
- Health Studies - Family Health (formerly Family Social Sciences)
- Recreation & Community Development (Faculty of Kin. & Rec. Mgmt.)
- Applied Counselling Certificate Program - Addictions specialization available
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Collective Agreements by organization (view salary and wage scales) - Manitoba Government Employees Union
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs
- Canadian Association on Gerontology
- Certified Coaches Federation - Life Coach training (Canada & international)
- Child and Youth Care Workers' Association of Manitoba (CYCWAM)
- Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba 211- Directory of Social Service Organizations in Manitoba
- Listing of agencies in Canada - First Nations Child and Family Caring
- Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation - Rental Housing Programs
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations in Winnipeg's Inner City
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Department of Families - Manitoba Government
- Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba - Opportunities to volunteer and as a practicum placement for students
- Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet)
- Canadian Council on Social Development
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities - Canada branch
- Community Development Society (U.S.)
- International Association for Youth Mental Health
- The International Child and Youth Care Network CYC-NET
- CYC Online Journal
- The Association for Child & Youth Care Practice (U.S.)
- Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet)
- Child Welfare League of Canada
- Canadian Turning Leaf Support Services
- Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies