Social Worker
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Social workers help individuals, couples, families, groups, communities and organizations develop the skills and resources they need to enhance social functioning and provide counselling, therapy and referral to other supportive social services. Social workers also respond to other social needs and issues such as unemployment, racism and poverty. They are employed by hospitals, school boards, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, correctional facilities, community agencies, employee assistance programs and Aboriginal band councils, or they may work in private practice. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis (includes video) - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu: Social Worker - occupational profile and videos (U.S.): Family Social Worker, Healthcare Social Worker, Substance Abuse Social Worker
- A Day in the Life of a Social Worker - the Princeton Review
- What is Social Work - Canadian Association of Social Workers
- Social Work: Areas of Practice - Canadian Association of Social Workers
- Careers in Justice: Social Worker- from CliquezJustice.ca (JustJustice.ca)
- Career Mentor: Social Worker (Oncology) - University of Manitoba Career Services
- Career Mentor: Social Worker (Adoptions) - University of Manitoba Career Services
- UM Discover your Future in Healthcare video series: Healthcare Social Worker
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.
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 for hospitals and health centres in MB (view Pay Scales documents) -Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals
- 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!
- Manitoba College of Social Workers
- Canadian Association of Social Workers
- Canadian Association of Social Work Education
- National Association of Social Workers - U.S. professional association
- Council on Social Work Education- U.S. council
- International Federation of Social Workers
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
- Schools in Manitoba - Manitoba Government list of divisions and schools
- Youth Agencies Alliance - Winnipeg community-based youth serving agencies
- Regional Health Authorities - Province of Manitoba
- Health Regions in Canada - listings and maps from Statistics Canada
- Manitoba Association of Community Health - members
- Canadian Association of Community Health Centres (CACHC) - members
- Families Canada - directory of family centres
- Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters - member shelters
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:
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Department of Families - Manitoba Government
- First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
- Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet)
- Canadian Council on Social Development
- Community Development Society (U.S.)
- Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board