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What They Do |
Social workers perform some or all of the following duties:
 | Social workers may specialize in fields of practice such as child welfare, family services, mental health, corrections, gerontology or addictions. |
| Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, to assess their situation and problems and determine the types of services required |
| Provide counsel and therapy to assist clients in developing skills to deal with and resolve their social and personal problems |
| Plan programs of assistance for clients including referral to agencies that provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, medical treatment and other services |
| Investigate cases of child abuse or neglect and take authorized protective action when necessary |
| Act as advocates for client groups in the community, lobby for solutions to problems directly affecting client groups and develop prevention and intervention programs to meet community needs |
| Develop or advise on social policy legislation, conduct social research and assist in community development |
| Provide mediation services and psychosocial assessments |
| Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling and social programs |
| Provide public education and consultation to professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods |
| Serve as members on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client groups |
| Supervise other social workers. |
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Where They Find Work — Top Occupational Areas |
| Health care and social assistance |
71.0% |
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| Public administration |
19.0% |
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| Other services (except public administration) |
6.0% |
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| Educational services |
3.0% |
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Social workers work in:
| Hospitals, clinics |
| School boards |
| Social service agencies, child welfare organizations |
| Correctional facilities, community agencies |
| Employee assistance programs |
| Aboriginal band councils |
| They may also work in private practice. |
| The unionization rate (69%) is above the average (32%) for all occupations. |
| The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Social Workers are found in Manitoba and Ontario while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. |
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