Interested in SOCIAL WORK?
Are you a kind and caring person?
Are you passionate about social justice?
Do you receive fulfillment by helping others?
If this sounds like an accurate description of you, then a job in the social work or human service field could be a good choice for you.
Here is some general information about working in the social service field:
Brief description of the Role
Social work and human services covers a wide range of work. Some positions work directly with those who are at a disadvantage in some way in society and others work to change laws and policies to benefit those who are marginalized.
Education
To work in the human service field a lot of different certificates and diplomas are applicable such as Early Childhood Education or Social Services Diploma. Bachelors of Social Work and Masters of Social Work are required for some positions. Experience is also highly valued in this field and even things like First Aid training and a driver’s license can be an asset.
Possible Positions
There is a lot of variety in the work you can do in the social service field. There are opportunities to work with lots of different populations such as teens, families, women, children, those with mental illnesses, the homeless or those struggling financially, and racial minorities.
Social work happens in many different environments like shelters, community centers, hospitals, schools, and addiction and detox centers.
Skills and Personality Traits Required
Some positions, such as working with a particular racial group, may require a second language. It is often important to be able to use a computer, as notes and record keeping are a part of every day for a social worker. It is also an asset to have a valid driver’s license for many positions.
Social workers are constantly working with others, so it is essential to be able to communicate well and be a cooperative team player. Good decision making and organizational skills are also an advantage. Finally, it is important to be able to work in high stress environments.
Displaying empathy towards clients is also a central part of any human service work.
Market Demand
There is a definite lack of funds available to social service workers and this does put some stress on job security. Regardless, the field has been growing in recent years and compared to other professions, social services has a low unemployment rate.
Typical Workday
Because of the variety of opportunities within the social service profession, the daily tasks and activities also vary. For human service workers who work closely with clients (front line workers) common duties include meeting with clients, assessing clients’ needs as well as helping them achieve their goals, keeping records, making contacts with other professionals and programs, facilitating groups, and referring clients to other programs. Other social workers may be involved with research, policy changes, and fighting for the rights of citizens marginalized by society.
Salary Range
Salaries can range quite a bit, anywhere from $8 an hour to $30 or more. It really depends on the education required for the position and also who the employer is. Salaries will range depending on if the organization is non profit, for profit or if you work for the government.
Sources
For more information, please see the Canadian Association of Social Worker’s web page.
