A lot of times people who have a good idea of what social workers do think of how to become a social worker in Canada. Social workers have different kinds of job titles such as:
- Coordinator of social work
- Medical social worker
- Psychiatric social worker
- Social work supervisor Clinical social worker
They are known for their ability to help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
They work in a variety of settings such as mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies.
Also, they work in hospitals, settlement houses, private practices and community development corporations.
Most times a bachelors degree is enough to work as a social worker but in some types of social worker jobs, a masters degree is required. Above all, you must be licensed.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s reference on occupations. It provides job descriptions, occupational statistics and labour market information.
In this article, therefore, we shall give tips on how to become a social worker in Canada.
The following are examples of types of social workers:
- Child and family social workers
- School social workers
- Healthcare social workers
- mental health and substance abuse social workers
This class of social workers protect vulnerable children and help families who are in need of assistance.
They help families find housing or services, such as childcare or apply for benefits, such as food stamps.
They intervene when children are in danger of things like neglect or abuse.
This class of social workers work with teachers, parents and school administrators in order to develop plans and strategies to improve students academic performance as well as social development.
Oftentimes, students are referred to their social workers to deal with problems such as aggressive behaviour, bullying or frequent absences from school.
The healthcare social workers help patients to understand their diagnosis and make the necessary adjustments to their lifestyle, housing, or healthcare.
For instance, healthcare social workers can help patients transition from hospitals back to their homes.
The mental health social workers help clients who have some form of mental illness or addiction.
They help their patients cope with their illnesses. Many clinical social workers function in these roles.
They can be employed in the following areas:
- Hospitals
- School boards
- Social service agencies
- Child welfare organizations
- Correctional facilities
- Community agencies
- Employee assistance programs
- Aboriginal band councils
- Private businesses
What are some degrees associated with this career?
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Bachelor
- Master
- Doctorate
What are some useful secondary school subjects for this career?
- English
- A second language
- Family Studies
- Computer-related courses
- Credentials recognition–know what credentials you need
- Obtain a social work degree from a university
- Supervised practical experience is usually required
- Successful completion of provincial written and oral examinations may be required
- Credential assessment by the provincial governing body
- Register in a provincial association of social workers is usually required
Let us talk about some of these steps on how to become a social worker in Canada.
Credentials recognition
One of the first things to do is to find out the requirements to work as a social worker in Canada especially the social work degree.
Once you have identified what degree you need, this is the next step on how to become a social worker in Canada. You must go ahead and obtain the social work degree from a university program accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education or a degree that is recognized by the provincial social work regulatory authority for the purpose of the registration as a social worker.
Credential assessment
The next step is to get in touch with the regulatory body that is in the province of Canada where you intend to work.
They will give you information about the required documentation and what fee you need to pay for the assessment.
If you are from a foreign country, it is advisable you take that step before arriving in Canada.
Some of the documents that you may be asked to submit include:
- Original diplomas, degrees or full transcripts that recorded your course and marks, and the official program syllabuses or course description.
- The full address of the educational and professional institutions where you obtained your qualification
- Employment and character references
- Work descriptions and letters from professional agencies-fully certified English or French(depending on the province)
It is very important not to rush the application and if you must do that, it must be once you are fully aware of the licensure procedure and what exactly the regulatory bodies expect from you.
What to take note of:
Are you a social worker trained abroad? the Canadian Association of social workers assesses your credentials and you can download the application form for the assessment from the section of their website that reads: internationally Educated Social Workers.
You can also ask that the application package be sent to you.
This assessment is accepted in all provinces of Canada, except in British Columbia and Quebec.
These two provinces have their own assessment process and of course, you can get the details from the appropriate provincial authority.
This association does not accept education that was received through distance learning.
See the 6 steps on how to become a social worker in Canada in detail here-well detailed.
Let us know what you think about the steps how to become a social worker in Canada.
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