Social Workers
(NOC 4152)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesSocial 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 help children, adults, families, and groups overcome problems in their daily lives; provide counselling, therapy and referral to other social services; and evaluate child development and the adequacy of child care. Social workers also respond to other social needs and issues such as unemployment, racism and poverty. They are employed by hospitals, school regions, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, correctional facilities, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and Aboriginal band councils, or they may work in private practice. Social workers may specialize in fields of practice such as child welfare, family services, corrections, gerontology or addictions.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Social Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 73% of Social Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $70,006. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$20.00
Minimum$30.77
Median$42.90
MaximumAnnual Pay
$24,924
Minimum$64,444
Median$83,730
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$26.88
Median$46.15
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 help children, adults, families, and groups overcome problems in their daily lives; provide counselling, therapy and referral to other social services; and evaluate child development and the adequacy of child care. Social workers also respond to other social needs and issues such as unemployment, racism and poverty. They are employed by hospitals, school regions, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, correctional facilities, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and Aboriginal band councils, or they may work in private practice. Social workers may specialize in fields of practice such as child welfare, family services, corrections, gerontology or addictions.
Job duties
Social workers perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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.
- Serve as members on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client groups.
- 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.
- May provide public education and consultation to professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods.
- May supervise other social workers.
Sample job titles
- addiction social worker
- case management social worker
- caseworker - social work
- child welfare social worker
- co-ordinator of social work
- family social worker
- psychiatric social worker
- school social worker
- schools plus facilitator
- social casework consultant
- social worker
Skills
To work in these fields, you should have an interest in the social welfare of others and a desire to help them. Patience, maturity, good listening skills, and an understanding of human nature are important. You must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. You must have the ability to demonstrate fair and ethical judgements and maintain confidentiality as the norm. Leadership, reasoning, and decision-making skills are also necessary.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in social work is required in Nova Scotia.
- A master’s of social work may be required.
- Supervised practical experience is usually required.
- Successful completion of provincial written and oral examinations may be required.
- Registration with a provincial governing body is mandatory to practice as a social worker in Nova Scotia.
- Use of the titles "Social Worker" and "Registered Social Worker" is regulated in Nova Scotia.
- Membership in a provincial association of social workers is usually required.
- To work in the public school system a Bachelor of Education and experience working as a teacher is considered an asset.
Other considerations
None
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Cape Breton
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health Care and Social Assistance
Public Administration
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
Educational Services
Other Services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$25,914 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,294 median annual incomeUniversity advanced certificate or diploma
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
N/AHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor's degree
$43,533 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$28,183 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$35,978 median annual incomeHigh school
$25,801 median annual incomeDoctorate
$60,991 median annual incomeEducation & training
Social work - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counselling, and that focuses on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. These programs include courses in social welfare policy; case work planning; social counselling and intervention strategies; administrative procedures and regulations; and specific applications in areas such as child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counselling.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated, and the job title is protected in Nova Scotia (you may not use this job title without holding a provincial licence). A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.