Job requirements Social Worker in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as a social worker in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Social workers (NOC 41300).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- A bachelor's degree in social work is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- In Alberta, a bachelor's degree or diploma in social work is 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 practise as a social worker in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
- Use of the titles Social Worker and Registered Social Worker is regulated in all provinces.
- Membership in a provincial association of social workers is usually required.
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.
Alberta
Job title
Social Workers
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
British Columbia
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
British Columbia College of Social Workers
Manitoba
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Manitoba College of Social Workers
Job title
School Clinician - Social Worker
Regulated
New Brunswick
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW)
Newfoundland and Labrador
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers
Northwest Territories
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Nova Scotia
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
Ontario
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Job title
Social Service Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Prince Edward Island
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Prince Edward Island Social Work Registration Board
Québec
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Saskatchewan
Job title
Social Worker
Regulated
Regulatory body:
Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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