What Can I Do With A Degree In Social Work?



The School of Social Work offers three distinct four year undergraduate degrees in social work; a Bachelor of Social Work, a B.S.W. specific to Native Human Services, and the Baccalauréat en Service Social.  A Masters in Social Work is also offered.  Some courses are available through distance education. Students participate in Field Education to apply skills and gain work experience.  Please see the link below for further details on programs and course descriptions.

Link to the department of Social Work's web site

Skills developed:

  • Outstanding oral, written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills
  • Excellent research skills
  • Understanding of the specific needs of communities in Northeastern Ontario
  • Appreciation of cultural diversity and sensitivity to oppression
  • Knowledge of mediation and negotiation
  • Analytical and critical thinking abilities
  • Time management and the ability to work under pressure

Areas of employment

Social Work graduates qualify for employment in business and government in many areas like public welfare, criminal justice, child welfare, research, and education.  In Canada roughly 50% of graduates find employment as social workers, councilors, and paralegals.  Others further their education until becoming psychologists.  A minority find work as secondary and elementary school teachers and counselors. 

http://jobfutures.ca/fos/U890p2.shtml

Sample Careers:

Career Advisor Medical Social Worker

Case Worker

Mental Health Worker

Child Protection Worker

Probation/Parole Officer

Clinician

Psychiatric Case Manager

Counsellor
School Social Worker

Drug Rehabilitation Counselor

Social Worker

Geriatric Case Worker

Support Worker

Group Home Director

Teacher - Social Work Sessional

Hospice Coordinator

Victim Services Coordinator

Intake Worker/After Care Recovery Youth Community Worker  

*Some careers will require a Masters, PhD or further education

Who’s hired Laurentian Grads (sample)

Algonquin Child and Family Services

Deborah Taback Counselling & Consulting

Alogma Health Unit

Espanola General Hospital

Canadian Hearing Society

Greater Sudbury Police

Canadian Mental Health Association

Iris Addiction Recovery for Women

Cecil Facer Facility

Kirkwood Site

Chid and Family Service Advocacy

Laurentian University

Child & Family Services of Timmins and District

Minto Counselling

City of Greater Sudbury

Network North

City of Ottawa

Northeast Mental Health Centre

Community Living Ontario

Our Children-Our Future

 

Work prospects

In Canada the average rate of employment for Social Work graduates is 89% two years after entry into the work force.  The average yearly earnings for those with a Social Work degree is approximately $35,600.  However pay varies with location, specialization, and level of experience.  Job satisfaction among graduates is roughly 91%, while 80% would choose to make the same educational choice again.

Work prospects are good.  Competition among new graduates is expected to be below average with the majority of competition coming from other graduates in Psychology, Sociology, and Education.

For more information, contact: the Career and Employment Centre by telephone 673-6598 or by email CareerEmploymentCentre@laurentian.ca

 


Webmaster
updated:  August 2010

 
 
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