We all want different things out of our careers, and for some of us, it’s to be able to make a positive impact on another person’s life, or even many people. If you’re looking to help vulnerable populations enjoy a higher quality of life, then a career in social service work might be in your future.
Social service work involves a career helping others
As a Social Service Worker, you’re a trained professional who helps people facing challenges in their lives. Your clients could be children, seniors, people with disabilities and those facing mental health issues. You’re providing care to them, either on an individual or community level, by helping them navigate challenging situations, obtain services and resources, and improve their quality of life. Social service worker jobs might take place in a school, hospital, government agency, or local community agency. There’s a lot of different roles out there, so you can find one that suits you.
In particular, as Canada’s population ages, there’s an increasing demand for social service workers that can assist the elderly. In fact, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank, the employment outlook for social service workers is good, with a projected 10,200 job openings in the next five years. This employment stability means you’ll be able to build a long-term career in the field.
First, get educated
If you have a career goal of helping the community, college is the best route to achieve this goal, specifically through Centennial College’s Social Service Worker program. Running for two years, the program equips you with the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of social service settings through hands-on learning opportunities to prepare you for real-world situations. You’ll finish the program with a diploma, but more importantly, with an understanding of social service work on a political, organizational and grassroots level.
One of Centennial’s goals is to connect students to the workforce before they graduate, and one of the ways they accomplish this is with a valuable field placement in the final semester, something that provides you with a wealth of practical experience. Alternatively, you'll have the opportunity to apply for an international field placement, as the program has a history of strong partnerships with global organizations. Aside from giving students important real-world workplace experience, these placements will let you begin forging a network of contacts through the industry professionals you’ll be working with.
A social service worker values making a positive impact on people, and if that sounds like you, then Centennial College’s Social Service Worker program is a great way to enter that career field and begin a long, rewarding career of helping those in need live better lives.
By: Anthony Geremia