How to become a manager in social, community and correctional services
Official title: Managers in social, community and correctional services
Also called: Welfare manager, Group home manager, Association manager, Men's hostel manager, Social work director, Halfway house manager, Native centre manager, Women's centre manager, Social services manager, Community centre manager, Social services director, Aboriginal centre manager
Managers in social, community and correctional services plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the programs and activities of social service and community agencies, correctional institutions, counselling departments, labour organizations, professional associations, political parties and non-governmental organizations.
Main tasks
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the delivery of social and community service programs such as income maintenance, children's aid and emergency housing services
- Manage the operations and activities of social and community centres, correctional facilities and detention centres
- Administer the programs of non-governmental organizations involved with social issues such as health care, human rights, consumer protection, international development and environmental protection
- Administer programs of membership organizations such as political parties, labour organizations, business and professional associations
- Establish administrative procedures to meet objectives set by board of directors or senior management
- Direct and advise professional and non-professional staff delivering services and programs to the general public and to the organization or association membership
- Plan, administer and control budgets for programs, equipment and support services
- Represent their respective organizations for the purpose of government liaison and media relations
How to become one
Managers in social, community and correctional services usually require a master's degree in a social science or administrative discipline and Several years of experience in a related occupation, such as a community and social service worker, social or health policy researcher, consultant or program officer, probation or parole officer, or social worker. Managers of associations and membership organizations require extensive experience in a related occupation, trade or industry.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $85,722 a year The middle half earn $64,877 to $112,008.
- About 46,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 50,600 are projected by 2033. (+8.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a manager in social, community and correctional services?
Managers in social, community and correctional services usually require a master's degree in a social science or administrative discipline and Several years of experience in a related occupation, such as a community and social service worker, social or health policy researcher, consultant or program officer, probation or parole officer, or social worker. Managers of associations and membership organizations require extensive experience in a related occupation, trade or industry.
How much does a manager in social, community and correctional services earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $85,722 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $64,877 to $112,008.
Is a manager in social, community and correctional services a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 46,700 to about 50,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a manager in social, community and correctional services?
Not always. 53% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Education & Teaching degrees.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03