How to become a social and community service worker
Official title: Social and community service workers
Also called: Social animator, Community worker, Community animator, Social aid officer, Family service worker, Youth services worker, Social services worker, Social welfare officer, Community centre worker, Native community worker, Community liaison worker, Community service worker
Social and community service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.
Main tasks
- Review client background information, interview clients to obtain case history and prepare intake reports
- Assess clients' relevant skill strengths and needs
- Assist clients to sort out options and develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance
- Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits
- Refer clients to other social services or assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, day care and other services
- Counsel clients living in group homes and halfway houses, supervise their activities and assist in pre-release and release planning
- Participate in the selection and admission of clients to appropriate programs
- Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social services or health care professionals
How to become one
Completion of a college or university program in social work, child and youth care, psychology or other social science or health-related discipline is usually required. Previous work experience in a social service environment as a volunteer or in a support capacity may replace formal education requirements for some occupations in this unit group. Social service workers may be required to be a member of a provincial regulatory body in some provinces.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 42% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Social work; Human development, family studies and related services; Psychology, general.
- Licence or registration: Social service workers may be required to be a member of a provincial regulatory body in some provinces.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $50,700 a year The middle half earn $42,900 to $59,241.
- About 155,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 180,400 are projected by 2033. (+15.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Paralegals and related occupations
- Early childhood educators and assistants
- Instructors of persons with disabilities
- Religion workers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a social and community service worker?
Completion of a college or university program in social work, child and youth care, psychology or other social science or health-related discipline is usually required. Previous work experience in a social service environment as a volunteer or in a support capacity may replace formal education requirements for some occupations in this unit group. Social service workers may be required to be a member of a provincial regulatory body in some provinces.
How much does a social and community service worker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $50,700 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $42,900 to $59,241.
Is a social and community service worker a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 16% by 2033, from about 155,600 to about 180,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a social and community service worker?
Not always. 35% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
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