Working as a Social Worker
Industry Overview
Social work is changing and new job opportunities continue to emerge. Most job openings, however, will come from the need to replace retiring workers.
The aging population will create work in gerontology, including jobs with the many assisted living complexes catering to seniors. Also, with hospitals emphasizing an early discharge of patients, there will be a need for in-house social workers to coordinate plans for individual patients by making sure that necessary medical services and social supports are in place.
Generally, there is a growing demand for social workers with clinical specialities.
Part-time work and self-employment has been unusual in this occupation, but a rise in corporate employee assistance programs and training seminars are creating these types of positions.
Job Outlook in BC
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2022-2032:
| Region | Employment in 2022 | Average Annual Employment Growth | Expected Number of Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Island | 1,600 | 1.0% | 620 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 4,530 | 1.3% | 1,700 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 1,370 | 1.1% | 480 |
| Kootenay | 250 | 0.4% | 90 |
| Cariboo | 470 | 0.4% | 100 |
| North Coast & Nechako | 270 | 0.4% | 90 |
| Northeast | 80 | -1.3% | -10 |
You can learn more about working as a Social Worker in BC from:
Types of Employers
The majority of social workers work in the health and social services industry or in public administration (government), including:
- Hospitals
- Mental health clinics
- Community health clinics
- Social Service agencies
- Schools
- Correctional facilities
- Employee Assistant programs
- Aboriginal Band Councils
You may also be self-employed, offering counselling, consultative and other services directly to the public or to workplaces, or contracting your services to organizations.
Salary & Working Hours
The median annual salary of social workers in BC is $77,167. Some senior-level workers earn $94,000 or more a year. In general, social workers with a master’s degree earn the higher-range salaries. Earnings for social workers in private practice depend on a number of factors including number of clients, clients’ ability to pay, and availability of government funding.
Full-time social workers usually receive benefits, such as paid sick days and vacation time, and dental coverage. Those in private practice must provide their own benefits.
Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising
In BC regions you can expect to make:
Source: Job Bank Wages
Working Hours
Most social workers have a standard 40 hour work week but you may be required to work some evenings and weekends to meet with clients or attend public meetings affecting the community. As well, emergencies may also occur outside of regular office hours and sometimes demand immediate action.
Working Hours
Most social workers have a standard 40 hour work week but you may be required to work some evenings and weekends to meet with clients or attend public meetings affecting the community. As well, emergencies may also occur outside of regular office hours and sometimes demand immediate action.