41300

Social workers

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Education, law, social & government services

4 › 41 › 413 › 4130

Definition

Social workers help individuals, couples, families, groups, communities and organizations develop the skills and resources they need to enhance social functioning and provide counselling, therapy and referral to other supportive social services. Social workers also respond to other social needs and issues such as unemployment, racism and poverty. They are employed by hospitals, school boards, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, correctional facilities, community agencies, employee assistance programs and Aboriginal band councils, or they may work in private practice.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, to assess their situation and problems and determine the types of services required
Provide counsel and therapy to assist clients in developing skills to deal with and resolve their social and personal problems
Plan programs of assistance for clients including referral to agencies that provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, medical treatment and other services
Investigate cases of child abuse or neglect and take authorized protective action when necessary
Serve as members on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client groups
Act as advocates for client groups in the community, lobby for solutions to problems directly affecting client groups and develop prevention and intervention programs to meet community needs
Develop or advise on social policy legislation, conduct social research and assist in community development
Provide mediation services and psychosocial assessments
Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling and social programs
May provide public education and consultation to professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
May supervise other social workers.
Social workers may specialize in fields of practice such as child welfare, family services, corrections, gerontology or addictions.

Example job titles

•coordinator of social work
•medical social worker
•psychiatric social worker
•social work supervisor
•social worker

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, Social Workers are classified under NOC code 41300. This occupation falls under TEER Category 1, which requires a university degree. Social workers in Canada assist individuals, families, groups, and communities to develop the skills and resources needed to resolve personal and social problems. They are employed in various settings, including hospitals, community health centres, mental health clinics, school boards, and government departments.

To immigrate to Canada or practice as a social worker under NOC 41300, candidates must meet specific academic and licensing requirements. A bachelor's or master's degree in social work is mandatory, alongside supervised practical training. Crucially, social work is a regulated profession in Canada; provincial or territorial registration with a regulatory body is required to practice. For immigration, qualified professionals can leverage Express Entry pathways like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that target in-demand health and social services occupations.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or immigration advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.