How to Become a Social Worker in Ontario
Social workers do a variety of things, such as work with abused children, troubled couples or those challenged by drug or alcohol problems. Social workers may also help people get better quality housing, better health care or improved safety in their neighborhoods. Sometimes, social workers endure long hours and inadequate pay. However, if you truly seek to make a difference in the lives of others, then being a social worker is a career to consider.
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Things You'll Need
- Degree in social work Registration/licensure as a social worker in Ontario Fluency in either English or French
Instructions
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Contact the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and ask them what the specific requirements are for becoming a registered/licensed social worker in Ontario. Take note of what they say, because requirements could change from year to year.
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Attend a university social work program in Canada and complete a degree in social work. You will need at least a bachelor's degree in social work (or a comparable bachelor's degree that has social work-relevant course content) to get a license, however a master's degree is suggested. Also it is helpful if the program is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. Various universities in Ontario have accredited social work programs such as University of Toronto, University of Windsor, University of Waterloo, York University, Carleton University and Ryerson University. There are other universities as well that have social work programs in Ontario.
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Complete supervised internship in social work where you will gain experience in social work.
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Submit your credentials to the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers in Ontario and, if your credentials are accepted, then register with the College of Social Workers. Take note that in 2009 there is no required registration exam because the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is in the process of developing an entry-to-practice examination.
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After registration, you are eligible to get a job as a social worker. Apply for social worker jobs in mental health centers, community centers, hospitals or other settings. Or you could go into private practice and do therapy with clients, or pursue a research position in a university setting.
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Tips & Warnings
Read books about the social work profession and read about the various potential work settings in order to get a sense of what is required of social workers who work in the profession.
Being a social worker can be challenging and sometimes frustrating work. Make sure that you have high energy levels and high tolerance for criticism in order to meet the demands of the profession.
