Though many practical considerations are involved in the decision to pursue a career path, purpose-driven individuals thrive in positions that allow them to help others daily. Does this sound appealing to you? If so, stick around as we discuss the role of a social service worker. Discover the qualities of an excellent social service worker and see whether any of them align with your personality and aptitudes. Next, find out what it might be like to be a social service worker regarding daily responsibilities. Lastly, learn how we support career advancement through our career-focused training program that will prepare you to become a highly competitive candidate. 

Qualities of an Excellent Social Service Worker

Like many essential roles, a social service worker is only suitable for some. Though most of the career-specific skills associated with this career path are learnable, specific characteristics will undoubtedly prepare you to thrive in this career. What are they? For starters, social service workers are compassionate individuals who can easily use their natural empathy to identify the struggles and needs of clients.

Not only is the ideal social service worker moved emotionally by the misfortune of others, but they are also moved to action. They use their knowledge of the Canadian social service system and the resources available to those in need to make meaningful changes in the lives of their clients and empower them to pursue better circumstances for themselves. Keep reading to discover some specific responsibilities the social service worker takes on. 

What Do Social Service Workers Do?

So, what do social service workers do? The answer to this question is multifaceted and varies based on individual client needs. Our 22-week social service worker diploma equips students with a comprehensive foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge. This prepares them for roles such as home care aides, where the primary goal is to enhance the quality of life and promote dignity among elderly and disabled individuals in their own homes.

Our graduates also work in schools, school boards, mental health agencies, group homes, substance abuse centres, and correctional facilities. Our program prepares social services graduates to perform the following job functions in their roles:

• Use strong communication skills to foster positive, constructive working relationships with colleagues and clients 
• Understand the needs of differently abled clients and use their expertise to support clients’ ability to cope with the concerns of everyday living
• Use a profound understanding of lifespan development and mental health to assist clients in need of support while brokering mental health resources 
• Support other professionals (such as teachers and healthcare workers) to ensure that differently abled clients are cared for and have access to the resources they need to thrive

Get the Skills You Need in Our Career-Focused Training

Students in our social service worker training program are fully prepared to thrive in the workforce with the theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional skills we provide. Students learn lifespan development, the principles of supportive care, the complex relationship between mental health and social services in Canada, effective interpersonal communication, and personal growth principles. A professional practicum allows students to put all their skills to work, develop confidence using core competencies, and eventually, use the professional growth skills we instill in them to land their first social service worker job.

Are you interested in our social service worker courses?

Contact Discovery Community College to learn more!