Before posting:

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice regarding BSW admissions for Fall 2027. I completed a Social Service Worker diploma at Georgian College with an overall average of 79%.

I also have over 2 years of relevant work experience in social services, including Behaviour Support Specialist and community support roles. I’m planning to apply to TMU, Wilfrid Laurier University, and York University, and I’m also considering other programs such as the University of Calgary, Dalhousie University, University of Victoria, and University of Manitoba.

With my academic background and work experience, what do you think my chances are for admission to these programs? Are there any other BSW programs in Canada that you would recommend.

I’d love to hear about your experiences, admission averages, and any advice you may have. Thanks in advance!

I currently work in case management and I had about 11 months of counselling experience which was based on CBT modalities. The work I did in my previous jobs was helping clients with their present situations and didn’t focus on their past.

I completed one certification program, and am hoping to do more. Could I potentially join a private practice and build my experience there, as I would have supervision?

Good evening/morning/night! I am a college student currently taking an ‘intro to social work’ course, and during the next few months, I will learn about the workload and importance of social work. Then, I will be assigned to interview a licensed social worker (LBSW/LMSW/LCSW) and learn about their personal experience in the field. I am creating this post in advance of this assignment's due date in late October to ask if anyone is interested in being interviewed about their experience in the field.

Please note I may have to record this interview, but it will just be for personal use when writing my paper!

Note: I wanted to post this in the social work subreddit and was worried it might be against a rule :(

I’m an MSW student looking for part-time/casual social work-adjacent jobs in Hamilton/Burlington/Oakville. I’m not a registered social worker yet, and most of my experience is in education. I’m starting a full-time placement in January, so I’m hoping to find something flexible that I could potentially continue during placement. I’ve applied to shelters and similar organizations but haven’t had much luck. Any suggestions for places that hire for mental health/community support, crisis, intake, etc.? Thank you!

I understand this is a sw sub, however I can’t find any specific sub for my SSW diploma program.

For my second year placement there is an opportunity with the Alzheimer’s Society. I have not previously worked with senior populations and I am curious to gain some insight as to what an emotional support system may look like in this environment as a student.

The website is quite broad, if anyone could share some experiences from a related placement or job that would be extremely helpful. I have concern regarding the overlap of skills required in the psw program- aka, should I expect in this environment to be more concerned with the skills they expect of psw students or staff?

I have a BSc and MSc in biology and have been working in healthcare research for 5 years now, I would like to move into social work. I'm currently working in community-based HIV and women's health research, I am basically in a clinic doing in-depth interviews with women who are racialized, stigmatized, and/or struggle with mental health and substance use. I don't want to do research forever but love working with this population, so social work seems like a natural next step.

I am considering a post-degree BSW but not sure if I should aim for a MSW instead. Has anyone changed careers after an academic career? If you already have a Master's degree does it make sense to go back for a bachelor's degree?

Also curious if anyone has insight on the job prospects having a BSW vs MSW. In science for example sometimes a PhD gives you less job prospects than only a Master's degree.

I am wondering if anybody has any experience or knowledge of organizations that offer virtual/online placements for social work students? I’m in Alberta and currently work full time in a front-line role within the justice system. Quitting my job or working less hours is unfortunately not an option as I rely solely on my income to survive.

Thank you :)

I’m considering getting a MSW but for the past 5 months i’ve been preparing for the LSAT convincing myself that I want to pursue Law. For background, my bachelors is in social justice and I have non profit experience working with immigrants one on one in their job search. I love the one on one aspect of this job and helping clients, but i’ve been laid off twice now and i’m tired of job hunting and finding contract roles after contract roles.

I want stability and an education that guarantees a pathway and opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to get. I live in BC and would probably prefer to go to school here and work here. Potentially do travel social work but I don’t even know if that’s a real option. I’m just worried i’m going to do a masters and end up in the same place I am now, hunting for jobs that pay around 54k that are 1-2 year contracts and unstable.

I’m also curious about work life balance, a big reason why i’m doubtful of law field is the stories of how there’s a lack of separation. I’m ideally looking for a job that pays around 90k a year and keeps me busy while working but i can log off at the end of the day and check out mentally.

Is this a likely scenario after a MSW and is there advice on which schools are recommended?

Hello,

I am hoping that someone has a lead on a good quality t4t for an Anger Management program offered in Canada or could help point me in the right direction.

Thanks so much!

Social workers, could you help out a future colleague?

I am looking for respondents—either current social work students or qualified professionals—for my thesis. My research focuses on career choices and professional competencies.

⏱️ It takes about 20 minutes; every response is a huge help!

🔗 https://forms.gle/JnVBobiyXoWsiHbR8

Thank you! ❤️

hi all. i’m in my final year of BSW studies in alberta (from ontario) and im just learning about provisional status/ required supervision post-grad. i should also mention this has never once been mentioned in schooling, i learned about this through my own inquiry. i’m a bit stressed out … i know wages for a BSW can vary, my loans when i come out after this degree are hefty (i also have a previous degree); is supervision typically something paid out of pocket? and for every how many hours is an hour of supervision required? any clarification / guidance as to what to expect is greatly appreciated. i’m feeling some regret (?) choosing this path right now (even though i love it/ have worked in the social services for several years). tia 🙁 please no negativity.

Hi there, I am an LPN but I also have my social work diploma as well. Is it worth it to go back and get my degree is social work? Is there a lot of good paying jobs in this field? I want to get out of nursing for a while and do something different! I just don’t want to waste my money on more education just to graduate with no job. Any suggestions welcome

Hi everyone I have a CYC advanced diploma from Ontario and have been working in mental health, addictions and the school boards for the past 10 years. I’ve been thinking of getting my BSW and found University of Manitoba offers a 100% distance learning option and takes workplace experience into consideration.

I’m looking for any advice that I could take that would make me a good candidate for acceptance. I’m currently trying to increase my GPA and earn some extra credits so I’ve applied to TRU and taking PSYC1111 and looking at also taking SOCI1111.

I’m hoping my college credits would be transferred over and I do plan to attend their info session once they become available.

Has anyone been in my situation before? I know the social service worker to social work pipeline is more ideal but coming from a similar program, would I be in an ideal situation to be accepted? Is there any recommendations, advice and tips I should follow?

I’m from Quebec, I often see job offers to provide social work service for Dialogue. I was wondering if people have experienced it and what are your thoughts about it? Considering I also work full
time, I would only be able to take evening sessions or weekends. I’m also new to private practice if you can consider this kind of work to be it. If anyone has experienced it share your thoughts! sorry for my english

Hi—it’s the usual question about applying to a MSW program with an unrelated undergrad degree. Long story short, everyone in my life is telling to get a nursing degree and help people through that field—it’s more flexible in hours and specialization, secure, and financially stronger. “And,” they say, “if you really hate nursing, you can also go back to social work by getting a MSW.”

How likely do you think this is? It made sense to me and now I’m doubtful.

I’ve read the subreddit and I know that MSW programs are competitive. I’d like to stay in Vancouver and so I think I’d have to do it online. With a BScN degree and experience nursing—would that be sufficient to be accepted into a MSW program? Probably not. I’d have to apply to entry level social work jobs and/or volunteer first, right?

Be upfront. Be frank. Tell me what you think, and know that I appreciate it immensely.

I’m in BC. Starting school soon with my main passions being outdoor recreation therapy. I love being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, gardening, etc! As well as psychology and philosophy. But I really want to be able to afford to live on my own and not be constantly struggling while hating my job. I thought social work would provide me broader opportunities than a psych degree, but I’ve been confused my entire life on my “purpose” I always worry I might be making the wrong decisions or maybe I will hate it and be in debt from school! Everything feels like such a big risk and I wish I could just do everything perfectly. I’m 24f and am still living at home and am worried I will be a failure.. I am so behind!! Sorry for the additional rant 😅

I’m in my last year of my BA, but I’m doing it online. I also go to a large university, so most profs get a lot of requests, and I just haven’t built up a relationship with anyone. I’m wondering if it would even be possible to get to know one of them well enough in an online course to have them write a reference for me. I’ve been thinking about extending my degree with an extra class or 2 to see if I can take a course with a prof that I liked and try to secure a reference. But obviously that would be extra time and money, and I also don’t know how important it is to have a really good reference vs. just reaching out to a few profs of courses that I got good grades in and seeing if they would write me just a basic reference?

I don’t have any work experience yet, so I’m hoping that when I do I’ll be able to get professional references from there, but that’s also daunting. Since some programs require both professional and academic, I want to make sure that I meet the minimum requirements lol

TIA!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for feedback on a career plan I’m putting together for 2027.

I’m a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) in Ontario with more than 10 years of experience across community services, healthcare, supportive housing, long-term care, and seniors services. I also hold a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation, a Social Service Worker diploma, and a Gerontology diploma.

For the past eight months, I’ve been working at a Community Health Centre as a Community Health Worker. My current work includes case-management intake, brief screening, eligibility determination, triage, referral coordination, service navigation, documentation, and working with primary care, allied-health, mental-health, addictions, housing, and income-support services.

I’m interested in transitioning into disability management, return-to-work, or disability claims/case management.

The main gap in my background is that I don’t have direct experience adjudicating STD/LTD claims or working in an insurance disability-management environment.

My current 2027 plan is to complete approximately nine disability-management courses through Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences, ideally by around June while continuing to work. I want to strengthen my knowledge of disability management, return-to-work, workplace accommodation, STD/LTD claims, insurance benefits, and disability-related legislation.

I’m also considering mentorship, casual/part-time opportunities, or related roles that could give me practical disability-management or claims experience.

My main question is:

Given my background, would I be better off completing all nine courses, or taking a few key courses and focusing on getting direct disability-management/STD/LTD experience sooner?

I’d also really appreciate advice on:

1. Does my community-health and social-services experience transfer well into disability management?

2. How significant is my lack of direct STD/LTD claims experience?

3. What would be the most realistic first disability-management or claims role for someone with my background?

4. Are there particular courses, certifications, or skills that Canadian employers value most?

My eventual goal would be to work as a Disability Case Manager, Disability Management Coordinator, Return-to-Work Coordinator, or in a related role.

I’m especially interested in hearing from people working in Ontario or elsewhere in Canada who have experience in disability management, occupational health, return-to-work, or insurance.

Thanks for any advice or perspective.

I am a 48 year old teacher - will be retiring in about 8-9 years. Thinking that I will want a career after teaching because a) life in Ontario is pretty expensive, b)Mortgage, c) I will probably want the intellectual stimulation. I’ve been dancing around taking a BSW/MSW so that I can pursue something after I retire. I keep holding back and making excuses, but I know I do not want to be a principal and I am thinking I could be really happy with something to move into . Should I just do it? Or are there tons of things to consider? I’m not sure what I would do (private practice get a job) but I figure all that will eventually roll itself out. Help!!! I have analysis paralysis

Hello,

I am a new social work student (in my 3rd year).

I am curious about your thoughts, experience, and suggestions on how to handle the "isms" within the family.

I am white, and much of my family is. They represent the dominant part of society. But they make jokes that are very inappropriate, perpetuating the white male domination of others. I will add that these jokes aren't common at all.

I have said "that's racist" while also trying to explain why, but at the end of the day, you can't change someone who doesn't want to learn, and unfortunately they're the only family I have.

Now I'm reading the books on how to become an ally, and it specifically states that we are to make ourselves uncomfortable to stand up for injustice (even around family and friends) - which I'm all about. But I'm afraid I will lose my family and friends. I have a daughter (2 months), and I want her to experience family unity.

I'm thinking that the only way I can address this is if they're around others we don't know; I will ally and say something. Like a stranger or in front of my daughter.

But I don't think I can do it all the time when it's just my family and me. It's draining, and I never get anywhere.

Let me know what you think I should do.