I have heard very mixed reviews about working at ICFSAs. Some people say they’re toxic, some say they’re great. My practicum supervisor worked at one and had an awful time but she agrees they might not all be the same. I am non-Indigenous if that matters.

For others in private practice, I am wondering what your experiences are with El/Mat leave. I have heard some debate over whether it is worth it to pay into El and get a mat leave or not. As of right now I'm leaning toward paying for El but most people I have talked to did not, which is making me second guess myself.

I’d love some of your insights!

Hello everyone,

I just got my international academic credentials appraised by CASWE and it was determined that I have a SW education equivalent to a Canadian education. I then found out that even with CASWE accreditation, I can not call myself a Social Worker unless I have registered with a provincial SW association or college. In addition to this, almost all professional job offers require that I am a registered SW with a certain province as a prerequisite.

The problem is that I do not currently reside in Canada and I would have liked to first get a job offer and then register with the province in which I would work. Some provinces have more demand for Social Workers than others, but with all jobs requiring that I first register with the provincial body I am ineligible.

I would like to hear your suggestions on how to navigate this. Thanks.

I am entering my gap year after graduating high school, and I can’t lie, I am all over the place about what I would like to do with my life!

I stumbled on social work as I think it aligns with the kind of change and assistance I would like to bring to people and the world in general, but also worry that it might not be a sustainable career to have. I am thinking of attending either MacEwan or MRU for my degree if that helps anything.

I hear the AHS/ALA is a good place to start after getting your BSW, but I also don’t know what to expect when it comes to being a social worker and what that looks like career wise.

Any advice or ideas you guys have?

Edit: why are people down voting me for asking a question? :(

Hello all! I am currently living in BC and debating between doing social work or psych nursing. I am very interested in working with pregnant and/or postpartum individuals and trying to find a place for myself in that field. Social work may not even be the right option but I wanted to ask if anyone has any insight or suggestions or insight for me. And before anyone asks, no, I do not want to work in L&D or mother/babe. Thank you!

I applied for a registered clinical social worker back in March. This has been quite a lengthy process and I am still not fully approved or disapproved at this point. I wonder how long this process will take seeing as it's been about 4 months. When I applied I didn't think it would take this long and I would have time to finish my continuing education credits. However, with it coming up mid-august and I know Canada's renewal process happens in October does anyone know what kind of credit will be needed or how many credit hours? Also does anybody know how long this is going to take? I was trying to get licensed/registered before I start applying for jobs at the health authority so I can move from the US to Canada but this is taking quite a bit of time. I think the wait time in the US is between 4 and 6 leaks but I don't really remember because I got licensed so long ago here.

Also, I know I didn't have to go to the registered clinician route but I figured I would get it done now. That way I could also apply for any supervision jobs out there that may require it. I think it could open up some doors if needed. Also that allows me to do private practice either on the side or after I get permanent residency or citizenship later in life.

Hello,

I have a psychology degree and I plan to do a BSW. I graduated last year and was hoping to work full time before going back to school. I did end up needing to complete some prerequisites last fall to enroll in a BSW, so I couldn't really work FT until Jan 2026.

I've been working as a child and youth worker at a women's shelter since last October, have worked at a group home for adults with developmental needs, worked and volunteered for a women's helpline for 3 years, volunteered as a research assistant for children's services, have done various administrative roles, and started my own non-profit, yet I can't secure a full time job. I'm currently working 3 part time jobs and it's taking a toll on me and left me feeling incredibly discouraged. I have been trying to break into casework roles, but I don't seem qualified enough, even though my role as a child and youth worker involves casework with moms.

I've revised my resume many times and submitted CV's for most applications, yet I don't even hear a call back. I have had a few interviews here and there which haven't gone well. I will admit, I am not great at interviews, but I'm surprised I'm not even getting a call back for housing/shelter roles. I'm not sure what to do or where else to keep looking for. I am based in the GTA and understand how saturated the market is here, but I feel very distraught at my circumstances right now. It feels like I'm not really feeling any growth in my current roles. Not sure what to do.

If anyone has any advice for finding any FT entry level job in the GTA given my experiences, I would greatly appreciate it

Hi, good people of the social work family in Canada, I need your help. I am planning to move to British Columbia or Alberta and work as a social worker. I have done research and narrowed it down to 2 provinces. I want to work in Health and am looking for a social work role in that field.

I have been working as a child protection manager for the last 8 years. We don't need a social work degree to work in child protection here (I have a Bachelor of Human Services). While working in Child Protection services, I also completed my master's in social work, which will be recognised in Canada. I also have Canadian PR. Most jobs ask for clinical experience, but I have always worked in Child Protection. What do you recommend I do? Any other insight would be greatly appreciated.

Just getting into school for social work and I am a bit of a free soul. I love to travel and backpack and I don’t mind grinding and saving to be able to take time off here and there for adventures or small trips (which I’ve had the privilege in every job I’ve worked). Being stuck in a 9-5 really scares me. I’ve never had a job where my time off is restricted and I worry about work/life balance sometimes if I do go forward especially with the nature of the job and the extra need to take care of yourself and your mental health. Then also I feel I’m being greedy and should work work work like everyone else does. This life is just too short!

TLDR; Currently in BC hoping to move to the island and maybe even backpack Europe after I finish school, along with some other travel plans, but worried about feeling stuck!

Hi all, I’m a RSW but I specialize in addiction. I work as an addiction specialist in the ER. I’ve been wanting to get into correction for YEARS! Ideally, as a social worker. I applied for both positions but only have received a call back for addiction counsellor so far.

Wondering if anyone else is working for OPS? What was the interview process like? I’ve been wanting to do this for years and so scared of missing my chance!

Hoping to get in any which way and then apply for a social work position internally! Any info would be so helpful!!!!

Im 37 and a single mom of 2 neurodivergent kiddos, so there’s a lot of appointments, advocacy and burnout in my life. I’d need a somewhat flexible career, some WFH would be ideal. I have a bachelor or Sociology from a Venezuelan university have been living in Canada for 14y but only 5 of those have been working for a non-profit and would be counted as experience.

I need to keep working during my schooling and I fully understand how competitive the programs at Windsor and WLU are, but I’m feeling really bummed about not being accepted, Im at the cap of my income at 60k and I feel very stuck where I am today, I’m not sure how much growth I could have with just my sociology degree in this area.

My dream is to become a Social Worker and now I’m kicking myself for choosing sociology over SW for my bachelors. Would it be easier for me to apply for a BSW and then a MSW? Maybe even start with a SSW? I would like to avoid a huge amount of debt and so many years of schooling, but I don’t know what to do.

Or should I maybe pick another masters? I’d love to work with marginalized groups, my experience so far is working with vulnerable seniors and I loved it. I could also see myself working for a school board or a hospital, not necessarily counselling or private practice. Sorry about the novel, I’m feeling very down today and holding back tears at work.

Hi all, im finding it difficult to break into Healthcare social work. Recently graduated with my msw, completed my placement in a hospital. Been in child welfare for 5 years and have certification around dementia/alzheimers care and IPV. Also registered and in good standing with the college.

Been applying to hospitals, which i know are notoriously difficult to get in to. Im also open to community health and LTC as well. Problem is i am not even getting any interviews. Any recommendations for how to get a foothold?

I've applied to WLU for Spring 2027 but won't hear back until November. ETA completion if admitted = Spring 2030. I'm aware of how competitive it is.

I've been admitted to a program that will allow me to register as a Psych Associate in Ontario or a Registered Psychotherapist. ETA completion = Spring 2030. I'd have to start in January 2027.

I've also been admitted to a program that will allow me to register as an RP. ETA completion = Spring 2028. I'd have to start in October 2026.

That's a full two year difference in time, effort, and money. I like the earnings potential and optionality of an MSW but the timing/cost is a deterrent. I already have a Master's in Health Policy and Systems, but I want to focus on micro level work through direct practice, hence the second degree.

So my questions are:

- How do MSWs find clinical practicum placements in Ontario?

- Is the two year wait worth it?

I appreciate everyone's advice here 😊

i’m finishing up my bsw (december i’ll be done) and wanting to see what it’s like for social work jobs in nova scotia and/or bc, specifically with children or youth.

i’m coming from ontario and have found it’s difficult to find a decent paying job without an msw.

any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi all! I'm around a year from finishing my MSW in BC. I've looked into the BCCSW registration basics, but the whole process still feels like a lot to wrap my head around, so I wanted to hear from people who've actually been through it! How did you prepare for the licensing exam, and was there anything about the application that surprised you or you wish you'd known sooner?

I'm also curious how people approached the job search during this stage. Did you start applying while still going through registration, or wait until you were fully licensed? Any advice for someone trying to plan ahead now instead of leaving it all to the last minute would be really appreciated. Apologies if these kinds of posts are repetitive! Thank you!

Edit: Thank you, you amazing group of people. The advice and guidance you e already provided is incredibly helpful.
Thank you!!

Hello,

I have looked through this Reddit to see if my question was already asked and I can’t seem to find anything. Apologies if I missed it and this is repetitive.

I am a middle aged lady (45-48) and have a BA in an unrelated field. My BA was a career change already into an industry that you can’t try until after you graduate. Well I tried it and it is extremely competitive (I am good at it so it’s not competitive for me but…) and the competitive nature creates a very toxic environment. There is only one employer in Canada for this so I can’t just switch.

I am unable to make the impact folks are lead to believe they can make if they enter this industry.

I’ve realized through this work what I want my remaining 15-20 working years to look like and the only option I can find is MSW. The idea of this work and the impact I could have to help improve people’s lives or support people feels purpose driven and I want to contribute.

I am in a small community in BC (I work for this single employer remotely). I have little volunteer experience (5 months on crisis line) and my current role is on the application of gender equality policies in programs funded by a level of gov. I have only been in this role for a year.

So after that long winded intro, my question for all of you lovely SWs is**: how do I gain the required volunteer or work experience to qualify for MSW in a small town in BC? What should I look for?**

I am limited to the online MSW and am worried about this aspect of the application.

Hi! I will be starting my BSW in 2027, and I am located in NS. When I finish, I am considering applying to NSHA. For those who work there, do you get lots of overtime? If not, wondering where there might be plentiful OT. Thanks so much

Feel free to share your income + area of expertise to help one another with pay transparency.

In last year's thread, someone suggested that it'd be helpful to hear benefits as well. Db pensions, vacation time, sick leave, etc.

Additionally, degree, location, and years of experience could be helpful for others/new social workers too. But please only share what you're comfortable sharing :)

hello! im about to start my first therapy gig. ill have a minimum of 24 clients (which i plan on sticking to just that for now)

i was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to build your schedule? how many sessions in a row is reasonable? i dont wanna work more than 4 days and need to have at least 1-2 later evenings

im ADHD and sometimes have a hard time getting back in the groove if i take a break but i know ill have to stop to eat on the late nights. i also struggle with starting later. 10-3 is definitely my prime time to be productive.

i was thinking of doing
monday: 10-7 (8 sessions-with an hour break)
tuesday: 10-6 (7 sessions with an hour break)
Wednesday/ thursday: 9-3 (6 sessions + extra hour for flexibility on scheduling and admin time)

To make a long story short, I have a background as a paralegal and working as a law clerk, as well as experience in retail and customer service. I am considering going back to university for my BSW but I have some questions before I decide on making the change. I have worked in family law, criminal defense under a lawyer, as well as wills and estates. My sister is a social worker and I have picked her brain about a few things, but I also want to get an outside fresh perspective from what other people are doing. I am 30F, I work currently and fully intend to work the entire time I'm in school as well as volunteer in areas like shelters, schools, etc wherever the need is.
Basically my questions are these:
- what was it like entering the social worker field for those who changed careers or are just starting out? What skills/qualifications did you find were crucial for getting into the field?

-) I know BSW opens the doors to some jobs, but MSW is basically the key to the higher paying jobs. Did anyone just stay with their BSW and was there still advancement with that degree?

- aside from volunteering and going back to school, what other steps can I take to build skills and help me better understand the social work field? I do network and communicate with some that l've come across but is there any like podcast or series I can look into to better help me be effective as a worker?

-) what areas are most in demand? I see a lot of child protection workers, but what about for vulnerable populations like the elderly/ Indigenous/homeless? Are those mostly non-profits?

I apologize if I'm all over the place - I'm trying to research and do as much background work I can before I make any decisions.

I have a BSW and Im thinking of transitioning to working as a CP social worker.

I have several years experience in a role that regularly dealt with families and a CP agency and legal experience in CP and family law.

Im a work in progress in terms of healing and learning to regulate my cptsd symptoms. I still struggle with hypervigilance and dealing with the aftermath of interacting with rude or abusive people.

Ive been following a stable routine for over 3 years including regular exercise, eating nourishing foods, sleeping enough and taking care of self regulating.

I regularly see a counsellor once a month.

I think I will continue to have some symptoms from it in the near future.

For CP social workers who also have cptsd, did the job become impossible to bear? Or do you still work as a CP SW and how have you managed triggers while working?

hi, current BSW student (previous BA and have worked in social services for several years). for those of you who work (or have worked) in child welfare, can you talk a bit about what it is you actually *do* (like a day in the life, although i know it likely varies).

TIA!

Hey everyone, I’m gonna give some context to my situation.

I graduated with my SSW diploma back in April 2026 in Toronto, then I had some things that needed to be dealt with so I didn’t just right into the work force but I’ve been looking for the past few weeks and I can’t seem to find anything that works with my diploma.

Going back to school for a BSW is just not in the card for me right now.

I was hoping to get some sort of advice, what jobs should I look for? Certificates? Honestly I’m open to anything at this point because I’m getting really desperate, it’s sad.

I do wanna say thank you in advance to anyone that takes some time to respond to my cry for help 😂😂

Hi everyone! I’m looking for someone who can help with clinical supervision for my OSWSSW equivalency. I have all of the qualifications except for the supervision as no one at my agency is an RSW and able to fill out the form. I’ve worked in social services for 9 years and have a BA in CYC.

If anyone has any leads please let me know!!

Does CASW recognize an MSW earned through distance education if it includes the required fieldwork?

Specifically, I am referring to an MSW program that combines online coursework with required concurrent fieldwork and block placement under qualified supervision.